Leviticus 26:15

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ye shall despise {H3988} my statutes {H2708}, or if your soul {H5315} abhor {H1602} my judgments {H4941}, so that ye will not do {H6213} all my commandments {H4687}, but that ye break {H6565} my covenant {H1285}:

Complete Jewish Bible

if you loathe my regulations and reject my rulings, in order not to obey all my mitzvot but cancel my covenant;

Berean Standard Bible

and if you reject My statutes, despise My ordinances, and neglect to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant,

American Standard Version

and if ye shall reject my statutes, and if your soul abhor mine ordinances, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:15 serves as a pivotal warning within the Mosaic Covenant, delineating the severe consequences that would befall Israel not merely for unintentional transgression, but for a deliberate and profound rejection of God's divine authority and revealed will. This verse articulates a progression of spiritual rebellion, beginning with an internal attitude of contempt for God's statutes and a deep-seated loathing for His judgments, which then manifests as a willful refusal to obey His commandments, culminating in the ultimate act of breaking the sacred covenant established at Sinai. It underscores that the stability and prosperity of the nation were intrinsically linked to their faithful adherence to God's terms, making this verse a critical theological hinge explaining the rationale behind the ensuing disciplinary judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26:15 is strategically placed within the climactic conclusion of the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), which emphasizes Israel's call to reflect God's holiness in all aspects of life. Chapter 26 itself functions as a grand covenantal summary, commencing with foundational principles against idolatry in [Leviticus 26:1-2](/leviticus/26-1-2 "Leviticus 26:1-2 - Prohibition of Idolatry"), followed by a detailed exposition of blessings for obedience in [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience"). Verse 14 introduces the ominous "But if" transition, signaling the shift to the covenant curses. Leviticus 26:15 then precisely defines the *nature* of the disobedience—a deep-seated, intentional rejection—that would trigger the escalating series of judgments described from [Leviticus 26:16](/leviticus/26-16 "Leviticus 26:16 - The First Curses") through [Leviticus 26:39](/leviticus/26-39 "Leviticus 26:39 - Consequences of Disobedience"), including disease, famine, war, and eventual exile. Thus, this verse is the theological linchpin, articulating the root cause for the covenant's severe retributive measures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic Covenant, formally established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), was structured in a manner familiar to ancient Near Eastern peoples, resembling a suzerain-vassal treaty. In such treaties, a powerful sovereign (suzerain) would dictate terms to a lesser king or people (vassal), including stipulations, provisions for public reading, and, critically, explicit blessings for loyalty and dire curses for rebellion. Yahweh, as Israel's divine Suzerain, entered into this unique covenant with His chosen people, defining their national identity and purpose. The curses outlined in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") (and paralleled in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) were not arbitrary punishments but the predictable, covenantal consequences of violating the terms of this sacred agreement. For an ancient Israelite, despising God's statutes and abhorring His judgments was an act of profound treason against the divine King, a betrayal of the very covenant that underpinned their existence and guaranteed divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of the **Conditional Covenant**, highlighting that Israel's well-being and continued enjoyment of God's blessings were contingent upon their faithful obedience, which was to stem from a heart of reverence, not contempt. This verse also underscores the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people are called to be set apart, and their actions (or inactions) directly impact their relationship with a holy God. The concept of **Divine Justice and Retribution** is also prominent, as the verse explains *why* the promised curses would be enacted—not out of caprice, but as a just response to a deliberate and profound spiritual rebellion. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience as Love and Fidelity**, demonstrating that true covenant fidelity is not merely outward compliance but an inward disposition of valuing and submitting to God's revealed will, as seen in the broader call to obedience throughout [the Law](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Despise (Hebrew, מָאַס, _mâʼaç'_):** This primitive root signifies holding something in utter contempt, treating it as insignificant, worthless, or beneath one's notice. It implies a dismissive attitude, a scornful disregard that goes beyond mere ignorance or weakness. When applied to God's statutes (H2708, _chuqqâh_, meaning an enactment or ordinance), it means to actively devalue them, considering them trivial or irrelevant to one's life, rather than as divine wisdom and guidance. It's an internal posture of disdain that precedes outward disobedience, indicating a deep-seated lack of respect for divine authority.
