Leviticus 26:5

KJV

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

KJV (with Strong's)

And your threshing {H1786} shall reach {H5381} unto the vintage {H1210}, and the vintage {H1210} shall reach {H5381} unto the sowing time {H2233}: and ye shall eat {H398} your bread {H3899} to the full {H7648}, and dwell {H3427} in your land {H776} safely {H983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your threshing time will extend until the grape harvest, and your grape harvesting will extend until the time for sowing seed. You will eat as much food as you want and live securely in your land.

Berean Standard Bible

Your threshing will continue until the grape harvest, and the grape harvest will continue until sowing time; you will have your fill of food to eat and will dwell securely in your land.

American Standard Version

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time; and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:5 unveils a profound promise of divine blessing for Israel's covenant obedience, painting a vivid picture of unparalleled agricultural abundance and comprehensive security within the promised land. This verse describes a miraculous agricultural cycle where harvests are so bountiful and prolonged that they seamlessly overlap, ensuring continuous provision without shortage. Beyond mere sustenance, it guarantees complete satisfaction of needs and a state of deep peace and safety within their borders, directly linking national well-being and flourishing to their faithfulness to God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as the theological climax and capstone of the covenant stipulations detailed throughout the book, particularly from [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Offerings and Laws"). It functions as a solemn, prophetic discourse, meticulously outlining the blessings for obedience (verses 3-13) and the severe curses for disobedience (verses 14-45). Following intricate instructions on holiness, sacrificial systems, and sacred festivals, this chapter powerfully underscores the ultimate purpose of the Law: to foster a righteous and exclusive relationship between Yahweh and His people, resulting in tangible blessings or dire consequences. Specifically, [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience") presents a comprehensive vision of prosperity, encompassing timely rain, abundant produce, national peace, victory over adversaries, and God's abiding presence. Verse 5 is an integral component of this positive covenantal outcome, illustrating the practical, daily experience of God's overflowing provision and protective care for a faithful Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** When Leviticus was penned, the Israelites were on the cusp of entering the land of Canaan, transitioning from a nomadic existence to an agrarian society. Their very survival, prosperity, and national identity would be inextricably linked to successful agricultural yields and security from hostile surrounding nations. The promises articulated in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") directly addressed these foundational concerns. In the ancient Near East, agricultural success was highly precarious, subject to unpredictable weather patterns, devastating pests, and constant threats of inter-tribal conflict. Therefore, a divine promise of continuous, overlapping harvests and dwelling "safely" (Hebrew: *beṭach*) was not merely a desirable outcome but a miraculous intervention, signifying divine favor that transcended natural limitations and human capabilities. This assurance would have instilled immense hope and confidence in a people about to embark on the challenging task of settling and securing their promised inheritance, powerfully emphasizing God as the ultimate, reliable source of their sustenance and defense, distinct from the capricious and often impotent deities of surrounding pagan nations.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Divine Blessing**. The verse explicitly links Israel's obedience to God's commands with an outpouring of material prosperity and security, reinforcing the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant. It also highlights God as the **Sovereign Provider and Protector**, demonstrating His ability to supernaturally sustain His people beyond natural means. The concept of **Shalom** (peace and wholeness) is central, as "dwelling safely" encapsulates not just the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being and flourishing in every aspect of life. Furthermore, the overflowing harvest imagery contributes to the theme of **Abundance and Generosity**, portraying God's desire to bless His people lavishly when they walk in His ways, a theme echoed in other passages such as [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience") and [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man"). The verse also subtly touches upon the theme of **God's Presence**, as His protective hand and provision are evidence of His active dwelling among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Threshing (H1786, _dayish'_):** This term refers to the act or time of separating grain from its husks, typically occurring after the grain harvest, usually in late spring or early summer. In this context, "threshing" represents the entire grain harvest and its subsequent processing. Its mention here signifies the initial and foundational agricultural yield of the year, and its extension "unto the vintage" highlights an unprecedented, prolonged period of productivity beyond normal seasonal boundaries.
* **Vintage (H1210, _bâtsîyr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "clipped," this word specifically denotes the grape harvest, which traditionally took place in late summer or early autumn. The overlapping of the "threshing" (grain harvest) reaching "unto the vintage" (grape harvest) implies that the grain harvest would be so immense and prolonged that its processing would continue right up until the time for gathering grapes. This signifies an extraordinary, continuous cycle of agricultural bounty, far exceeding normal seasonal limitations and ensuring no gap in food supply.
