King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:39 Mean?

Leviticus 26:39 in the King James Version says “And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of th...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:39 · KJV

Context

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.

40

If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

41

And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים1 of 11

“And they that are left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

בָּכֶ֗ם2 of 11
H0
יִמָּֽקּוּ׃3 of 11

“of you shall pine away”

H4743

to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish

בַּֽעֲוֹנֹ֥ת4 of 11

“and also in the iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

בְּאַרְצֹ֖ת5 of 11

“' lands”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֑ם6 of 11

“in your enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וְאַ֛ף7 of 11
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

בַּֽעֲוֹנֹ֥ת8 of 11

“and also in the iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֲבֹתָ֖ם9 of 11

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אִתָּ֥ם10 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יִמָּֽקּוּ׃11 of 11

“of you shall pine away”

H4743

to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish

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 26:39 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 26:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 4:17Ezekiel 24:23Ezekiel 33:10Ezekiel 6:9Matthew 23:35-36Exodus 20:5

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