TRV
Translation
King James Version
The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
KJV (with Strong's)
The land H776 also shall be left H5800 of them, and shall enjoy H7521 her sabbaths H7676, while she lieth desolate H8074 without them: and they shall accept H7521 of the punishment of their iniquity H5771: because H3282, even because H3282 they despised H3988 my judgments H4941, and because their soul H5315 abhorred H1602 my statutes H2708.
Complete Jewish Bible
For the land will lie abandoned without them, and it will be paid its Shabbats while it lies desolate without them; and they will be paid the punishment for their misdeeds, because they rejected my rulings and loathed my regulations.
Berean Standard Bible
For the land will be abandoned by them, and it will enjoy its Sabbaths by lying desolate without them. And they will pay the penalty for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and abhorred My statutes.
American Standard Version
The land also shall be left by them, and shall enjoy its sabbaths, while it lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity; because, even because they rejected mine ordinances, and their soul abhorred my statutes.
World English Bible Messianic
The land also will be left by them, and will enjoy its Sabbaths while it lies desolate without them: and they will accept the punishment of their iniquity; because, even because they rejected my ordinances, and their soul abhorred my statutes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The land also in the meane season shalbe left of them, and shall enioye her Sabbaths while she lieth waste without them, but they shall willingly suffer the punishment of their iniquitie, because they despised my lawes, and because their soule abhorred mine ordinances.
Young's Literal Translation
`And--the land is left of them, and doth enjoy its sabbaths, in the desolation without them, and they accept the punishment of their iniquity, because, even because, against My judgments they have kicked, and My statutes hath their soul loathed,
In the KJVVerse 3,568 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Leviticus 26 verses 40–46
40 ¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;
41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
42 Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.
43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
44 And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.
45 But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.
46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.
Here the chapter concludes with gracious promises of the return of God's favour to them upon their repentance, that they might not (unless it were their own fault) pine away in their iniquity. Behold, with wonder, the riches of God's mercy to a people that had obstinately stood it out against the judgments of God, and would never think of surrendering till they were reduced to the last extremity. Yet turn to strong-hold, you prisoners of hope, Zac 9:12. As bad as things are, they may be mended. Yet there is hope in Israel. Observe,
I. How the repentance which would qualify them for this mercy is described, Lev 26:40, Lev 26:41. The instances of it are three: - 1. Confession, by which they must give glory to God, and take shame to themselves. There must be a confession of sin, their own and their fathers', which they must lament the guilt of because they feel the smart of it; that thus they may cut off the entail of wrath. They must in their confession put sin under its worst character, as walking contrary to God; this is the sinfulness of sin, the worst thing in it, and which in our repentance we should especially bewail. There must also be a confession of wrath; they must overlook the instruments of their trouble and the second causes, and confess that God has walked contrary to them, and so dealt with them according to their sins. Such a confession as this we find made by Daniel just before the dawning of the day of their deliverance (ch. 9), and the like, Ezr 9:1-15 and Neh 9:2. Remorse and godly sorrow for sin: If their uncircumcised heart be humbled. An impenitent, unbelieving, unhumbled heart, is called an uncircumcised heart, the heart of a Gentile that is a stranger to God, rather than the heart of an Israelite in covenant with him. True circumcision is of the heart (Rom 2:29), without which the circumcision of the flesh avails nothing, Jer 9:26. Now in repentance this uncircumcised heart was humbled, that is, it was truly broken and contrite for sin. Note, A humble heart under humbling providences prepares for deliverance and true comfort. 3. Submission to the justice of God in all his dealings; if they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity (Lev 26:41 and again Lev 26:43), that is, if they justify God and condemn themselves, patiently bear the punishment as that which they have well deserved, and carefully answer the ends o it as that which God has well designed, accept it as a kindness, take it as physic, and improve it, then they are penitents indeed.
II. How the mercy which they should obtain upon their repentance is described. 1. They should not be abandoned: Though they have despised my judgments, yet, for all that, I will not cast them away, Lev 26:43, Lev 26:44. He speaks as a tender Father that cannot find in his heart to disinherit a son that has been very provoking. How shall I do it? Hos 11:8, Hos 11:9. Till he had laid the foundations of a church for himself in the Gentile world, the Jewish church was not quite forsaken, nor cast away. 2. They should be remembered: I will remember the land with favour, which is grounded upon the promise before, I will remember my covenant (Lev 26:42), which is repeated, Lev 26:45. God is said to remember the covenant when he performs the promises of it, purely for his faithfulness' sake; not because there is any thing in us to recommend us to his favour, but because he will be as good as his word. This is the church's plea. Psa 74:20, Have respect unto the covenant. He will remember the constitution of the covenant, which is such as leaves room for repentance, and promises pardon upon repentance; and the Mediator of the covenant, who was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and was sent, when the fulness of time came, in remembrance of that holy covenant. The word covenant is thrice repeated, to intimate that God is ever mindful of it and would have us to be so. The persons also with whom the covenant was made are mentioned in an unusual manner, per modum ascensus - in the ascending line, beginning with Jacob, to lead them gradually to the most ancient promise, which was made to the father of the faithful: thus (Mic 7:20) he is said to perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham. He will for their sakes (Lev 26:45), not their merit's sake, but their benefit's sake, remember the covenant of their ancestors, and upon that score show kindness to them, though most unworthy; they are therefore said to be, as touching the election, beloved for the fathers' sake, Rom 11:28. Note, When those that have walked contrary to God in a way of sin return to him by sincere repentance, though he has walked contrary to them in a way of judgment he will return to them in a way of special mercy, pursuant to the covenant of redemption and grace. None are so ready to repent as God is to forgive upon repentance, through Christ, who is given for a covenant.
