Leviticus 26:13

KJV

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, which brought you forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, that ye should not be their bondmen {H5650}; and I have broken {H7665} the bands {H4133} of your yoke {H5923}, and made you go {H3212} upright {H6968}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am ADONAI your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, so that you would not be their slaves. I have broken the bars of your yoke, so that you can walk upright.

Berean Standard Bible

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk in uprightness.

American Standard Version

I am Jehovah your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bars of your yoke, and made you go upright.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:13 serves as a foundational declaration of Yahweh's identity and His pivotal act of redemption for Israel, establishing the bedrock upon which the subsequent covenant blessings and curses are articulated. This verse powerfully reminds the liberated nation of God's sovereign power to deliver them from the oppressive yoke of Egyptian bondage, not merely for physical freedom but for a profound restoration of dignity and the ability to walk uprightly in His presence, thereby defining the unique trajectory of their relationship with Him as His redeemed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26:13 is strategically positioned at the outset of the climactic "blessings and curses" section (Leviticus 26:3-45), which functions as the theological conclusion to the book of Leviticus. This chapter encapsulates the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, meticulously detailing the divine consequences of either obedience or disobedience to the intricate laws and statutes previously expounded. By commencing with a potent recall of His redemptive act in the Exodus, God grounds His authority and the binding nature of His covenant demands in His proven faithfulness and omnipotence. This verse transcends mere historical recollection; it acts as a theological anchor, emphasizing that the God who mandates stringent obedience is the very same God who has already unequivocally demonstrated His commitment to their freedom and holistic well-being, thereby providing an irrefutable and compelling motivation for their unwavering adherence to His commands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Leviticus 26:13 is the Israelites' recent, epoch-making liberation from over four centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt. They had endured crushing forced labor, constructing cities for Pharaoh, and lived under the constant shadow of violence and death, as vividly recounted in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Oppression in Egypt"). The potent imagery of "bondmen" and "bands of your yoke" would have resonated profoundly with their visceral experience of physical and psychological oppression. Yokes were literal wooden implements fastened to the necks of draft animals or captives, designed to control, burden, and subjugate. To "break the bands of your yoke" thus signified a complete, decisive, and irreversible release from such dehumanizing servitude. Furthermore, the command to "go upright" (Hebrew: _qôwmᵉmîyûwth_) carried immense cultural significance, standing in stark contrast to the bowed, stooped posture characteristic of slaves under duress. It symbolized a restoration of dignity, freedom of movement, and the inherent right to stand tall as a free individual, serving as a powerful reminder of their transformative journey from enslaved masses to a liberated nation under God's direct, providential care, as they journeyed towards the promised land, a narrative powerfully begun in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus").

