King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:37 Mean?

Leviticus 26:37 in the King James Version says “And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:37 · KJV

Context

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.

38

And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.

39

And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְכָֽשְׁל֧וּ1 of 13

“And they shall fall”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

אִישׁ2 of 13

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּאָחִ֛יו3 of 13

“upon another”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לִפְנֵ֖י4 of 13

“as it were before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

חֶ֖רֶב5 of 13

“a sword”

H2719

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

וְרֹדֵ֣ף6 of 13

“when none pursueth”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אָ֑יִן7 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וְלֹא8 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽהְיֶ֤ה9 of 13
H1961

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

לָכֶם֙10 of 13
H0
תְּקוּמָ֔ה11 of 13

“and ye shall have no power to stand”

H8617

resistfulness

לִפְנֵ֖י12 of 13

“as it were before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם׃13 of 13

“your enemies”

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 26:37 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 26:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 7:12-13Judges 2:14Jeremiah 37:10Judges 7:22Isaiah 10:4Numbers 14:42

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