Leviticus 26:8 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 26:8 mean?

Leviticus 26:8 promises Israel victory over its enemies, even when Israel’s fighters are greatly outnumbered. The verse presents that victory as part of the peace and security God promises his people.

God speaks to Israel through Moses. The verse pictures enemies turning and running while Israel’s fighters pursue them. After the promise of victory in verse 7, the numbers in verse 8 make the contrast between the opposing forces vivid.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:8

• “chase” and “flight” — רָדַף (radaph): This word carries the sense of pursuing. The same Hebrew word stands behind both “chase” and “put … to flight,” linking the two pictures of enemies being driven away.
• “fall” — נָפַל (naphal): This word can mean to fall or be brought down. Here, the words “by the sword” show that the enemies’ fall is a defeat in battle.

Why Leviticus 26:8 matters

• The numbers stress more than an ordinary advantage in battle. Five pursue a hundred, while a hundred put ten thousand to flight; the second comparison makes the difference between the groups even greater.
• The promise belongs to a passage with a stated condition. Leviticus 26:3 introduces these promises with the words “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them.”
• The peace described in this passage includes the defeat of attackers. Verse 6 promises peace in the land, while verse 8 describes what happens to enemies who confront Israel.