Leviticus 26:31

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

Original Language Analysis

וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י And I will make H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י And I will make
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 1 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָֽרֵיכֶם֙ your cities H5892
עָֽרֵיכֶם֙ your cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 3 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
חָרְבָּ֔ה waste H2723
חָרְבָּ֔ה waste
Strong's: H2723
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
וַֽהֲשִׁמּוֹתִ֖י and bring H8074
וַֽהֲשִׁמּוֹתִ֖י and bring
Strong's: H8074
Word #: 5 of 11
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִקְדְּשֵׁיכֶ֑ם your sanctuaries H4720
מִקְדְּשֵׁיכֶ֑ם your sanctuaries
Strong's: H4720
Word #: 7 of 11
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָרִ֔יחַ and I will not smell H7306
אָרִ֔יחַ and I will not smell
Strong's: H7306
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)
בְּרֵ֖יחַ the savour H7381
בְּרֵ֖יחַ the savour
Strong's: H7381
Word #: 10 of 11
odor (as if blown)
נִיחֹֽחֲכֶֽם׃ of your sweet odours H5207
נִיחֹֽחֲכֶֽם׃ of your sweet odours
Strong's: H5207
Word #: 11 of 11
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

Analysis & Commentary

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

This verse falls within the section on Blessings and Curses. Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

Historical Context

Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources