Leviticus 26:16

KJV

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

KJV (with Strong's)

I also will do {H6213} this unto you; I will even appoint {H6485} over you terror {H928}, consumption {H7829}, and the burning ague {H6920}, that shall consume {H3615} the eyes {H5869}, and cause sorrow {H1727} of heart {H5315}: and ye shall sow {H2232} your seed {H2233} in vain {H7385}, for your enemies {H341} shall eat {H398} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

then I, for my part, will do this to you: I will bring terror upon you -wasting disease and chronic fever to dim your sight and sap your strength. You will sow your seed for nothing, because your enemies will eat the crops.

Berean Standard Bible

then this is what I will do to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it.

American Standard Version

I also will do this unto you: I will appoint terror over you, even consumption and fever, that shall consume the eyes, and make the soul to pine away; and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:16 delivers a solemn divine warning to ancient Israel, articulating the severe repercussions for covenant disobedience. This verse delineates a series of divinely orchestrated judgments, encompassing debilitating physical ailments, profound psychological distress, and ultimately, economic futility. It powerfully underscores God's direct agency in upholding the terms of His covenant, demonstrating that rebellion against His commands would lead to a comprehensive dismantling of their well-being and prosperity, culminating in their diligent labor benefiting their adversaries rather than themselves.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as the climactic and foundational conclusion to the legal and ritual instructions meticulously detailed throughout the preceding chapters of the book. It functions as a comprehensive covenant summary, explicitly outlining the promised blessings for faithful obedience to God's commandments (vv. 3-13) and the dire curses for disobedience (vv. 14-39). Verse 16 initiates the detailed enumeration of these escalating curses, immediately following a general warning in verse 14 against neglecting God's laws and breaking His covenant. This section is meticulously structured as a series of progressively severe judgments, beginning with the personal and communal afflictions described here and advancing through stages of military defeat, famine, desolation of the land, and ultimately, exile. Its strategic placement at the end of the legal codes unequivocally reinforces the conditional nature of Israel's continued presence in the Promised Land and the very essence of their covenantal relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was delivered to the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage, as they stood poised to inherit the Promised Land. This covenant, often understood through the lens of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, established Yahweh as Israel's supreme sovereign Lord and Israel as His vassal nation. In such treaties, detailed stipulations were invariably followed by explicit blessings for loyalty and severe curses for rebellion. For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, the threats of widespread disease, devastating crop failure, and subjugation by foreign powers were not mere inconveniences but existential threats. The pronouncement that "ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it" directly attacks their primary means of sustenance, their land, and their very identity, highlighting the catastrophic loss of divine favor and protection essential for their survival and flourishing within the land. These potent warnings are not isolated but are echoed and significantly expanded upon in other crucial covenant renewal texts, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), which provides an even more extensive and vivid catalog of the consequences for covenant infidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:16 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Covenantal Faithfulness and Consequences**, emphasizing that God's relationship with Israel is conditional and that disobedience carries inevitable, divinely appointed repercussions. It powerfully illustrates God's **Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that His character demands a response to sin, upholding the integrity of His covenant. The verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Agency**, as God explicitly states, "I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you..." underscoring His active involvement in the affairs of His people. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Futility Apart from God's Blessing**, particularly in the agricultural realm, where human effort ("sow your seed") is rendered meaningless without divine favor, leading to its appropriation by adversaries. This theme resonates with the broader biblical principle that true prosperity and security are ultimately derived from God's blessing, as seen in passages like [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House"). The comprehensive nature of the curses—affecting body, mind, and livelihood—also underscores the **Holistic Impact of Sin**, revealing that disobedience is not merely a spiritual matter but has tangible, destructive effects on every dimension of human existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Terror (Hebrew, _behâlâh'_):** From H928, this term denotes "panic" or "destruction." In the context of Leviticus 26:16, it describes a profound psychological and emotional component of divine judgment. It suggests a state of sudden dread, dismay, and confusion that would afflict the disobedient, perhaps even preceding external threats. This "terror" speaks to a loss of internal peace and security, a direct consequence of forsaking the God who promises to be their refuge and strength. It's not merely fear of an external enemy but an internal, divinely appointed disquiet.
* **Consumption (Hebrew, _shachepheth'_):** From H7829, this word refers to "emaciation." It describes a wasting disease, often associated with illnesses like tuberculosis, that slowly and insidiously diminishes one's physical strength, vitality, and substance. This implies a prolonged, debilitating suffering that saps the life out of both the individual and, by extension, the community. It represents a gradual decay, a slow but certain erosion of health and vigor, making the people vulnerable and unproductive.
* **Burning ague (Hebrew, _qaddachath'_):** From H6920, this term signifies "inflammation" or "febrile disease," specifically "burning ague" or "fever." It points to intense physical discomfort, high temperatures, and debilitating weakness. Together with "consumption," it paints a vivid picture of severe and pervasive illness that would incapacitate the population, hindering their ability to work, defend themselves, or even maintain basic health and societal functions. It suggests acute, fiery suffering that would drain their energy and resolve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague,"**: This opening clause powerfully establishes God's direct, sovereign, and active agency in bringing about these judgments. The emphatic "I also will do this unto you" highlights the personal nature of God's response to their actions, indicating that these are not merely natural consequences but divinely ordained afflictions. The verb "appoint" (H6485, _pâqad'_) implies a deliberate, purposeful visitation or oversight, often with a punitive intent. The enumerated list of "terror, consumption, and the burning ague" specifies a comprehensive assault on their well-being, combining psychological distress with severe physical maladies.
* **"that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart:"**: This part of the verse elaborates on the devastating effects of the appointed diseases and psychological states. "Consume the eyes" (H3615, _kâlâh'_: to end, perish; H5869, _ʻayin'_: eye) suggests a deterioration of vision, potentially leading to blindness or a general dimming of sight, which would severely impair daily life and could symbolize a loss of spiritual discernment or foresight. "Cause sorrow of heart" (H1727, _dûwb'_: to mope, pine; H5315, _nephesh'_: soul, heart) points to deep emotional anguish, despair, and grief. This demonstrates that the divine judgment is not merely superficial or physical but profoundly targets their emotional and spiritual core, leading to profound internal suffering and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.
* **"and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it."**: This final clause describes the crippling economic and agricultural ruin that would befall the disobedient nation. Despite their diligent labor in agriculture ("sow your seed," H2232, _zâraʻ'_), their efforts would prove utterly fruitless ("in vain," H7385, _rîyq'_), as the harvest would be consumed by their adversaries ("for your enemies shall eat it," H341, _ʼôyêb'_: adversary; H398, _ʼâkal'_: to eat). This signifies a complete loss of control over their land and livelihoods, a profound humiliation, and a tangible sign of God's withdrawal of blessing and protection, leaving them vulnerable to foreign powers and economic devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment with maximal impact. The most prominent is **Personification**, where abstract concepts and diseases like "terror," "consumption," and "burning ague" are depicted as active agents directly "appointed" by God, almost as if they are His personal enforcers carrying out His will. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the structure of the verse, moving from a general statement of divine action ("I also will do this unto you") to the specific afflictions, and then detailing the physical and emotional consequences, culminating in the stark economic devastation. The language is highly **Figurative**, using vivid imagery such as "consume the eyes" and "sorrow of heart" to paint a comprehensive picture of suffering that extends beyond mere physical discomfort to deeply impact the inner being. The entire passage is a quintessential example of **Covenantal Retribution**, a foundational theological concept in the Old Testament where blessings and curses are direct, divinely ordained responses to obedience or disobedience, serving as a powerful deterrent and an urgent call to faithfulness. The escalating nature of the curses throughout Leviticus 26 also demonstrates a form of **Climax**, building to greater and greater severity as disobedience persists.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:16 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine justice and the dire consequences of covenant infidelity. It reveals God as a sovereign Lord who is utterly faithful to His word, both in promising abundant blessings for obedience and in meticulously executing judgments for rebellion. This verse underscores the holistic and pervasive impact of sin, demonstrating that disobedience affects not only one's spiritual standing but also physical health, emotional well-being, and economic prosperity. It highlights the profound seriousness with which God views His covenant, emphasizing that His relationship with Israel was intrinsically conditional upon their unwavering faithfulness. The futility of labor described here is a powerful theological statement: when humanity attempts to build or sustain itself apart from God's blessing and in defiance of His will, all efforts ultimately prove vain, leading to a state of spiritual and material barrenness and loss.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Suffering")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace, Leviticus 26:16 remains profoundly relevant, not as a direct threat of physical curses for individual sins, but as a powerful revelation of God's unchanging character, the inherent seriousness of sin, and the natural consequences of rebellion against His divine design. It serves as a sober reminder of God's absolute holiness and justice, demonstrating that sin is never trivial but carries debilitating effects on our lives, relationships, and spiritual vitality. The "terror," "consumption," and "sorrow of heart" described here can be seen as spiritual parallels to the anxiety, spiritual wasting, and deep despair that often accompany a life lived apart from God's will and wisdom. When we "sow our seed in vain" by investing our time, energy, and resources in pursuits that are not aligned with God's purposes or are driven by selfish ambition, we experience a profound spiritual futility, our efforts yielding no lasting fruit or true satisfaction. This verse serves as a sober call to examine our hearts, to recognize the pervasive and destructive nature of sin, and to continually turn to God in genuine repentance and faithful obedience, knowing that true flourishing, lasting fruitfulness, and profound peace come only through abiding in Him and His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "terror," "consumption," or "sorrow of heart" manifest in a believer's life today as a consequence of spiritual disobedience, unconfessed sin, or a departure from God's will?**
* **How does the concept of "sowing your seed in vain" apply to our modern lives, particularly concerning our efforts, ambitions, and investments of time and energy in pursuits that lack eternal significance or divine blessing?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the inherent seriousness of sin and the comprehensive nature of its consequences, even if not physically manifested as described here, and how does this inform our pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**Does God still punish people with diseases and economic ruin today, as described in Leviticus 26:16?**

