Leviticus 26:44

Authorized King James Version

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַף

H637

And yet

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

גַּם

H1571

when they be

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זֹ֠את

H2063

for all that

this (often used adverb)

בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֞ם

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֗ם

H341

of their enemies

hating; an adversary

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מְאַסְתִּ֤ים

H3988

I will not cast them away

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

גְעַלְתִּים֙

H1602

neither will I abhor

to detest; by implication, to reject

#11

לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם

H3615

them to destroy them utterly

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#12

לְהָפֵ֥ר

H6565

and to break

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

#13

בְּרִיתִ֖י

H1285

my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#14

אִתָּ֑ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#15

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

אֲנִ֥י

H589

#17

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

with them for I am the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶֽם׃

H430

their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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Leviticus 26:44

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources