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⇱ Leviticus 26:44 Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 26 > Verse 44
◄ Leviticus 26:44 ►
New International Version
Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the LORD their God.

New Living Translation
“But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the LORD their God.

English Standard Version
Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the LORD their God.

Berean Standard Bible
Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

King James Bible
And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.

New King James Version
Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor shall I abhor them, to utterly destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

New American Standard Bible
Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so loathe them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

NASB 1995
‘Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

NASB 1977
‘Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so loathe them as to bring an end to them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am Yahweh their God.

Amplified Bible
Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so despise them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

Christian Standard Bible
Yet in spite of this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or abhor them so as to destroy them and break my covenant with them, since I am the LORD their God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Yet in spite of this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or abhor them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them, since I am Yahweh their God.

American Standard Version
And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am Jehovah their God;

Contemporary English Version
No matter what you have done, I am still the LORD your God, and I will never completely reject you or become absolutely disgusted with you there in the land of your enemies.

English Revised Version
And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Even when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or look at them with disgust. I will not reject or cancel my promise to them, because I am the LORD their God.

Good News Translation
But even then, when they are still in the land of their enemies, I will not completely abandon them or destroy them. That would put an end to my covenant with them, and I am the LORD their God.

International Standard Version
Yet, despite all of these things, when they're in the land of their enemies, I won't reject or despise them so as to completely destroy them and by doing so violate my covenant with them, because I am the LORD their God.

NET Bible
In spite of this, however, when they are in the land of their enemies I will not reject them and abhor them to make a complete end of them, to break my covenant with them, for I am the LORD their God.

New Heart English Bible
Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God;

Webster's Bible Translation
And yet for all that, when they shall be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

World English Bible
Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly and to break my covenant with them; for I am Yahweh their God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and also even this, in their being in the land of their enemies, I have not rejected them, nor have I loathed them, to consume them, to break My covenant with them; for I [am] their God YHWH—

Young's Literal Translation
and also even this, in their being in the land of their enemies, I have not rejected them, nor have I loathed them, to consume them, to break My covenant with them; for I am Jehovah their God; --

Smith's Literal Translation
And yet also this in their being in the land of their enemies, I did not reject them, and I did not abhor them, to cut them off, and to break my covenant with them: for I Jehovah their God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And yet for all that when they were in the land of their enemies, I did not cast them off altogether, neither did I so despise them that they should be quite consumed, and I should make void my covenant with them. For I am the Lord their God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And even after so much, when they were in the land of their enemy, I did not cast them off entirely, and I did not so despise them that they would be consumed, nor so that I would nullify my covenant with them. For I am the Lord their God.

New American Bible
Yet even so, even while they are in their enemies’ land, I will not reject or loathe them to the point of wiping them out, thus making void my covenant with them; for I, the LORD, am their God.

New Revised Standard Version
Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, or abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies I will not abhor them, neither will I cast them away to destroy them utterly, nor have I nullified my covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also when they were in the land of their enemies I did not despise them and I have not cast them off and I have not destroyed them and I have not discontinued my covenant with them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And yet not even thus, while they were in the land of their enemies, did I overlook them, nor did I loathe them so as to consume them, to break my covenant made with them; for I am the Lord their God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Remembers Those who Repent
…43For the land will be abandoned by them, and it will enjoy its Sabbaths by lying desolate without them. And they will pay the penalty for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and abhorred My statutes. 44Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God. 45But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:31
For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath.

Jeremiah 30:11
For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Ezekiel 11:16
Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’

Ezekiel 16:60
But I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

Ezekiel 20:42
Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land that I swore to give your fathers.

Ezekiel 36:24-28
For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. / I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ...

Isaiah 54:7-10
“For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will bring you back. / In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer. / “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. ...

Jeremiah 31:35-37
Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name: / “Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel’s descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me.” / This is what the LORD says: “Only if the heavens above could be measured and the foundations of the earth below searched out would I reject all of Israel’s descendants because of all they have done,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:25-26
This is what the LORD says: If I have not established My covenant with the day and the night and the fixed order of heaven and earth, / then I would also reject the descendants of Jacob and of My servant David, so as not to take from his descendants rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore them from captivity and will have compassion on them.”

