King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:22 Mean?

Leviticus 26:22 in the King James Version says “I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;

24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהִשְׁלַחְתִּ֨י1 of 14

“I will also send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בָכֶ֜ם2 of 14
H0
אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

חַיַּ֤ת4 of 14

“beasts”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַשָּׂדֶה֙5 of 14

“wild”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְשִׁכְּלָ֣ה6 of 14

“among you which shall rob you of your children”

H7921

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

אֶתְכֶ֔ם7 of 14
H853

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

וְהִכְרִ֙יתָה֙8 of 14

“and destroy”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת9 of 14
H853

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

בְּהֶמְתְּכֶ֔ם10 of 14

“your cattle”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְהִמְעִ֖יטָה11 of 14

“and make you few in number”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

אֶתְכֶ֑ם12 of 14
H853

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

וְנָשַׁ֖מּוּ13 of 14

“shall be desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

דַּרְכֵיכֶֽם׃14 of 14

“and your high ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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 26:22 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 26:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 14:15Deuteronomy 32:24Judges 5:6Lamentations 1:4Leviticus 26:6Zechariah 7:14

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