Old Testament
Leviticus 26:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You'll stumble over each other as though fleeing from battle, even when no one is pursuing you. You will have no strength to stand against your enemies.
Compare translations
And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.
What Leviticus 26:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 26:37, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of disobedience. The imagery of people stumbling over each other suggests panic and confusion, as if they are fleeing from an unseen enemy. This reflects a state of fear and weakness, where they cannot stand firm against their foes. The verse emphasizes that even without a direct threat, their lack of faith and obedience will lead to internal chaos and vulnerability. It serves as a reminder that spiritual disobedience can lead to physical and emotional turmoil, causing individuals to feel overwhelmed and powerless. The absence of strength to confront enemies illustrates the broader theme of reliance on God for protection and strength. When the Israelites stray from God's commands, they not only face external challenges but also internal strife, leading to a breakdown of unity and courage.
How to apply Leviticus 26:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain faithful and obedient to God. When we stray from His teachings, we may experience confusion and fear in our lives. By staying close to God and following His guidance, we can find strength and courage to face challenges without succumbing to panic or 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 26:37
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 26:37
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 26:37 mean?
Leviticus 26:37 describes the consequences of disobedience to God, illustrating how fear and confusion can lead to a state where people stumble over each other, even without a real enemy. It emphasizes that a lack of faith can result in vulnerability and chaos.
What is the significance of stumbling in Leviticus 26:37?
The imagery of stumbling in Leviticus 26:37 signifies panic and disarray among the people, indicating that their disobedience to God leads to internal chaos and a loss of strength, making them unable to confront their enemies.
How does Leviticus 26:37 relate to fear and confusion?
Leviticus 26:37 relates to fear and confusion by showing that disobedience can create a state of panic, where individuals react irrationally and feel overwhelmed, even when there is no immediate threat.
What lessons can we learn from Leviticus 26:37?
Leviticus 26:37 teaches that staying faithful and obedient to God is crucial for maintaining inner strength and unity. It warns that straying from God's commands can lead to confusion and fear in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.