King James Version
What Does Leviticus 26:35 Mean?
“As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.”
Leviticus 26:35 · KJV
Context
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
37
And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAs long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
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.
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. 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
- In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
- What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
- In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsכָּל1 of 11
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֥י2 of 11
“As long as”
H3117a 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
הָשַּׁמָּ֖ה3 of 11
“it lieth desolate”
H8074to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
שָׁבְתָ֛ה4 of 11
“because it did not rest”
H7673to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
אֵ֣ת5 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר6 of 11
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא7 of 11
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁבְתָ֛ה8 of 11
“because it did not rest”
H7673to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
בְּשִׁבְתְּכֶ֥ם10 of 11
“when ye dwelt”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עָלֶֽיהָ׃11 of 11
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 26:35 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 26:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge