King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:16 Mean?

Leviticus 26:16 in the King James Version says “I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. over: Heb. upon

Leviticus 26:16 · KJV


Context

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:

16

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. over: Heb. upon

17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

18

And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אַף1 of 21
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

אֲנִ֞י2 of 21
H589

i

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה3 of 21

I also will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹּ֣את4 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לָכֶ֗ם5 of 21
H0
וְהִפְקַדְתִּ֨י6 of 21

this unto you I will even appoint

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵיכֶ֤ם7 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֶּֽהָלָה֙8 of 21

over you terror

H928

panic, destruction

אֶת9 of 21
H853

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

הַשַּׁחֶ֣פֶת10 of 21

consumption

H7829

emaciation

וְאֶת11 of 21
H853

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

הַקַּדַּ֔חַת12 of 21

and the burning ague

H6920

inflammation, i.e., febrile disease

מְכַלּ֥וֹת13 of 21

that shall consume

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

עֵינַ֖יִם14 of 21

the eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּמְדִיבֹ֣ת15 of 21

and cause sorrow

H1727

to mope, i.e., (figuratively) pine

נָ֑פֶשׁ16 of 21

of heart

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּזְרַעְתֶּ֤ם17 of 21

and ye shall sow

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

לָרִיק֙18 of 21

in vain

H7385

emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

זַרְעֲכֶ֔ם19 of 21

your seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וַֽאֲכָלֻ֖הוּ20 of 21

shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם׃21 of 21

for your enemies

H341

hating; an adversary


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 26:16 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 26:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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