Leviticus 26:39
And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.
Leviticus 26:39 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them" speaks to the consequences of sin and the cycle of guilt and punishment that can pass down through generations. It conveys the idea that individuals who continue in sin will suffer the repercussions, even to the point of wasting away in a foreign land under the oppression of their enemies. The mention of "the iniquities of their fathers" suggests that the sins of one's ancestors can have a lasting impact on future generations, leading them to also bear the burden of guilt and punishment. This verse serves as a warning about the destructive nature of sin and the importance of turning away from wrongdoing to avoid facing the same fate as those who came before.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the phrase "they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity" may be interpreted as a consequence of the Israelites' disobedience and turning away from God. The word "pine away" indicates a slow decline or wasting away, emphasizing the severity of their punishment for their sins. The mention of being in their enemies' lands could signify the hardship and oppression the Israelites would face as a result of their actions. Additionally, the reference to the iniquities of their fathers suggests a generational aspect to their suffering, highlighting the idea of sin being passed down through the family line. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness to avoid the consequences of sin that can affect not only individuals but also future generations.
Leviticus 26:39 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.
World English Bible
Those of you who are left will pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers they shall pine away with them.
Douay-Rheims
And if of them also some remain, they shall pine away in their iniquities, in the land of their enemies: and they shall be afflicted for the sins of their fathers, and their own.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they that are left of you, shall pine away for their iniquitie, in your enemies landes, and for the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them also.