And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

LEVITICUS 26:6KJV
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Leviticus 26:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 26:6 mean?

Leviticus 26:6 describes God’s promise to give peace and safety to the Israelites in their land, assuring them they will be able to rest without fear, as God will remove dangerous animals and prevent war from entering their territory. This verse highlights God’s protection and the security that comes from following His covenant.

In this passage, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, laying out the blessings that will come if they obey His commands. The verse is part of a larger section where God describes the positive results of faithfulness, including peace (not just the absence of war, but a sense of well-being), safety from wild animals, and freedom from the threat of invasion. The promise is practical and comprehensive, touching on daily life, rest, and national security.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:6

  • "Peace" — שָׁלוֹם (shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it often carries the sense of wholeness, well-being, and harmony. Here, it suggests a deep, settled safety in the land.
  • "Give" — נָתַן (natan): The verb used for "give" emphasizes that this peace is a gift from God, not something the people achieve on their own.
  • "Rid" — שָׁבַת (shavat): The word for "rid" is often used for ceasing or putting an end to something. In this context, it means God will actively remove or cause the stopping of dangerous animals in the land.
  • "Sword" — חֶרֶב (cherev): The mention of the "sword" is a direct reference to war or violence. The promise is that such threats will not "go through" (pass through) the land, highlighting security from external enemies.

Why Leviticus 26:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s idea of peace (shalom) is not just about stopping conflict but about creating a safe and whole environment for His people.
  • The promise covers both natural dangers (wild beasts) and human threats (the sword), showing that God’s care is total, not limited to one area of life.
  • Leviticus 26:6 is part of a conditional promise—these blessings are tied to Israel’s faithfulness to God’s covenant, which is a key theme in the chapter and the book as a whole.

Where else these words appear

“afraid” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 2 Samuel 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
  • Ezekiel 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.

“rid” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.