Old Testament
Leviticus 26:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 26:33 means
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.
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
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 26:33
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 26:33
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 26:33 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.