* **Safely (H983, _beṭach'_):** From a root meaning "to trust," this word denotes a state of security, confidence, and freedom from alarm or threat. It implies not merely the absence of danger but a positive state of well-being, peace, and trust. In the context of dwelling in the land, it speaks to national security, freedom from invasion, and internal stability, allowing the people to live without fear or anxiety, a state directly attributed to God's protective hand and their trust in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage":** This clause describes an extraordinary agricultural phenomenon where the grain harvest season would be so abundant and prolonged that its completion would extend into the time of the grape harvest. This defies typical seasonal agricultural cycles, implying a miraculous, overflowing yield that provides continuous work and produce, signifying God's supernatural provision.
* **"and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time":** Building on the previous clause, this further emphasizes the unprecedented abundance. The grape harvest would be so extensive that its processing and consumption would last until the time for planting new crops, typically in autumn. This creates a picture of perpetual productivity, where one season's bounty seamlessly flows into the next, leaving no gap or shortage and ensuring year-round sustenance.
* **"and ye shall eat your bread to the full":** This promises complete satisfaction and freedom from hunger. "Eating to the full" implies not just enough food to survive, but an abundance that ensures satiety, health, and well-being. It speaks to God's generous and overflowing provision, meeting the most fundamental human need in an abundant manner, thereby removing any anxiety about daily sustenance.
* **"and dwell in your land safely":** This final clause guarantees profound national security and peace. "Dwell safely" signifies freedom from external threats (such as enemies or invasion) and internal strife, allowing the people to live without fear or anxiety in the land God had given them. This holistic peace (*shalom*) is a direct result of God's protective presence and their faithful adherence to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine blessing and covenantal reward. **Hyperbole** is prominently featured in the description of overlapping agricultural seasons ("your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time"). This exaggerated depiction of continuous harvest, where one season's work bleeds into the next, far exceeds natural agricultural cycles. It serves to emphasize the miraculous and overflowing nature of God's promised provision, painting a picture of such immense bounty that the people would always be engaged in harvesting or processing, with no lull in productivity or abundance. **Symbolism** is also deeply embedded, where the physical blessings of abundant food and secure dwelling symbolize God's comprehensive care, faithfulness, and the holistic peace He bestows. The phrase "eat your bread to the full" symbolizes complete satisfaction and freedom from want, while "dwell in your land safely" symbolizes the profound peace and security (*shalom*) that comes from living under God's protection and favor. The continuous cycle of harvest, encompassing "threshing" (early harvest) and "sowing time" (late agricultural year), can also be interpreted as a form of **Merism**, where these two endpoints encompass the entire annual agricultural cycle, implying that every part of their year would be blessed and productive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:5 powerfully articulates God's desire to bless His people with physical and material abundance as a direct consequence of their covenant faithfulness. It underscores the theological principle that God is the ultimate provider and protector, capable of transcending natural limitations to ensure the well-being of those who obey Him. This promise of overflowing harvests and secure dwelling reflects God's unwavering commitment to the covenant established at Sinai, demonstrating that true prosperity and peace are found not merely in human effort or military strength, but in devoted alignment with divine will. It foreshadows the comprehensive concept of *shalom*—holistic peace and well-being—that encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a flourishing life in every dimension, deeply rooted in a right relationship with God. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding the Old Testament's emphasis on God's tangible blessings for obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "Deuteronomy 28:8 - Blessings in Storehouses")
* [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Dwelling in Safety")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honoring God with Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:5, though rooted in the Mosaic Covenant and its specific promises to ancient Israel, offers timeless principles and profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is inherently a God of abundant provision and profound peace, whose desire is to bless His people. While the New Covenant shifts our primary focus from physical land and agricultural harvests to spiritual realities and the Kingdom of God, the underlying truth remains: faithfulness to God often unlocks a deeper experience of His grace, provision, and peace in our lives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's ability to meet our needs, not just sufficiently, but abundantly, and to grant us a peace that transcends worldly anxieties and circumstances. It challenges us to critically examine where our true security lies—is it in our own efforts, accumulated resources, or the unfailing hand of our sovereign God? Living in obedience to Christ, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, positions us to experience a spiritual "fullness" and "safety" that mirrors the physical blessings promised to Israel, reminding us that true flourishing and lasting security come from a life surrendered to and dependent upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "threshing reaching unto the vintage" challenge my understanding of God's provision in my own life and His capacity to exceed my expectations?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I primarily seeking security and provision from worldly sources rather than placing my full trust in God, and how can I reorient my dependence more fully on Him?**
* **What does "eating bread to the full" mean in a spiritual sense for a New Testament believer, and how can I actively pursue that spiritual fullness in my daily walk with Christ?**
* **How does the promise of "dwelling safely" in this verse impact my perspective on current anxieties or uncertainties in my personal life, my community, or the world at large?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that if I obey God, I will always be wealthy and free from trouble?**

