King James Version
What Does Leviticus 26:46 Mean?
“These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.”
Leviticus 26:46 · KJV
Context
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.
45
But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.
46
These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThese are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.
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. 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
- In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
- How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
- What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsהַֽחֻקִּ֣ים2 of 15
“These are the statutes”
H2706an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮3 of 15
“and judgments”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁר֙5 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֔ה7 of 15
“which the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּינ֕וֹ8 of 15
H996between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֖ין9 of 15
H996between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
בְּנֵ֣י10 of 15
“between him and the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 15
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּיַד14 of 15
“by the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
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 26:46 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 26:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge