King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:8 Mean?

Leviticus 26:8 in the King James Version says “And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall f...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 26:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ1 of 12

“of you shall chase”

H7291

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

מִכֶּ֤ם2 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

חֲמִשָּׁה֙3 of 12

“And five”

H2568

five

וּמֵאָ֥ה4 of 12

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּמֵאָ֥ה5 of 12

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

מִכֶּ֖ם6 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

רְבָבָ֣ה7 of 12

“of you shall put ten thousand”

H7233

abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)

יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ8 of 12

“of you shall chase”

H7291

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

וְנָֽפְל֧וּ9 of 12

“shall fall”

H5307

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

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֛ם10 of 12

“and your enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם11 of 12

“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׃12 of 12

“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 26:8 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 26:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 23:10Deuteronomy 28:7Deuteronomy 32:30Judges 7:19-211 Chronicles 11:20Numbers 14:9

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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