King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:40 Mean?

Leviticus 26:40 in the King James Version says “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed again... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Leviticus 26:40 · KJV


Context

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:

42

Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהִתְוַדּ֤וּ1 of 15

If they shall confess

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

עֲוֹ֣ן3 of 15

and the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְאֶת4 of 15
H853

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

עֲוֹ֣ן5 of 15

and the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֲבֹתָ֔ם6 of 15

of their fathers

H1

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

בְּמַֽעֲלָ֖ם7 of 15

with their trespass

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מָֽעֲלוּ9 of 15

which they trespassed

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

בִ֑י10 of 15
H0
וְאַ֕ף11 of 15
H637

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

אֲשֶׁר12 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָֽלְכ֥וּ13 of 15

against me and that also they have walked

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עִמִּ֖י14 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּקֶֽרִי׃15 of 15

contrary

H7147

hostile encounter


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 26:40 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 26:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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