King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:9 Mean?

Leviticus 26:9 in the King James Version says “For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 26:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּפָנִ֣יתִי1 of 10

“For I will have respect”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם2 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהִפְרֵיתִ֣י3 of 10

“unto you and make you fruitful”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

אֶתְכֶ֔ם4 of 10
H853

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

וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֖י5 of 10

“and multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֶתְכֶ֑ם6 of 10
H853

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

וַהֲקִֽימֹתִ֥י7 of 10

“you and establish”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת8 of 10
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֖י9 of 10

“my covenant”

H1285

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

אִתְּכֶֽם׃10 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 26:9 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 26:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:6-7Nehemiah 9:23Ezekiel 16:62Psalms 107:38Isaiah 55:3Psalms 138:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 26 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes