King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:33 Mean?

Leviticus 26:33 in the King James Version says “And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.”

Leviticus 26:33 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

34

Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

35

As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

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. 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. 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֶתְכֶם֙1 of 12
H853

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

אֱזָרֶ֣ה2 of 12

“And I will scatter”

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

בַגּוֹיִ֔ם3 of 12

“you among the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וַהֲרִֽיקֹתִ֥י4 of 12

“and will draw out”

H7324

to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty

אַֽחֲרֵיכֶ֖ם5 of 12

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

חָ֑רֶב6 of 12

“a sword”

H2719

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

וְהָֽיְתָ֤ה7 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַרְצְכֶם֙8 of 12

“you and your land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שְׁמָמָ֔ה9 of 12

“shall be desolate”

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

וְעָֽרֵיכֶ֖ם10 of 12

“and your cities”

H5892

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

יִֽהְי֥וּ11 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חָרְבָּֽה׃12 of 12

“waste”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

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 26:33 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 26:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 4:27Zechariah 7:14Deuteronomy 28:64-66Ezekiel 20:23Psalms 44:11Ezekiel 22:15

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