King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:14 Mean?

Leviticus 26:14 in the King James Version says “But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;”

Leviticus 26:14 · KJV

Context

12

And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

13

I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

14

But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

15

And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:

16

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. over: Heb. upon

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

This verse falls within the section on Blessings and Curses. Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִם1 of 10
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֥א2 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁמְע֖וּ3 of 10

“But if ye will not hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לִ֑י4 of 10
H0
וְלֹ֣א5 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ6 of 10

“unto me and will not do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֥ת7 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמִּצְוֹ֖ת9 of 10

“all these commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃10 of 10
H428

these or those

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 26:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 26:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:15-68Leviticus 26:18Jeremiah 17:27Lamentations 2:17Hebrews 12:25Acts 3:23

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