King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:21 Mean?

Leviticus 26:21 in the King James Version says “And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. contrary: or, at all adventures with me

Leviticus 26:21 · KJV


Context

19

And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:

20

And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.

21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. contrary: or, at all adventures with me

22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.

23

And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

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. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאִם1 of 13
H518

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

תֵּֽלְכ֤וּ2 of 13
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עִמִּי֙3 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

קֶ֔רִי4 of 13

contrary

H7147

hostile encounter

וְלֹ֥א5 of 13
H3808

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

תֹאב֖וּ6 of 13

unto me and will

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

לִשְׁמֹ֣עַֽ7 of 13

not hearken

H8085

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

לִ֑י8 of 13
H0
וְיָֽסַפְתִּ֤י9 of 13

more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עֲלֵיכֶם֙10 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַכָּ֔ה11 of 13

plagues

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

שֶׁ֖בַע12 of 13

seven times

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

כְּחַטֹּֽאתֵיכֶֽם׃13 of 13

upon you according to your sins

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender


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 26:21 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 26:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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