Old Testament
Leviticus 26:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 26:39, 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
Those of you who remain will waste away in your enemies' lands because of your sins — and because of the sins of your ancestors piled on top of your own.
And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 26:39, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience. Those who survive will suffer in foreign lands, feeling the weight of their own sins as well as the sins of their ancestors. This verse highlights the idea that sin has lasting effects, not just on individuals but also on future generations. The imagery of 'wasting away' suggests a deep emotional and spiritual decline, indicating that the consequences of sin can lead to despair and hopelessness. The mention of enemies' lands signifies a loss of identity and belonging, as the Israelites find themselves in a place far from their homeland, grappling with the repercussions of their actions. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the impact of collective sin on a community.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 26:39 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on ourselves and others. It reminds us to seek forgiveness and strive for righteousness, understanding that our choices can affect future generations. We should also support one another in making positive choices that honor God.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 26:39 mean?
Leviticus 26:39 conveys a warning from God to the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience. It states that those who survive will suffer in foreign lands, burdened by their own sins and those of their ancestors, emphasizing the lasting impact of sin.
What is the significance of 'wasting away' in Leviticus 26:39?
The phrase 'wasting away' in Leviticus 26:39 symbolizes a deep emotional and spiritual decline due to sin. It illustrates the despair and hopelessness that can result from disobedience to God, affecting both individuals and their communities.
What does Leviticus 26:39 say about generational sin?
Leviticus 26:39 highlights the concept of generational sin by stating that the sins of ancestors contribute to the suffering of future generations. This underscores the idea that the consequences of sin can extend beyond the individual, impacting their descendants.
How does Leviticus 26:39 relate to loss of identity?
In Leviticus 26:39, the mention of enemies' lands signifies a loss of identity for the Israelites. Being in a foreign land away from their homeland represents not only physical displacement but also a spiritual and cultural disconnection due to their disobedience.

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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