King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:19 Mean?

Leviticus 26:19 in the King James Version says “And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:”

Leviticus 26:19 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:

20

And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.

21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. contrary: or, at all adventures with me

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:

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.

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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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשָֽׁבַרְתִּ֖י1 of 11

“And I will break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

גְּא֣וֹן3 of 11

“the pride”

H1347

the same as h1346

עֻזְּכֶ֑ם4 of 11

“of your power”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י5 of 11

“and I will make”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת6 of 11
H853

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

שְׁמֵיכֶם֙7 of 11

“your heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כַּבַּרְזֶ֔ל8 of 11

“as iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וְאֶֽת9 of 11
H853

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

אַרְצְכֶ֖ם10 of 11

“and your earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כַּנְּחֻשָֽׁה׃11 of 11

“as brass”

H5154

copper

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 26:19 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 26:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:231 Kings 17:1Daniel 4:37Luke 4:251 Samuel 4:11Zephaniah 3:11

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