There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

EXODUS 23:26KJV
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Exodus 23:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 23:26 mean?

Exodus 23:26 promises that in the land God is giving to the Israelites, no one will lose their young or be unable to have children, and the people will live out the full length of their days. This verse describes blessings of fertility, health, and long life as part of God’s covenant with Israel.

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, laying out the blessings that will come if they follow His commands. The verse is part of a larger section where God promises to protect and provide for His people as they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that their well-being—including family growth and lifespan—will be secure under His care.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 23:26

  • young (שָׁכֹל, shakol): This word refers to losing offspring, often through miscarriage or early death. The promise is that such loss will not happen in the land, highlighting security for families and livestock.
  • barren (עָקָר, aqar): This word means unable to have children. Here, it assures the people that infertility will not be an issue, underlining the blessing of continued family lines.
  • land (אֶרֶץ, erets): This term means the territory or country promised to Israel. The focus is on the physical place where these blessings will be experienced.
  • number (מִסְפָּר, mispar) and days (יֹום, yom): Together, these words refer to the total span of a person’s life. The promise is that each person’s life will reach its intended fullness.
  • fulfil (מָלֵא, male): This word means to complete or fill up. God is saying He will make sure each person lives out all the days allotted to them.

Why Exodus 23:26 matters

  • Exodus 23:26 clarifies that the blessings of fertility and long life are not just spiritual ideas but include real, physical well-being for the people and their land.
  • The verse connects to the broader context of covenant promises, showing that obedience to God is linked with practical, everyday blessings for the community.
  • This verse helps correct the misunderstanding that God’s care is only for spiritual needs, emphasizing that God’s promises also cover family, health, and the ability to thrive in the land He provides.

Where else these words appear

“barren” Hebrew H6135 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
  • Deuteronomy 7:14 Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.
  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

“young” Hebrew H7921 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • 2 Kings 2:19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.
  • Ezekiel 5:17 So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken it.

“number” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 33:6 Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
  • Ezra 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;