Romans 11:1-2
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. / God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel:

Romans 11:25-29
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. / And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. / And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” ...

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

Hebrews 8:10-12
For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. / No longer will each one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest. / For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


Deuteronomy 4:29-31
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul…

2 Kings 13:23
And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

Nehemiah 9:31
Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

abhor

Leviticus 26:11
And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

break

Psalm 89:33
Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

Jeremiah 14:21
Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

Jeremiah 33:20,21
Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; …

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Abhor Agreement Break Breaking Cast Completely Covenant Despise Destroy Enemies Haters Loathed Reject Rejected Spite Spurn Turned Utterly
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Leviticus 26
1. Of idolatry
2. Reverence
3. A blessing to those who keep the commandments
14. A curse to those who break them
40. God promises to remember those who repent














Yet in spite of this
This phrase acknowledges the preceding context of Leviticus 26, which outlines the consequences of Israel's disobedience, including exile and suffering. Despite these severe warnings, God introduces a note of hope and mercy. This reflects the consistent biblical theme of God's grace prevailing even in judgment, as seen in the stories of Noah and the flood (Genesis 6-9) and the remnant of Israel (Isaiah 10:20-22).

when they are in the land of their enemies
This refers to the exile that Israel would experience due to their disobedience. Historically, this was fulfilled during the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. The phrase highlights the reality of Israel's punishment but also sets the stage for God's promise of restoration. It underscores the covenant relationship where discipline is a tool for correction rather than abandonment.

I will not reject or despise them
God's commitment to His people remains steadfast despite their unfaithfulness. This echoes the promise found in Deuteronomy 4:31, where God assures Israel that He will not abandon them. It reflects God's character as compassionate and faithful, a theme reiterated in the New Testament in Romans 11:1-2, where Paul speaks of God's enduring relationship with Israel.

so as to destroy them
The ultimate destruction of Israel is not God's intention. This aligns with the prophetic assurances found in Jeremiah 30:11, where God promises not to make a full end of His people. It emphasizes the idea of divine discipline aimed at correction rather than annihilation, pointing to God's redemptive purposes.

and break My covenant with them
God's covenant with Israel, established with Abraham (Genesis 17) and reaffirmed at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), is unbreakable from His side. This phrase underscores the theological concept of God's faithfulness to His promises, a central theme throughout Scripture. It also foreshadows the New Covenant in Christ, where God's faithfulness is fully realized (Hebrews 8:6-13).

for I am the LORD their God
This declaration reaffirms God's identity and His unique relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of the covenant name of God, Yahweh, which signifies His eternal presence and unchanging nature. This phrase is foundational to understanding God's dealings with His people, as seen in Exodus 3:14-15 and throughout the prophetic literature. It also points to the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who embodies the presence and faithfulness of God (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are the primary audience of the book of Leviticus.

2. The Covenant
The binding agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience.

3. The Land of Israel
The promised land given to the Israelites, which plays a central role in their identity and relationship with God.

4. Moses
The prophet and leader who delivered God's laws and commandments to the Israelites, including the book of Leviticus.

5. Exile
The event of being removed from the land due to disobedience, which is a significant theme in Leviticus 26.
Teaching Points
God's Unfailing Faithfulness
Despite Israel's disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant. This teaches us about the steadfast nature of God's promises and His commitment to His people.

The Importance of Repentance
The context of Leviticus 26:44 underscores the need for repentance. Even when facing consequences, turning back to God is always an option.

Hope in Exile
The assurance that God will not reject His people completely provides hope during times of spiritual exile or distance from God.

Covenant Relationship
Understanding the covenant relationship helps us appreciate the depth of God's commitment and the seriousness of our response to His commands.

God's Mercy in Judgment
Even in judgment, God's mercy is evident. This balance of justice and mercy is a key aspect of God's character.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 26:44?

2. How does Leviticus 26:44 demonstrate God's enduring covenant despite Israel's disobedience?

3. What does "I will not reject them" reveal about God's character?

4. How can we apply God's faithfulness in Leviticus 26:44 to our lives today?

5. Connect Leviticus 26:44 with Romans 11:1 on God's relationship with Israel.

6. How does Leviticus 26:44 encourage perseverance in faith during personal trials?

7. How does Leviticus 26:44 reflect God's enduring covenant with Israel despite their disobedience?

8. Why does God choose not to reject Israel completely in Leviticus 26:44?

9. What does Leviticus 26:44 reveal about God's character and faithfulness?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 26?

11. (Leviticus 26:44) Does God’s promise never to fully reject Israel conflict with other passages about divine judgment and exile?

12. Isaiah 12:5: How do we reconcile the emphasis on “excellent things” done by God with the historical records of suffering and defeat experienced by the Israelites?

13. Does Ezekiel 5:13’s portrayal of God’s “fury” conflict with depictions of divine mercy elsewhere in the Bible?

14. How do interpreters harmonize the restoration promises in Ezekiel 39:21–29 with other Old Testament passages that describe different outcomes for Israel?
What Does Leviticus 26:44 Mean
Yet in spite of this

• The chapter has just cataloged severe covenant curses (vv.14-43), yet God’s first word afterward is “in spite of this.” His mercy overrides judgment.

• Deuteronomy 4:31 reminds Israel, “He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant…”.

• Paul echoes the principle: where sin surged, grace abounded (Romans 5:20). Even in rebellion, hope remains.

when they are in the land of their enemies

• Exile is assumed; discipline has run its full course (26:33).

• God’s reach is not limited by geography:

‑ Jeremiah 29:14 promises, “I will be found by you…and restore you from captivity.”

‑ Ezekiel 36:19 shows scattering “among the nations,” yet sets the stage for restoration.

• The clause assures that judgment never places God’s people beyond His attention.

I will not reject or despise them

• Divine rejection is withheld; relationship endures.

• Psalm 94:14 affirms, “For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His inheritance”.

• Romans 11:1-2 applies the same truth to Israel after centuries of unbelief: “God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew.”

• The promise tempers every chastisement with steadfast affection.

so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them

• Discipline is corrective, never annihilative.

• Psalm 89:33-34: “I will not withdraw My loving devotion or betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant”.

• Hosea 11:8-9 pictures God wrestling with judgment yet sparing His own: “My compassion is stirred.”

• The covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:7) and confirmed through Moses stands unbroken; God’s honor is bound to it.

for I am the LORD their God

• God’s character, not Israel’s conduct, secures the covenant.

• Malachi 3:6 anchors the pledge: “I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed”.

• Hebrews 13:8 applies the same immutability to Christ: yesterday, today, forever.

• Identity language (“I am the LORD”) signals absolute authority and unwavering faithfulness.

summary

Leviticus 26:44 proclaims that divine mercy outlasts human failure. Even when discipline drives Israel into enemy lands, God refuses to reject, annihilate, or annul His covenant. His unchanging nature guarantees eventual restoration, proving that judgment serves His redemptive purpose rather than negating it.

(44) And yet for all that.--Better, And yet even so, that is, even if it be so that they remain exiles in foreign lands for a long time, this is no proof that God has finally cast them off, has given them over to destruction, and abrogated His covenant with them. He is always their God, and will keep His covenant for ever.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Yet
וְאַף־ (wə·’ap̄-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

in spite of
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

this,
זֹ֠את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

when they are
בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֞ם (bih·yō·w·ṯām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in the land
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of their enemies,
אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֗ם (’ō·yə·ḇê·hem)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

I will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

reject
מְאַסְתִּ֤ים (mə·’as·tîm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3988: To spurn, to disappear

or
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

despise them
גְעַלְתִּים֙ (ḡə·‘al·tîm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1602: To detest, to reject

so as to destroy them
לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם (lə·ḵal·lō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

and break
לְהָפֵ֥ר (lə·hā·p̄êr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6565: To break up, to violate, frustrate

My covenant
בְּרִיתִ֖י (bə·rî·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

with them;
אִתָּ֑ם (’it·tām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

for
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

their God.
אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ĕ·lō·hê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Law: Leviticus 26:44 Yet for all that when they (Le Lv Lev.)