King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:20 Mean?

Leviticus 26:20 in the King James Version says “And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the lan...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:20 · KJV

Strength

Context

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

22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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. 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. 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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְתַ֥ם1 of 13

“shall be spent”

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

לָרִ֖יק2 of 13

“in vain”

H7385

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

כֹּֽחֲכֶ֑ם3 of 13

“And your strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וְלֹֽא4 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתֵּ֖ן5 of 13

“shall not yield”

H5414

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ6 of 13

“for your land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת7 of 13
H853

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

יְבוּלָ֔הּ8 of 13

“her increase”

H2981

produce, i.e., a crop or (figuratively) wealth

וְעֵ֣ץ9 of 13

“neither shall the trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הָאָ֔רֶץ10 of 13

“for your land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֥א11 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתֵּ֖ן12 of 13

“shall not yield”

H5414

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

פִּרְיֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“their fruits”

H6529

fruit (literally or 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 26:20 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 26:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 127:1Deuteronomy 11:17Isaiah 49:4Leviticus 26:4Habakkuk 2:13Isaiah 17:11

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