Leviticus 26:20

KJV

And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And your strength {H3581} shall be spent {H8552} in vain {H7385}: for your land {H776} shall not yield {H5414} her increase {H2981}, neither shall the trees {H6086} of the land {H776} yield {H5414} their fruits {H6529}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you will spend your strength in vain, because the land will not yield its produce or the trees in the field their fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

and your strength will be spent in vain. For your land will not yield its produce, and the trees of the land will not bear their fruit.

American Standard Version

and your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield its increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:20 delivers a solemn warning within the Mosaic Covenant, detailing a severe consequence for Israel's persistent disobedience: a profound state of futility where human labor and strength are rendered unproductive, and the very land, the source of their sustenance, withholds its promised bounty. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and prosperity, demonstrating that true fruitfulness is contingent upon faithful adherence to His covenant stipulations, and that efforts outside of His blessing are ultimately barren and without lasting benefit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26:20 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of the book of Leviticus, serving as a climactic summary of the covenant established between Yahweh and Israel at Mount Sinai. The chapter is meticulously structured, beginning with a detailed exposition of blessings for obedience found in [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience"), which is then starkly contrasted with a much longer and escalating series of curses for disobedience outlined in [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Disobedience"). This particular verse falls within the initial phase of these curses, specifically describing the impact on their agricultural productivity and the general futility that would plague their endeavors. These curses are presented not as arbitrary punishments but as divine discipline intended to bring the people to repentance and restore their covenant relationship, culminating in a promise of ultimate restoration if they confess their sins, as seen in [Leviticus 26:40-45](/leviticus/26-40-45 "Leviticus 26:40-45 - Promise of Restoration"). The entire book of Leviticus emphasizes holiness, proper worship, and the meticulous observance of God's laws as the foundational requirements for Israel's unique status as God's chosen people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where daily life revolved around the rhythms of planting, harvesting, and an absolute dependence on seasonal rains for sustenance. The land itself was not merely territory but a central component of God's covenant promise to Abraham, as recorded in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"), and a tangible expression of His blessing. Prosperity was directly tied to the land's fertility, which was understood to be entirely within God's sovereign control. Drought, crop failure, and barren trees were not just natural disasters in this worldview but were interpreted as direct divine judgments, signifying God's displeasure and the withdrawal of His favor. In this context, the warning in [Leviticus 26:20](/leviticus/26-20 "Leviticus 26:20 - Consequences of Disobedience") would have invoked profound fear and anxiety, as it threatened the very foundation of their economic stability, food supply, and ultimately, their survival as a nation in the Promised Land. The curse of agricultural barrenness directly counters the abundant harvests and security promised for obedience in [Leviticus 26:5](/leviticus/26-5 "Leviticus 26:5 - Abundant Harvests for Obedience"), highlighting the stark contrast between covenant blessing and curse.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, unequivocally linking obedience to blessing and disobedience to judgment. Secondly, it underscores God's **Sovereignty over Creation and Provision**, demonstrating that human effort is futile without divine blessing, and that God alone controls the fertility of the land and the success of human endeavors. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Futility Apart from God**, illustrating that even the most diligent labor yields no lasting benefit when one is out of alignment with the divine will. Finally, it reinforces the concept of **Divine Discipline as a Call to Repentance**, as the curses, including agricultural barrenness, are designed to bring Israel back to a right relationship with Yahweh, rather than simply being punitive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This term (H3581) refers to one's vital energy, resources, ability, and vigor—the sum total of human effort, capability, and even wealth. When this "strength" is "spent in vain," it signifies that all human exertion, planning, and hard work will be utterly unproductive, yielding no profitable outcome. It speaks to a divine frustration of human endeavor, rendering all human power and resources ineffective.
* **In vain (Hebrew, _rîyq'_):** The Hebrew term (H7385) literally means "for emptiness," "for nothing," or "to no purpose." It powerfully conveys the idea of futility, waste, and ultimate unprofitability. When combined with "strength," it paints a vivid picture of expended energy that results in absolute emptiness, highlighting the divine withdrawal of blessing that renders all human effort meaningless and without substance.
* **Yield (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is remarkably broad in its application, meaning "to give," "to put," or "to make." In this context, it specifically refers to the land "giving forth" or "producing" its increase and fruits. The negative construction "shall not yield" indicates a divine withholding or active prevention of the land's natural productivity. It implies that God will cause the land to cease its function of providing, directly impacting the nation's sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And your strength shall be spent in vain:"** This opening clause declares a fundamental futility that will characterize the Israelites' efforts if they disobey the covenant. It implies that despite their diligent labor, their invested energy, their deployed resources, and their strategic planning, all will come to naught. God will actively withhold the blessing that makes human effort fruitful, leading to a profound sense of wasted time, resources, and vitality. This is not merely a lack of success, but an active divine intervention that renders their endeavors barren and unproductive.
* **"for your land shall not yield her increase,"** This clause specifies the primary manifestation of the "strength spent in vain" within an agrarian society. The "increase" (H2981, _yᵉbûwl_) refers to the produce of cultivated fields—grains, vegetables, and other crops that form the staple of their diet and economy. God's judgment will directly impact the land's natural fertility, causing it to be unproductive, perhaps through drought, pestilence, or other means, thereby directly cutting off their vital food supply and economic stability.
* **"neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits."** This expands upon the agricultural barrenness, specifically mentioning the trees (H6086, _ʻêts_) and their "fruits" (H6529, _pᵉrîy_). This includes essential tree-borne produce such as olives, figs, grapes, and dates, which were crucial for food, oil, and wine. The comprehensive nature of the curse, affecting both field crops and tree fruits, emphasizes the totality of the agricultural devastation and the complete dependence of Israel on God's favor for their very survival and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark warning and underscore the severity of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Cause and Effect**, where the verse explicitly links Israel's disobedience (implied by its context within the curses) to the direct consequences of agricultural barrenness and the futility of their labor. This is reinforced by **Parallelism**, as the two clauses "your land shall not yield her increase" and "neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits" reiterate the same core idea of agricultural failure, emphasizing its comprehensive and devastating nature. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the absolute nature of the statements ("shall not yield," "neither shall..."), which serves to underscore the severity and totality of the divine judgment, implying a complete and utter cessation of productivity. Finally, the vivid imagery of "strength spent in vain" and the land's unresponsiveness functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical barrenness but a deeper spiritual and existential futility that results from a broken covenant relationship with God, where divine blessing is withdrawn.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:20 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine sovereignty over creation and human endeavor, asserting that true prosperity and fruitfulness are ultimately gifts from God, not solely the result of human effort. It underscores the direct correlation between covenant faithfulness and divine blessing, and conversely, between disobedience and divine judgment. The futility described in the verse highlights that even the most diligent human labor is rendered meaningless without God's enabling favor. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's absolute dependence on God for sustenance and success, both materially and spiritually, emphasizing that efforts disconnected from His will are inherently unproductive and lead to a profound sense of emptiness.

* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "The Curse of Drought and Barrenness")
* [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Sowing Much, Bringing in Little")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Unless the Lord Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:20, though rooted in the specific context of the Mosaic Covenant, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to critically examine the sources of our "fruitfulness" and the effectiveness of our "strength." Are our efforts, ambitions, and daily labors truly aligned with God's will and dependent on His blessing, or are we expending our energy "in vain" on pursuits that lack eternal significance or divine favor? This verse calls us to a posture of humility and absolute reliance, recognizing that true success, spiritual vitality, and genuine impact flow from a vibrant, obedient relationship with God. When we experience spiritual barrenness, a pervasive lack of joy, or a disheartening sense of futility in our Christian walk or ministry, this passage prompts us to consider whether there are areas of disobedience, self-reliance, or misaligned priorities that are hindering God's blessing and fruitfulness in our lives. It encourages us to seek God's face with earnest prayer, confess our shortcomings, and intentionally re-align our lives with His revealed purposes, trusting that He desires to bless and make fruitful those who walk in His ways and abide in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely solely on my own "strength" and ingenuity rather than seeking God's blessing and guidance?**
* **Are there aspects of my spiritual life, relationships, or ministry that currently feel "in vain" or unproductive? What might this verse suggest about the underlying cause of such futility?**
* **How does my understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over provision and success impact my daily work, financial decisions, and pursuit of personal goals?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my efforts are more deeply aligned with God's will and are truly dependent on His enabling grace, rather than being "spent in vain"?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God punishes every sin with financial or agricultural loss today?**

Answer: While this verse describes a direct cause-and-effect relationship under the Old Covenant, particularly for national disobedience and covenant breaking, it's crucial to understand that God's covenant dealings with Israel were unique and specific to their role as a nation under the Law. In the New Covenant, while sin still has consequences and God disciplines His children, the direct, immediate, and physical curses described in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Blessings and Curses") are not typically applied in the same literal way to individual believers. However, the underlying principle remains profoundly true: actions have consequences, and a life lived in persistent disobedience or apart from God's will can certainly lead to a sense of futility, lack of spiritual fruitfulness, or even natural consequences that feel like "strength spent in vain." The emphasis shifts from physical land and crops to spiritual fruitfulness and purpose, as beautifully illustrated in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness").

**How does this Old Testament warning relate to the New Testament concept of grace?**

Answer: The New Testament profoundly emphasizes God's boundless grace and forgiveness through Christ, freeing believers from the curse of the law, as articulated in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"). However, grace does not negate the principle that God desires obedience and that a life of persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual barrenness or a lack of true purpose. While believers are not under the law for salvation, the warnings in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Blessings and Curses") serve as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the profound importance of living in alignment with God's will. Grace empowers us to obey, not to dismiss the call to holiness. True fruitfulness in the Christian life is a direct result of abiding in Christ, not earning blessings through perfect performance ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "Abide in Me")). The "futility" of [Leviticus 26:20](/leviticus/26-20 "Consequences of Disobedience") highlights humanity's inherent inability to produce lasting good apart from divine intervention, which is precisely what God's transformative grace provides through Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:20, with its chilling depiction of strength spent in vain and the land's barrenness, ultimately points to the profound spiritual futility of humanity apart from Christ. Under the Old Covenant, Israel's repeated efforts to perfectly obey the law through their own strength were ultimately "in vain," demonstrating their inherent inability to earn God's favor or produce lasting righteousness through human effort ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "No One Justified by the Law")). The curse of barrenness, both agricultural and existential, foreshadows the spiritual deadness and unfruitfulness that characterize a life separated from God, a condition from which only Christ can deliver. Jesus, the true Israel and perfect covenant-keeper, perfectly fulfilled the covenant requirements. He endured the ultimate "strength spent in vain" on the cross, where He became a curse for us, taking upon Himself the very judgment described in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Blessings and Curses") ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). His sacrificial death transforms our inherent barrenness into spiritual fruitfulness, for in Him, we are no longer striving in vain but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear "much fruit" that glorifies God ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")). The true "increase" and "fruits" are now spiritual, manifested in lives transformed by His grace, demonstrating that our labor "in the Lord is not in vain" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain")). He is the inexhaustible source of all true life, abundance, and purpose, turning the curse of futility into a bountiful harvest of righteousness and eternal life for all who believe.

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

Psalms 127:1

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

Deuteronomy 11:17

And [then] the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.

Isaiah 49:4

Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.

Habakkuk 2:13

Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

Leviticus 26:4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Galatians 4:11

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.