Lastly, These are said to be the laws which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel, Lev 26:46. His communion with his church is kept up by his law. He manifests not only his dominion over them, but his favour to them, by giving them his law; and they manifest not only their holy fear, but their holy love, by the observance of it; and thus it is made between them, rather as a covenant than a law; for he draws with the cords of a man.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 40–46. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Leviticus 26:43 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:43 stands as a solemn declaration within the Mosaic Covenant, articulating the inevitable and just consequences of Israel's persistent rebellion against God. It prophesies a period of forced exile and desolation for the land, during which it would finally receive its long-neglected sabbatical rests. Crucially, the verse emphasizes that the people, through their suffering, would be compelled to acknowledge the righteousness of God's disciplinary hand, recognizing their plight as a direct and deserved outcome of their profound contempt for His divine judgments and statutes.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:43 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and force. Personification is vividly present in the phrase "the land... shall enjoy her sabbaths," which attributes human-like pleasure, rest, and even a sense of justice being served to the land itself. This device powerfully portrays the land's long-overdue respite from human exploitation, emphasizing God's care for creation and His commitment to His own laws, even when His people fail. The repetition of "because, even because" serves as an emphatic device, powerfully highlighting the direct and undeniable causal link between Israel's profound spiritual rebellion and their impending punishment. This rhetorical emphasis underscores the gravity of their sin—it was not just law-breaking, but a deep-seated despising and abhorring of the very source of those laws. The entire chapter, culminating in this verse, functions as a grand prophetic warning, painting a stark and vivid picture of future judgment to impress upon the people the absolute seriousness of their covenant obligations and the dire consequences of disobedience.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:43 powerfully articulates God's unwavering justice, absolute sovereignty, and fidelity to His covenant. It demonstrates that His promises of blessing and warnings of curse are not idle threats but divinely ordained realities that will come to pass. The verse reveals that God's purposes, including the necessary rest for His creation, will ultimately be fulfilled, even if it requires human suffering and displacement. It also introduces the critical concept of accepting divine discipline as a necessary precursor to genuine repentance and subsequent restoration, highlighting that true turning to God involves humbly acknowledging His righteousness in judgment. The root cause of Israel's downfall—a deep-seated contempt for God's Word—serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy, intellectual rebellion, and emotional aversion to divine truth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:43 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider our own posture towards God's commands and His disciplinary hand in our lives. It reminds us that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent to theological truths but a heartfelt reverence for God's Word, expressed through humble obedience and a willingness to conform our lives to His will. When we face difficulties, trials, or consequences in our lives, this verse challenges us to move beyond blaming circumstances or others, and instead, to humbly ask if we are "accepting the punishment of our iniquity"—recognizing God's justice in our trials and our own culpability. This acceptance is not passive resignation but an active, repentant posture that opens the door for God's restorative grace and healing. Furthermore, the land's forced rest during exile reminds us of God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to His creation; even when we fail, His purposes will prevail. This should inspire both profound humility and unwavering trust, knowing that God works all things, even our failures and their consequences, into His grand and redemptive design.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths" mean?
Answer: This phrase refers to the fulfillment of God's command for the land of Israel to rest every seventh year (the Sabbatical Year, Leviticus 25:4) and every fiftieth year (the Year of Jubilee, Leviticus 25:10). The Israelites were commanded to let the land lie fallow during these times, trusting God to provide for them. However, historical accounts and prophetic laments (e.g., Jeremiah 25:11-12) indicate that they largely failed to observe these sabbaths over many centuries. Therefore, God declared that if they continued in disobedience and rebellion, He would force them from the land through exile. During their absence, the land would finally receive the cumulative rest it was owed. This was literally fulfilled during the 70-year Babylonian exile, as noted in 2 Chronicles 36:21, which states the land "enjoyed her sabbaths" for the duration of the desolation, making up for the neglected years.
What is the significance of "they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity"?
Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because it implies more than just suffering the consequences of sin; it denotes a crucial recognition and acknowledgment of the justice and righteousness of God's discipline. It marks a turning point where the people, through their hardship and suffering, come to understand that their plight is a direct and deserved outcome of their own sin and rebellion, rather than an arbitrary or unjust act of God. This acceptance is a necessary prerequisite for true repentance and subsequent restoration. As seen in Leviticus 26:40-42, God promises to remember His covenant if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, and if their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they "accept of the punishment of their iniquity." It signifies a humble submission to God's righteous judgment, paving the way for His mercy and renewed covenant relationship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:43, with its stark portrayal of judgment for despising God's law and its emphasis on accepting the punishment for iniquity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, with its conditional blessings and curses, revealed humanity's utter inability to perfectly keep God's "judgments" and "statutes," leading inevitably to punishment, exile, and separation from God's holy presence. Israel's failure to observe the land's sabbaths and their deep-seated abhorrence of God's commands foreshadowed the universal human condition of sin and rebellion against a righteous God (Romans 3:23). However, Christ perfectly fulfilled every one of God's "judgments" and "statutes" on our behalf, living a life of impeccable obedience (Matthew 5:17). He then "accepted the punishment of our iniquity" not for His own sin, but by bearing the full, just wrath of God for the sins of humanity on the cross (Isaiah 53:5-6). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Those who believe in Him are no longer under the curse of the law, which Leviticus 26:43 so vividly describes (Galatians 3:13), but receive His perfect righteousness and the promise of eternal life, dwelling in His presence forever, a far greater and more secure restoration than any return to a physical land (Hebrews 4:9-11). Thus, the judgment threatened in Leviticus 26:43, and its subsequent acceptance, points to the profound substitutionary work of Christ, who endured the ultimate desolation of separation from God so that we, through faith, might enjoy eternal Sabbath rest and reconciliation in Him.