Leviticus 26:37

Leviticus 26:37 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They will stumble over one another as before the sword, though no one is behind them. So you will not be able to stand against your enemies.

King James Version KJV

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

American Standard Version ASV

And they shall stumble one upon another, as it were before the sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Falling on one another, as before the sword, when no one comes after them; you will give way before your haters.

Free Bible Version FBV

You'll trip over each other as you run away from the attack, even though no one's there. You'll have no power to resist your enemies.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

They shall fall also one vpon another, as before a sword, though none pursue them, and ye shall not be able to stand before your enemies:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they have stumbled one on another, as from the face of a sword, and there is none pursuing, and ye have no standing before your enemies,

World English Bible WEB

They will stumble over one another, as it were before the sword, when no one pursues. You will have no power to stand before your enemies.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they shall every one fall upon their brethren as fleeing from wars, none of you shall dare to resist your enemies.

Translation for Translators T4T

You will stumble over each other. So you will not be able to stand and fight your enemies.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 26:37

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 26:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/כָשְׁל֧וּ אִישׁ בְּ/אָחִ֛י/ו כְּ/מִ/פְּנֵי חֶ֖רֶב וְ/רֹדֵ֣ף אָ֑יִן וְ/לֹא תִֽהְיֶ֤ה לָ/כֶם֙ תְּקוּמָ֔ה לִ/פְנֵ֖י אֹֽיְבֵי/כֶֽם

וְ/כָשְׁל֧וּ kâshal H3782 to stumble Conj | V-Qal-3cp

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

בְּ/אָחִ֛י/ו ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-ms | Suff

כְּ/מִ/פְּנֵי pânîym H6440 face Prep | Prep | N-cp

חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 sword N-fs

וְ/רֹדֵ֣ף râdaph H7291 to pursue Conj | V-Qal

אָ֑יִן ʼayin H369 nothing Part

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִֽהְיֶ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

לָ/כֶם֙ Prep | Suff

תְּקוּמָ֔ה tᵉqûwmâh H8617 standing N-fs

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

אֹֽיְבֵי/כֶֽם ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 26:37

וְ/כָשְׁל֧וּ kâshal H3782 "to stumble" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בְּ/אָחִ֛י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

כְּ/מִ/פְּנֵי pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וְ/רֹדֵ֣ף râdaph H7291 "to pursue" Conj | V-Qal

To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.

Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase

Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.

אָ֑יִן ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִֽהְיֶ֤ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לָ/כֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

תְּקוּמָ֔ה tᵉqûwmâh H8617 "standing" N-fs

This Hebrew word means the ability to stand or resist, describing someone's power to stand firm. It is about having the strength to withstand something.

Definition: standing, ability or power to stand

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: power to stand. See also: Leviticus 26:37.

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

אֹֽיְבֵי/כֶֽם ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

Study Notes — Leviticus 26:37

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 26:37 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 26:37
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 26:37
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 26:37
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 26:37
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 26:37
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 26:37
Sermons on Leviticus 26:37

Context — Punishments for Disobedience

35As long as it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not receive during the Sabbaths when you lived in it. 36As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them.

37They will stumble over one another as before the sword, though no one is behind them. So you will not be able to stand against your enemies.

38You will perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies will consume you. 39Those of you who survive in the lands of your enemies will waste away in their iniquity and will decay in the sins of their fathers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 7:12–13	This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.
2	Judges 2:14	Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist.
3	Jeremiah 37:10	Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.”
4	1 Samuel 14:15–16	Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God. Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction,
5	Judges 7:22	And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.
6	Isaiah 10:4	Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
7	Numbers 14:42	Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you.

Leviticus 26:37 Summary

[Leviticus 26:37 is saying that when we are not following God and are disobedient, we can become so afraid and weak that we will stumble and fall, even when there is no real danger, similar to what is described in Psalm 27:1-3. This is because God is not with us, giving us the strength and courage we need to stand against our enemies, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6. We must trust in God's power and strength, and obey His commands, in order to stand strong and overcome our challenges, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to stumble over one another as before the sword?

This phrase, found in Leviticus 26:37, means that the people will be so fearful and panicked that they will trip and fall over each other, even when there is no enemy pursuing them, much like they would if they were fleeing from a sword-wielding army, as described in Proverbs 28:1.

Why will the people not be able to stand against their enemies?

According to Leviticus 26:37, the people will not be able to stand against their enemies because God will have sent a faintness into their hearts, causing them to lose courage and strength, as also seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 where God commands us to be strong and courageous.

Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual battle?

This verse, Leviticus 26:37, is talking about a physical battle, but it is also closely tied to spiritual conditions, as the people's spiritual state, including their disobedience and sin, has led to their physical weakness and inability to stand against their enemies, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

This verse, Leviticus 26:37, relates to the concept of spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:12, because it shows how spiritual conditions can affect physical outcomes, and how God's people must rely on His strength and power to overcome their enemies, both physical and spiritual.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that fear and panic can cause us to stumble and fall, just like the people in this verse?
How can we, as God's people, stand strong against our enemies, whether they are physical or spiritual, and what role does faith play in this?
What are some spiritual conditions that can lead to physical weakness, and how can we avoid them in our own lives?
In what ways can we apply the principles of this verse to our own lives, and how can we trust in God's power and strength to overcome our challenges?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 26:37

And they shall fall one upon another,.... In their hurry and confusion, everyone making all the haste he can to escape the imaginary danger; or "a man upon his brother" (z); his friend, as Aben Ezra

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 26:37

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 26:37

They shall fall one upon another, as soldiers use to do when their ranks are broken, and they forced to flee away hastily from their pursuers. When non pursueth; your guilt and fear causing you to imagine that they do pursue you when indeed they do not.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 26:37

Leviticus 26:37 And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.Ver. 37. And they shallfall.] Through feebleness or prefestination.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 26:37

(36, 37) And upon them that are left alive of you.—Better, And as to those that remain of you, as the Authorised Version generally renders this expression. This obviates the insertion of the expression “alive,” which is not in the original, and is not put in the Authorised Version in Leviticus 26:39, where the same phrase occurs. Where these will remain is explained in the next clause. I will send a faintness into their hearts.—That is, He will implant in them such timidity and cowardice that they will be frightened at the faintest sound. He will make life a misery to them. (Comp. Deuteronomy 28:65-67.)

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 26:37

14–39. The penalties that shall ensue, if Israel prove disobedient (Cp. Deuteronomy 28:15 ff.) They are arranged in five groups, viz. (a) Leviticus 26:16-18, (b) Leviticus 26:19-20, (c) Leviticus 26:21; Leviticus 26:32, (d) Leviticus 26:23-26, (e) Leviticus 26:27-39, overthrow and exile of the nation.

Sermons on Leviticus 26:37

	Sermon	Description
	Learning From Losing by David Roper	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to look back and find direction from the way things have been done in the past. He mentions the theme song of the churc
	Bristol Conference 1976-12 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark	The video is a sermon on the Book of Judges in the Bible. It discusses the unique period in the nation's history that is covered in chapters 4 and 5 of the book. These chapters dep
	Sinning and Repenting by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson's sermon 'Sinning and Repenting' explores the cyclical nature of sin and repentance as illustrated in the Book of Judges. He emphasizes how Israel repeatedly turned aw
	(Education for Exultation) the Gideon Venture by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon is in a difficult situation, feeling weak and unsure of what to do. However, God arranges for Gide
	The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o
	Against All Odds by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl
	Hebrews 11:33-34 by Don McClure	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. He emphasizes the battle that God has in our lives of bringing us to a place of obedience and building an