King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:15 Mean?

Leviticus 26:15 in the King James Version says “And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Leviticus 26:15 · KJV


Context

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

17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

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. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאִם1 of 16
H518

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

בְּחֻקֹּתַ֣י2 of 16

my statutes

H2708

a statute

תִּמְאָ֔סוּ3 of 16

And if ye shall despise

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְאִ֥ם4 of 16
H518

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

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

מִשְׁפָּטַ֖י6 of 16

my judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

תִּגְעַ֣ל7 of 16

abhor

H1602

to detest; by implication, to reject

נַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם8 of 16

or if your soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לְבִלְתִּ֤י9 of 16
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

עֲשׂוֹת֙10 of 16

so that ye will not do

H6213

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

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

כָּל12 of 16
H3605

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

מִצְוֹתַ֔י13 of 16

all my commandments

H4687

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

לְהַפְרְכֶ֖ם14 of 16

but that ye break

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

בְּרִיתִֽי׃16 of 16

my covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)


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 26:15 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 26:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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