And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

LEVITICUS 26:36KJV
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Leviticus 26:36 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 26:36 mean?

Leviticus 26:36 describes how those Israelites who survive after judgment will be so fearful and anxious in foreign lands that even the sound of a shaking leaf will terrify them, causing them to run away as if fleeing from a deadly threat, even when no one is actually chasing them. This verse paints a picture of overwhelming dread and insecurity among the survivors living among their enemies.

In this part of Leviticus, God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, warning them about the consequences of breaking their covenant with Him. The verse comes in a section listing the curses that would follow disobedience, specifically describing a deep sense of fear and vulnerability that would haunt those left alive in exile. The language emphasizes how complete their loss of confidence and peace would be, even in situations where there is no real danger.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:36

  • The word "faintness" comes from מוֹרָךְ (morakh), which means a sense of weakness, timidity, or failing courage. Here, it highlights that the fear is not just physical but deeply rooted in their hearts and minds.
  • "Hearts" is לֵבָב (levav), often used in Hebrew to refer to the inner self or mind, not just emotions. The faintness affects their whole inner being, not just their feelings.
  • "Shaken" is נָדַף (nadaph), meaning to be driven or tossed. The image is of a leaf being blown about, suggesting how easily startled and unsettled the people will be.
  • "Chase" and "pursueth" both use רָדַף (radaph), which means to pursue or chase after. The repetition underlines how the people will feel hunted even when no one is actually after them.

Why Leviticus 26:36 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the consequences of disobedience are not just physical hardships but also deep psychological distress, showing the total impact of exile.
  • The vivid imagery of being frightened by a shaking leaf emphasizes how completely the Israelites' sense of safety and confidence would be stripped away.
  • In the context of Leviticus 26, this verse connects to the larger theme of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, showing how far-reaching the effects of breaking the covenant would be, affecting every part of life.

Where else these words appear

“fleeing” Hebrew H4499 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 52:12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.

“shaken” Hebrew H5086 · used in 8 verses

  • Job 13:25 Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
  • Psalms 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
  • Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

“leaf” Hebrew H5929 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
  • Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

“left” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
  • Nehemiah 1:2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.