Leviticus 26:31
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The verse highlights God's rejection of the people's worship, not because the rituals were flawed, but because their hearts were. God declares He won't "smell the savor of your sweet odors," meaning He won't accept the pleasing aromas of their sacrifices and incense, revealing that obedience and genuine devotion are more important than outward religious acts.
And I will lay your cities waste and will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your pleasing aromas.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy section detailing the blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. Following a list of escalating punishments, including disease, defeat by enemies, and famine, this verse describes the utter destruction of Israel's civilization and their religious life. It emphasizes God's rejection of their worship when they have turned away from Him.
Imagine your entire city left in ruins, your most sacred places abandoned and crumbling. This isn't just physical destruction; it's a spiritual wound.
The Lord declares a devastating consequence for disobedience: the waste of cities and the desolation of sanctuaries. This isn't merely about property damage.
A Total Ruin
This destruction represents not just loss, but a judgment that strips away all that was held dear, both earthly and spiritual.
What happens when the very aroma of worship, once pleasing, is met with divine indifference? It signifies a profound spiritual chasm.
The phrase 'I will not smell your pleasing aromas' is a powerful metaphor for God's rejection of worship offered by disobedient people.
The Loss of Divine Favor
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This isn't just about sacrifices; it's about the Lord refusing to acknowledge any form of worship or prayer when it comes from a heart that has rejected His commands.
Understand the original words
miqdash · Hebrew Noun
A place consecrated to God, where He manifests His presence and where worship, including sacrifices and offerings, is conducted. It represents the focal point of fellowship between God and His covenant people.
reah nihoah · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A technical term for the sacrificial system, signifying an offering that is acceptable and pleasing to God, demonstrating the worshiper's devotion and the efficacy of the atonement.
This passage echoes the desolation of Jerusalem and its sanctuary, highlighting how God's judgment leads to the destruction of even sacred places due to the people's sin.
Ezekiel 28:18This verse speaks of God's judgment upon the pride of a ruler and the defilement of sanctuaries, mirroring the idea that God will abandon and reject places once dedicated to Him when they are associated with sin.
Amos 5:21Amos directly confronts Israel about their empty religious rituals and sacrifices, stating God's hatred for their festivals and burnt offerings, which parallels the sentiment in Leviticus that God will not accept their 'sweet odors' due to their disobedience.
Isaiah 1:11This prophetic declaration illustrates God's rejection of sacrifices and religious observances when they are not accompanied by justice and righteousness, directly correlating with God refusing to 'smell the savor' of Israel's offerings because of their sin.
Psalm 74:7This psalm laments the destruction of the sanctuary by fire and the desecration of holy places, reflecting the grim reality of what happens to God's dwelling when His people fall into sin and face His judgment.
calvinLeviticus 26:14-45: "But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;"
I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain; for your enemies shall eat it.
Etiam ego faciam hoc vobis: constituam super vos terrorem, tabem, et febrem, consumentia oculos, et dolore afficientia animam, seretisque frustra semen vestrum: nam co…
pooleLeviticus 26:31: "And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours."
Your sanctuaries; either, 1. God’s sanctuary, called sanctuaries here, as also Psalm 73:17 74:7 Jeremiah 51:51 Ezekiel 28:18 , because there were divers apartments in it, each of which was a sanctuary, or, which is all one, a holy place, as they are severally called. And your emphatically, not mine, for I disown and abhor it, and all the service…
The verse highlights God's rejection of the people's worship, not because the rituals were flawed, but because their hearts were. God declares He won't "smell the savor of your sweet odors," meaning He won't accept the pleasing aromas of their sacrifices and incense, revealing that obedience and genuine devotion are more important than outward religious acts.
This passage is part of a lengthy section detailing the blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. Following a list of escalating punishments, including disease, defeat by enemies, and famine, this verse describes the utter destruction of Israel's civilization and their religious life. It emphasizes God's rejection of their worship when they have turned away from Him.
This passage is part of a lengthy section detailing the blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. Following a list of escalating punishments, including disease, defeat by enemies, and famine, this verse describes the utter destruction of Israel's civilization and their religious life. It emphasizes God's rejection of their worship when they have turned away from Him.
"And I will lay your cities waste and will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your pleasing aromas." — The verse highlights God's rejection of the people's worship, not because the rituals were flawed, but because their hearts were. God declares He won't "smell the savor of your sweet odors," meaning…
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Last reviewed October 2026
