Exodus 23:26
There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽהְיֶ֛ה
H1961
תִֽהְיֶ֛ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מְשַׁכֵּלָ֥ה
There shall nothing cast their young
H7921
מְשַׁכֵּלָ֥ה
There shall nothing cast their young
Strong's:
H7921
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
וַֽעֲקָרָ֖ה
nor be barren
H6135
וַֽעֲקָרָ֖ה
nor be barren
Strong's:
H6135
Word #:
4 of 9
sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִסְפַּ֥ר
the number
H4557
מִסְפַּ֥ר
the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
7 of 9
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:14Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.Job 5:26Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.Deuteronomy 28:4Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.Job 21:10Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.Isaiah 65:20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.Psalms 144:13That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:Psalms 107:38He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.1 Chronicles 23:1So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.Genesis 35:29And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.Genesis 25:8Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.