King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:30 Mean?

Leviticus 26:30 in the King James Version says “And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, a...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.”

Leviticus 26:30 · KJV

Context

28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

29

And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.

30

And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

31

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

32

And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

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.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהִשְׁמַדְתִּ֞י1 of 15

“And I will destroy”

H8045

to desolate

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בָּמֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם3 of 15

“your high places”

H1116

an elevation

וְהִכְרַתִּי֙4 of 15

“and cut down”

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

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

חַמָּ֣נֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 15

“your images”

H2553

a sun-pillar

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙7 of 15

“and cast”

H5414

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

אֶת8 of 15
H853

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

פִּגְרֵ֖י9 of 15

“upon the carcases”

H6297

a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image

עַל10 of 15
H5921

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

פִּגְרֵ֖י11 of 15

“upon the carcases”

H6297

a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image

גִּלּֽוּלֵיכֶ֑ם12 of 15

“of your idols”

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

וְגָֽעֲלָ֥ה13 of 15

“shall abhor”

H1602

to detest; by implication, to reject

נַפְשִׁ֖י14 of 15

“and my soul”

H5315

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

אֶתְכֶֽם׃15 of 15
H853

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

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 26:30 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 26:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 23:20Isaiah 27:9Ezekiel 6:3-6Ezekiel 6:132 Chronicles 31:11 Kings 13:2

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