King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;
Complete Jewish Bible:
"'If, in spite of all this, you refuse my correction and still go against me;
Berean Standard Bible:
And if in spite of these things you do not accept My discipline, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me,
American Standard Version:
And if by these things ye will not be reformed unto me, but will walk contrary unto me;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And if ye will not be reformed{H3256} by me by these things, but will walk{H1980} contrary{H7147} unto me;
Cross-References (KJV):
Jeremiah 5:3
- O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
Jeremiah 2:30
- In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
Amos 4:6
- ¶ And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
Amos 4:12
- Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: [and] because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
Ezekiel 24:13
- In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.
Ezekiel 24:14
- I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.
Isaiah 1:16
- ¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Leviticus 26:23
Leviticus 26:23 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience to God's laws. This particular verse is situated within the context of the covenant between God and the Israelites, which is detailed in chapters 25 and 26. The verse reflects the conditional nature of this covenant, where God promises to bless the people if they follow His statutes, but also warns them of the consequences if they choose to disobey.
In Leviticus 26:23, the phrase "if ye will not be reformed by me by these things" suggests a divine plea for the Israelites to change their behavior in response to the disciplinary actions or warnings God has already provided. The "things" mentioned likely refer to the previous verses that describe various calamities or afflictions that would befall the people if they strayed from God's commandments. These could include poor harvests, defeat by enemies, and various forms of suffering intended to prompt repentance.
The second part of the verse, "but will walk contrary unto me," emphasizes the idea of deliberate disobedience. To "walk contrary" implies a willful choice to live in a manner that opposes God's will and instructions. This reflects a theme common in the Hebrew Bible: the expectation of loyalty and obedience to God as a response to His saving actions and covenantal love.
Historically, this verse would have been spoken into a context where the Israelites were frequently tempted to assimilate into the idolatrous practices of their neighboring nations. The book of Leviticus, as part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), was likely compiled during the Babylonian Exile or shortly thereafter, in the 6th century BCE. It served as a reminder to the Israelites of their unique identity and relationship with God, and the importance of maintaining their covenantal obligations even in the face of adversity or cultural pressure.
In summary, Leviticus 26:23 is a solemn warning within a covenantal framework, emphasizing the consequences of persistent disobedience to God. It underscores the themes of repentance, divine discipline, and the importance of heeding God's guidance to avoid greater punishments. The verse reflects the historical context of the Israelites' struggle to remain faithful to their covenant with God amidst the religious and cultural influences of the ancient Near Eastern world.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3256
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָסַר
Transliteration: yâçar
Pronunciation: yaw-sar'
Description: a primitive root; to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct; bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. - Strong's Number: H1980
There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הָלַךְ
Transliteration: hâlak
Pronunciation: haw-lak'
Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. - Strong's Number: H7147
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קְרִי
Transliteration: qᵉrîy
Pronunciation: ker-ee'
Description: from קָרָה; hostile encounter; contrary.