King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:34 Mean?

Leviticus 26:34 in the King James Version says “Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land; even then shall t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:34 · KJV

Context

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.

36

And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth. shaken: Heb. driven

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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 reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אָז֩1 of 17
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וְהִרְצָ֖ת2 of 17

“and enjoy”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

הָאָ֔רֶץ3 of 17

“' land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת4 of 17
H853

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

שַׁבְּתֹתֶֽיהָ׃5 of 17

“her sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

כֹּ֚ל6 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְמֵ֣י7 of 17

“as long”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָשַּׁמָּ֔ה8 of 17

“as it lieth desolate”

H8074

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

וְאַתֶּ֖ם9 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הָאָ֔רֶץ10 of 17

“' land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֑ם11 of 17

“and ye be in your enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

אָ֚ז12 of 17
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תִּשְׁבַּ֣ת13 of 17

“rest”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

הָאָ֔רֶץ14 of 17

“' land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִרְצָ֖ת15 of 17

“and enjoy”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

אֶת16 of 17
H853

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

שַׁבְּתֹתֶֽיהָ׃17 of 17

“her sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

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 26:34 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 26:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:21Leviticus 26:43Leviticus 25:2-4Leviticus 25:10

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