King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:7 Mean?

Leviticus 26:7 in the King James Version says “And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.”

Leviticus 26:7 · KJV

Context

5

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

6

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. rid: Heb. cause to cease

7

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

8

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

9

For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּרְדַפְתֶּ֖ם1 of 6

“And ye shall chase”

H7291

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

אֶת2 of 6
H853

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

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֑ם3 of 6

“your enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וְנָֽפְל֥וּ4 of 6

“and they shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם5 of 6

“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

לֶחָֽרֶב׃6 of 6

“you by the sword”

H2719

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

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 26:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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