King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:27 Mean?

Leviticus 26:27 in the King James Version says “And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but 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 for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;”

Leviticus 26:27 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

27

And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;

28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

29

And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but 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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

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

בְּזֹ֔את2 of 8

“And if ye will not for all this”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹ֥א3 of 8
H3808

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

תִשְׁמְע֖וּ4 of 8

“hearken”

H8085

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

לִ֑י5 of 8
H0
וַֽהֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם6 of 8

“unto me but 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

בְּקֶֽרִי׃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 26:27 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 26:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:24Leviticus 26:21

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