Old Testament
Leviticus 26:33
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
I will scatter you among the nations and pursue you with the sword. Your land will be left desolate, and your cities will lie in ruins.
And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience. If they turn away from Him, He will scatter them among other nations, meaning they will be exiled and lose their homeland. The mention of the sword indicates that they will face violence and danger in their new surroundings. Their land will become desolate, and their cities will be in ruins, highlighting the severity of their punishment. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dire consequences of straying from His commands. The desolation of their land symbolizes not just physical destruction but also spiritual separation from God, emphasizing the relationship between obedience and blessing. This warning is meant to encourage the people to remain faithful and to understand the gravity of their choices in relation to their covenant with God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 26:33 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's commitments and the potential consequences of turning away from them. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and remain faithful to their values and beliefs, understanding that choices have lasting impacts.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 26:33 mean?
Leviticus 26:33 warns the Israelites that if they disobey God, they will be scattered among other nations, face violence, and their homeland will become desolate. This verse highlights the serious consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to His commands.
What is the significance of being scattered among the nations in Leviticus 26:33?
Being scattered among the nations signifies exile and loss of homeland for the Israelites, representing a severe punishment for disobedience. It underscores the relationship between their faithfulness to God and their security in the land He provided.
What does the sword symbolize in Leviticus 26:33?
In Leviticus 26:33, the sword symbolizes violence and danger that the Israelites will face if they turn away from God. It serves as a warning that their disobedience will lead to suffering and conflict in foreign lands.
What is the overall message of Leviticus 26:33?
The overall message of Leviticus 26:33 is a warning about the consequences of disobedience to God. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands and the dire outcomes that can result from straying from the covenant.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
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