King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:23 Mean?

Leviticus 26:23 in the King James Version says “And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 26:23 · KJV

Context

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;

24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

25

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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 this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאִ֨ם1 of 8
H518

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

בְּאֵ֔לֶּה2 of 8
H428

these or those

לֹ֥א3 of 8
H3808

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

תִוָּֽסְר֖וּ4 of 8

“And if ye will not be reformed”

H3256

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

לִ֑י5 of 8
H0
וַֽהֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם6 of 8

“by me by these things but will walk”

H1980

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

עִמִּ֖י7 of 8
H5973

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

קֶֽרִי׃8 of 8

“contrary”

H7147

hostile encounter

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 26:23 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 26:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 5:3Jeremiah 2:30Amos 4:6-12Leviticus 26:21Ezekiel 24:13-14Isaiah 1:16-20

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 26 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes