King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:42 Mean?

Leviticus 26:42 in the King James Version says “Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I r...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:42 · KJV

Context

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.

43

The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.

44

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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 point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֶזְכֹּֽר׃1 of 15

“Then will I remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֧י3 of 15

“and also my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יַֽעֲק֑וֹב4 of 15

“with Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְאַף֩5 of 15
H637

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

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֧י7 of 15

“and also my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יִצְחָ֜ק8 of 15

“with Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וְאַ֨ף9 of 15
H637

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

אֶת10 of 15
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֧י11 of 15

“and also my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אַבְרָהָ֛ם12 of 15

“with Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶזְכֹּֽר׃13 of 15

“Then will I remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וְהָאָ֥רֶץ14 of 15

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶזְכֹּֽר׃15 of 15

“Then will I remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

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 26:42 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 26:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 6:5Psalms 106:45Ezekiel 16:60Exodus 2:24Genesis 22:15-18Genesis 9:16

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