Leviticus 26:13 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God identifies Himself as the One who freed Israel from slavery and restored their dignity.
The Context of Leviticus 26:13
God anchors the covenant blessings in the Exodus, the historical foundation of Israel's identity.
What Does Leviticus 26:13 Mean?
The Exodus is God's defining act of covenant initiation. He brought Israel out—not for their own power or cunning, but as an act of redemption. The purpose is clear: that they should not be bondmen (enslaved) to Egypt. Freedom is the outcome; dignity is the restoration.
The image of a broken yoke and upright walking—no longer bent under the burden of servitude—captures total liberation. God is the God who frees, the God whose essential identity is freedom-giving.
Leviticus 26:13 in the Original Language
ol (עוּל), 'yoke'—the wooden bar yoked to oxen; metaphor for oppression, servitude, and the weight of subjugation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 26:13
What does Leviticus 26:13 mean?
God identifies Himself as the One who freed Israel from slavery and restored their dignity.
What is the context of Leviticus 26:13?
God anchors the covenant blessings in the Exodus, the historical foundation of Israel's identity.