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:13 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, highlighting God's absolute power to intervene in human history and liberate His people from seemingly insurmountable oppression. This act of deliverance is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God demonstrates His unwavering commitment to the covenant established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fulfilling His promises to make them a great nation and bring them into a land of their own. The verse also underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as Israel's liberation from Egypt was not merely for freedom's sake, but to enable them to be a people set apart for Yahweh, capable of walking in His statutes and ordinances without the defilement of pagan practices, as outlined throughout [Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11-15 "Leviticus 11-15 - Laws of Purity and Impurity"). Finally, it powerfully introduces the theme of **Restoration of Dignity and True Freedom**, contrasting the dehumanizing state of slavery with the elevated status of a people who can "go upright," reflecting their new identity as God's redeemed and cherished possession, a status that undergirds all the laws and blessings of the covenant detailed in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, Yahweh (H3068), derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to be" or "to exist." It emphasizes His self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal, relational commitment to Israel. By declaring "I am the LORD your God," He asserts His unique sovereignty and intimate relationship with them, distinguishing Himself from all other deities and underscoring His ultimate authority to command and His unfailing faithfulness to deliver on His promises.
* **Yoke (Hebrew, _môwṭâh_):** While the KJV translates this as "bands" (H4133) in the phrase "bands of your yoke," the Hebrew word _môwṭâh_ literally refers to a "pole" or "ox-bow," and by implication, a "yoke" itself. This term powerfully symbolizes the oppressive burdens, servitude, and the heavy constraints of slavery. God's act of "breaking the bands" of this yoke signifies a complete, decisive, and irreversible liberation from all forms of physical, emotional, and spiritual constraint and subjugation, demonstrating His power to dismantle the instruments of oppression.
* **Upright (Hebrew, _qôwmᵉmîyûwth_):** This unique Hebrew word (H6968) conveys the profound idea of walking with one's head held high, in full stature, and with restored dignity. It stands in stark contrast to the bent, stooped posture of a slave or one burdened by affliction. It signifies a complete restoration of self-respect, freedom of movement, and the honor of a person who is no longer under the dominion of another, but walks freely and confidently in the presence of their liberating God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I [am] the LORD your God,"**: This opening clause is a foundational declaration of God's identity and His covenant relationship with Israel. It establishes His absolute authority and the intensely personal nature of His bond with them, reminding them that the One speaking is their sovereign, faithful, and unique deliverer. It sets the stage for all subsequent covenant stipulations.
* **"which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt,"**: This clause references the pivotal historical event of the Exodus (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_), the ultimate act of divine redemption that fundamentally defined Israel's national identity. It serves as irrefutable proof of God's immense power, His unwavering commitment to His people, and His historical intervention on their behalf.
* **"that ye should not be their bondmen;"**: This explicitly states the divine purpose of their liberation: to free them from the oppressive servitude of the Egyptians (H5650, _ʻebed_). It highlights God's profound desire for His people to live in authentic freedom, unburdened by human oppressors and no longer subjected to the dehumanizing conditions of slavery.
* **"and I have broken the bands of your yoke,"**: This uses vivid, tangible imagery to describe the complete dismantling of their slavery. The "bands" (H4133, _môwṭâh_) refer to the straps or ropes that secured the yoke, and their breaking (H7665, _shâbar_) signifies a total, decisive release from the instruments and the very realities of their former bondage, both physical and psychological.
* **"and made you go upright."**: This final, transformative clause describes the profound outcome of God's liberating act. It speaks to the restoration of dignity, honor, and freedom, allowing the formerly oppressed to stand tall (H6968, _qôwmᵉmîyûwth_) and walk with confidence and purpose, reflecting their new status as a free people belonging exclusively to the Almighty God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:13 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message of divine liberation and restoration. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "broken the bands of your yoke." The "yoke" is a powerful metaphorical representation of the oppressive slavery endured in Egypt, and its "bands" symbolize the tangible constraints and burdens of that servitude. The act of "breaking" this yoke vividly communicates a complete and decisive release from bondage. This imagery is further enhanced by **Contrast**, setting the prior state of being "bondmen" (implying a bowed, stooped posture under burdens) against the new reality of being "made you go upright." This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the radical transformation wrought by God's direct intervention, emphasizing the restoration of dignity, autonomy, and freedom. The verse also utilizes **Personification** indirectly by attributing the act of "making you go upright" to God, implying a personal, active intervention that restores the very posture, spirit, and self-worth of the people. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Declaration** of God's identity ("I am the LORD your God") and His redemptive power, serving as a foundational statement of His character and His unwavering covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:13 is a profound theological statement affirming God's identity as the sovereign deliverer and His deep desire for His people to live in true freedom and dignity. It underscores the theme of divine grace and unmerited redemption, where God proactively intervenes to rescue His people from crushing oppression, not because of their inherent merit, but out of His steadfast covenant faithfulness. This momentous act of liberation from physical bondage establishes a foundational pattern that foreshadows a deeper spiritual freedom, illustrating God's consistent character of breaking yokes of oppression—whether physical, spiritual, or systemic—to enable His people to walk in the fullness of life and purpose He intends. It highlights that authentic freedom and restored human dignity are found exclusively in a relationship with the LORD, who alone possesses the power to break the bonds that enslave and to elevate the downtrodden.

