Old Testament
Leviticus 26:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You will be driven to eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters.
Compare translations
And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.
What Leviticus 26:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 26:29, God warns the Israelites about the severe consequences of disobedience to His commandments. The verse starkly illustrates the depths of desperation that can arise during times of extreme suffering, such as famine or siege. Eating one's own children symbolizes a complete breakdown of societal norms and the horrific outcomes of turning away from God. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's laws. The context of this verse is part of a larger passage where God outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the serious nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights the dire consequences that can follow when a community strays from divine guidance, leading to moral decay and unimaginable suffering.
How to apply Leviticus 26:29 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of following God's guidance. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek His will in our decisions, avoiding paths that lead to destruction and despair.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 26:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 26:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 26:29 mean?
Leviticus 26:29 warns the Israelites about the extreme consequences of disobedience to God, illustrating how dire circumstances can lead to unimaginable actions, such as cannibalism during famine or siege.
What is the significance of eating one's children in Leviticus 26:29?
Eating one's children in this verse symbolizes the complete breakdown of societal norms and the horrific outcomes of turning away from God, highlighting the severe consequences of disobedience.
How does Leviticus 26:29 relate to moral decay?
Leviticus 26:29 illustrates how disobedience to God can lead to moral decay within a community, resulting in desperate actions that reflect a loss of societal values and norms.
What are the consequences mentioned in Leviticus 26:29?
The consequences mentioned in Leviticus 26:29 include extreme suffering and desperation, leading to actions like cannibalism, which serve as a stark warning about the results of turning away from God's commandments.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.