King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:25 Mean?

Leviticus 26:25 in the King James Version says “And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together withi... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

Leviticus 26:25 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

26

And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

27

And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

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.

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. 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהֵֽבֵאתִ֨י1 of 15

And I will bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֲלֵיכֶ֜ם2 of 15
H5921

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

חֶ֗רֶב3 of 15

a sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

נֹקֶ֙מֶת֙4 of 15

upon you that shall avenge

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

נְקַם5 of 15

the quarrel

H5359

revenge

בְּרִ֔ית6 of 15

of my covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְנֶֽאֱסַפְתֶּ֖ם7 of 15

and when ye are gathered together

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶל8 of 15

within

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָֽרֵיכֶ֑ם9 of 15

your cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְשִׁלַּ֤חְתִּי10 of 15

I will send

H7971

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

דֶ֙בֶר֙11 of 15

the pestilence

H1698

a pestilence

בְּת֣וֹכְכֶ֔ם12 of 15

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

וְנִתַּתֶּ֖ם13 of 15

you and ye shall be delivered

H5414

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

בְּיַד14 of 15

into the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אוֹיֵֽב׃15 of 15

of the enemy

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 26:25 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 26:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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