* [Deuteronomy 5:6](/deuteronomy/5-6 "Deuteronomy 5:6 - The First Commandment and Exodus")
* [Psalm 105:43-45](/psalms/105-43-45 "Psalm 105:43-45 - God's Deliverance and Covenant Faithfulness")
* [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6 - True Fasting and Breaking Yokes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:13 profoundly invites us to reflect deeply on the intrinsic nature of true freedom and the ultimate source of our inherent dignity. Just as God miraculously delivered ancient Israel from the tangible chains of Egyptian slavery, He continues to offer profound liberation from the myriad "yokes" that burden humanity today—be it the spiritual bondage of sin, the emotional weight of past trauma, the psychological oppression of anxiety and fear, or the societal pressures that diminish our God-given worth. This powerful verse serves as a timeless reminder that our identity is not, and never should be, defined by our past burdens, our perceived failures, or the often-unrealistic expectations of others. Instead, our true identity is irrevocably rooted in the liberating grace of the LORD our God, who desires for us to stand tall, walk with purpose, and live in the fullness of His design. It issues a compelling call for us to live out the freedom we have received, not in reckless license, but in responsible, dignified, and grateful obedience to the One who decisively broke our yokes. Remembering God's past faithfulness, as so powerfully demonstrated in the Exodus, strengthens our trust in His continued power to deliver, restore, and transform in every circumstance of life, enabling us to walk uprightly in His presence, thereby reflecting His glory to a world in need of His liberating truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "yokes" or burdens in my life, whether spiritual, emotional, relational, or societal, might God be calling me to trust Him to break and release me from?**
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past acts of deliverance (both in biblical history and in my personal life) strengthen my faith and courage for present and future challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can I "go upright" in my daily life, consciously reflecting the dignity, freedom, and purpose I have as a child of God, rather than being bowed down by the world's pressures or my own insecurities?**
* **How does my understanding of God as "the LORD your God, which brought you forth" shape my daily obedience, my worship, and my witness to others?**

### FAQ
**What does the "yoke" symbolize in Leviticus 26:13, and how is its breaking significant?**

Answer: In Leviticus 26:13, the "yoke" (Hebrew: _môwṭâh_ and _ʻôl_) primarily symbolizes the harsh, oppressive servitude and the crushing physical and psychological burdens that the Israelites endured as slaves in Egypt. It represents their complete subjugation and lack of freedom under Pharaoh's tyrannical rule, as vividly detailed in [Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11 - Egyptian Taskmasters"). The breaking of the "bands of your yoke" signifies God's decisive, complete, and irreversible act of liberation. It's a powerful metaphor for total freedom from bondage, indicating not merely a loosening of chains, but the complete removal and destruction of the instrument of oppression itself. This divine act demonstrates God's omnipotent power to free His people from any form of physical, political, or spiritual slavery, enabling them to stand tall and walk with restored dignity and autonomy.

**How does God's declaration "I am the LORD your God" relate to the act of liberation in this verse?**

Answer: The declaration "I am the LORD your God" (Hebrew: _Ani YHWH Eloheikhem_) is absolutely foundational to the entire covenant relationship and the momentous act of liberation described in this verse. It establishes God's unique identity as Yahweh, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, who is personally and intimately committed to Israel. This declaration is consistently tied directly to the Exodus event throughout the Old Testament, serving as the preamble to the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment"). By reminding them that it is *He*—their personal, covenant God—who brought them out of Egypt, God asserts His sovereign authority and His exclusive right to be their God. The liberation is not a random or impersonal event but a deliberate, powerful act by their faithful God, proving His unwavering commitment and power, and thus validating all His subsequent commands, promises, and the very nature of their relationship. It underscores that their freedom is inextricably linked to their unique, redemptive relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered ancient Israel from the physical yoke of Egyptian slavery, Christ liberates humanity from the far more insidious, universal, and spiritually debilitating bondage of sin and death. The "bands of your yoke" that were broken for Israel prefigure the spiritual chains that bind all humanity—the guilt of sin, the power of sin, and the condemnation of the law—from which Christ provides complete and eternal release. He Himself declares, "[Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")." Here, Jesus powerfully contrasts the heavy, oppressive yoke of sin and legalism with His own "easy yoke" of grace and truth. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He decisively broke the power of sin and the curse of the law, as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") affirms, freeing us from being "bondmen" to sin and enabling us to "go upright" in a new spiritual posture. This upright walk signifies not only freedom from condemnation and the ability to approach God with confidence, but also a restored dignity as adopted children of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and truth, as beautifully described in [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption"). Christ's deliverance is not merely a historical event but an ongoing, transformative reality, transforming us from slaves of sin into co-heirs with Him, walking in the glorious freedom of the children of God, as promised in [Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Freedom from Bondage to Decay").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 34:27

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Leviticus 25:38

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, [and] to be your God.

Psalms 116:16

O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Leviticus 25:55

For unto me the children of Israel [are] servants; they [are] my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.