Answer: While Leviticus 26:5 promises physical abundance and security as blessings for Israel's obedience under the Mosaic Covenant, it's crucial to interpret this through a New Testament lens. For the church, the blessings of God are primarily spiritual, though they certainly can include material provision as God wills. The New Testament emphasizes that believers may indeed face trials, suffering, and even persecution (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World") or [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")), yet God promises His abiding presence, profound peace, and spiritual abundance (e.g., [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision") or [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The principle of God as a generous provider and faithful protector remains constant, but its manifestation shifts from a direct, national-level physical covenant to a personal, spiritual covenant realized in Christ.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of "sowing and reaping" in the Bible?**

Answer: Leviticus 26:5 is a prime Old Testament example of the principle of sowing and reaping, particularly in the context of covenant obedience and divine blessing. It vividly illustrates that when Israel "sows" obedience to God's commands and statutes, they "reap" bountiful harvests and secure dwelling. This fundamental principle is broadly applied throughout Scripture, both physically and spiritually. For instance, [Proverbs 11:18](/proverbs/11-18 "Proverbs 11:18 - Righteousness and Reward") speaks of the true reward for righteousness, and [Galatians 6:7-9](/galatians/6-7-9 "Galatians 6:7-9 - Sowing and Reaping") explicitly states that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap," applying it to spiritual and eternal consequences. While the specific blessings differ under the New Covenant, the underlying truth that our actions and obedience (or disobedience) have consequences, and that God responds to faithfulness, remains a timeless and constant truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:5, with its glorious vision of overflowing abundance and secure dwelling, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel's physical blessings were conditional upon their obedience to the Mosaic Law, Christ embodies the perfect, unblemished obedience that humanity could not achieve, thereby securing for us an eternal and spiritual inheritance that infinitely surpasses any earthly provision. He is the true "bread of life" who ensures that all who come to Him will "never hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), providing a spiritual sustenance that truly fills us to the full and satisfies the deepest longings of the soul. Moreover, in Christ, we find ultimate and eternal security; He is our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")), and through His atoning work, we are granted secure dwelling not merely in a physical land but in the very presence of God, adopted as His beloved children and heirs of an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - Living Hope")). The profound peace promised in Leviticus 26:5, the *shalom* of God, is fully realized in Christ, who is Himself "our peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and who grants us a peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Thus, the physical blessings of the Old Covenant serve as types and shadows, pointing forward to the spiritual, eternal, and Christ-centered blessings of the New Covenant, where all God's magnificent promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")).

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

Amos 9:13

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

Joel 2:26

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Leviticus 25:18

Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety.

Leviticus 25:19

And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety.

Joel 2:19

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

Proverbs 1:33

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Deuteronomy 11:15

And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.