King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:13 Mean?

Leviticus 26:13 in the King James Version says “I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I hav... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

Leviticus 26:13 · KJV


Context

11

And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

12

And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

13

I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

14

But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

15

And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

This verse falls within the section on Blessings and Curses. Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֲנִ֞י1 of 17
H589

i

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 17

I am the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם3 of 17

your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹצֵ֤אתִי5 of 17

which brought you forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶתְכֶם֙6 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 17

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֔יִם8 of 17

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִֽהְיֹ֥ת9 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם10 of 17
H0
עֲבָדִ֑ים11 of 17

that ye should not be their bondmen

H5650

a servant

וָֽאֶשְׁבֹּר֙12 of 17

and I have broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מֹטֹ֣ת13 of 17

the bands

H4133

a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)

עֻלְּכֶ֔ם14 of 17

of your yoke

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

וָֽאוֹלֵ֥ךְ15 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶתְכֶ֖ם16 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קֽוֹמְמִיּֽוּת׃17 of 17

upright

H6968

elevation, i.e., (adverbially) erectly (figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 26:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 26:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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