Answer: While the specific covenant curses of Leviticus 26 were primarily directed at ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, the underlying principles of God's justice and the inherent consequences of sin remain timeless. Under the New Covenant, believers are not subject to the same legalistic system of blessings and curses for obedience or disobedience to the Mosaic Law. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, bearing its full weight on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). However, sin still has natural, often debilitating, consequences in our lives, affecting our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. God's discipline, which can include difficult circumstances, is for our refinement, spiritual growth, and restoration, not for condemnation ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline and Our Holiness")). Furthermore, the world as a whole still experiences the pervasive effects of the Fall, including disease, natural disasters, and economic instability, which are part of a fallen creation, not necessarily direct, specific judgments for individual sins in the precise manner detailed in Leviticus 26. God's ultimate desire for His children is flourishing and blessing through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:16, with its grim pronouncements of terror, debilitating disease, and the futility of human labor, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The curses detailed here represent the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, a burden that fallen humanity could never bear or escape on its own. Christ, however, willingly became the one upon whom this divine wrath was poured out. He bore the ultimate "terror" in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with the cup of God's wrath, and on the cross, experiencing the profound anguish and spiritual "sorrow of heart" as He was forsaken by God for our sake ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He took upon Himself the "consumption" of sin's wasting power, allowing His body to be broken and His life poured out as the perfect, atoning sacrifice, bearing our infirmities and carrying our sorrows ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Moreover, the futility of "sowing your seed in vain" is gloriously overcome in Christ; through His death and resurrection, He broke the cycle of sin and death, enabling believers to bear true, abundant, and lasting fruit, not for their enemies or for fleeting gain, but for God's eternal glory ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")). In Him, the curse is absorbed, the penalty paid, and the path to genuine blessing, spiritual flourishing, and eternal life is opened, transforming the covenantal warnings into a resounding testament of His unparalleled redemptive power and grace ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")).

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

Job 31:8

[Then] let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.

1 Samuel 2:33

And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

Deuteronomy 28:51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

Ezekiel 33:10

¶ Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins [be] upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?

Deuteronomy 28:21

The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.

Deuteronomy 28:22

The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.

Psalms 78:33

Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.