Leviticus 26:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sword, plague, and captivity—the final trilogy of covenant judgment—strike Israel.
The Context of Leviticus 26:25
The climactic curse: military defeat, plague, and captivity—Israel loses the land and freedom promised at Sinai.
What Does Leviticus 26:25 Mean?
The sword avenges God's quarrel—His covenant. This is not human war but divine vindication of the covenant bond. Sword does external slaughter; pestilence infiltrates the cities where Israel has gathered for (false) safety. Pestilence (neset) is internal plague. Together they shatter both military and civilian defense.
Delivery into the enemy's hand is the final loss: military defeat leads to captivity. Israel loses the land itself. The promised possession becomes enemy territory.
Leviticus 26:25 in the Original Language
dever (דָּבֶר), 'pestilence'—plague, internal affliction, divine judgment made manifest in disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 26:25
What does Leviticus 26:25 mean?
Sword, plague, and captivity—the final trilogy of covenant judgment—strike Israel.
What is the context of Leviticus 26:25?
The climactic curse: military defeat, plague, and captivity—Israel loses the land and freedom promised at Sinai.