* **Abhor (Hebrew, גָּעַל, _gâʻal'_):** This term is stronger than "despise," conveying a sense of loathing, disgust, or utter rejection. It suggests a deep-seated revulsion, an active turning away from something as offensive or repugnant. To "abhor" God's judgments (H4941, _mishpâṭ_, meaning a verdict, decree, or justice) implies not just ignoring them, but finding them detestable or repulsive, an affront to one's own desires or perceived autonomy. This is a profound spiritual alienation, a visceral opposition originating from the "soul" (H5315, _nephesh_, the inner being, vitality, or person) to God's righteous standards and moral pronouncements.
* **Break my covenant (Hebrew, פָּרַר בְּרִית, _pârar bᵉrîyth'_):** The verb _pârar_ (H6565) means to break up, violate, frustrate, or make void. _Bᵉrîyth_ (H1285) is the Hebrew word for covenant, a solemn, binding agreement, often made by "cutting" (referring to the ancient practice of passing between pieces of flesh). To "break the covenant" is the ultimate act of rebellion, signifying a complete renunciation of the foundational relationship and its terms. It's not merely failing to keep a commandment (H4687, _mitsvâh_, a command or precept), but actively nullifying the entire agreement, severing the sacred bond with the divine Suzerain. This act carried the most severe repercussions, as it undermined the very basis of Israel's identity and existence as God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye shall despise my statutes":** This opening clause establishes the initial condition for the curses, focusing on an internal attitude of contempt. "Statutes" (חֻקֹּתַי, _chuqqotay_) refers to God's prescribed rules, ordinances, and decrees, often implying fixed, unchangeable laws. The emphasis here is on a willful, scornful disregard for these divine directives, treating them as if they are without value or authority, rather than as expressions of divine wisdom and love.
* **"or if your soul abhor my judgments":** This clause intensifies the preceding one, describing an even deeper level of rejection. "Your soul" (נַפְשְׁכֶם, _nafsh'chem_) indicates that this loathing is not superficial but originates from the innermost being, the very core of one's person, encompassing their will, emotions, and desires. "Judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטַי, _mishpatay_) refers to God's just decisions, rulings, and legal pronouncements, which reflect His righteousness and equity. To abhor them means to find God's justice and moral standards repugnant, rejecting them with disgust.
* **"so that ye will not do all my commandments":** This phrase links the internal attitudes of despising and abhorring to their outward manifestation: a deliberate and comprehensive refusal to obey. "Commandments" (מִצְוֹתַי, _mitzvotay_) is a broad term for all of God's instructions and precepts. The "not do all" emphasizes a systematic and intentional defiance rather than isolated lapses, indicating that the internal rebellion leads directly to a persistent pattern of disobedience. This is not a failure to "do" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_, to do or make) but a deliberate choice not to.
* **"[but] that ye break my covenant":** This culminating clause identifies the ultimate consequence and gravity of the preceding actions and attitudes. The "but" (וְאֶת־בְּרִיתִי, _v'et-beriti_) functions as a consequential link: the despising, abhorring, and not doing *result* in the breaking of the covenant. This is the most severe offense, as it signifies the nullification of the sacred pact between God and Israel, thereby forfeiting all the blessings and incurring the full weight of the curses. It is the ultimate act of rebellion, severing the foundational relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrasing "despise my statutes" and "abhor my judgments," where two clauses express similar ideas using different but intensifying vocabulary. This rhetorical technique underscores the depth and multifaceted nature of Israel's potential rejection of God's authority. This is further reinforced by the clear **Conditional Clause Structure** ("And if ye shall... or if your soul... so that ye will not do... [but] that ye break..."), which meticulously outlines the cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's attitudes and actions and the subsequent divine response. The progression from internal attitudes ("despise," "abhor") to outward behavioral manifestation ("not do all my commandments") and finally to the ultimate, catastrophic consequence ("break my covenant") demonstrates a powerful **Climax** or escalation. This rhetorical strategy builds tension and emphasizes that the curses are not arbitrary, but a direct and logical outcome of a profound and deliberate spiritual rebellion, culminating in the severing of the most sacred bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:15 profoundly articulates the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, emphasizing that Israel's continued enjoyment of God's blessings was contingent upon their faithful obedience, stemming from a heart of reverence rather than contempt. This verse highlights that true covenant fidelity is not merely about outward compliance, but about an inward disposition of love and respect for God's revealed will. The deliberate despising and abhorring of God's commands, leading to the breaking of the covenant, is presented as the ultimate act of spiritual rebellion, a rejection of God's authority and His very character as a righteous and holy King. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, revealing God's consistent expectation of genuine devotion and obedience from His people, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, demonstrating that a heart alienated from God's word will inevitably lead to a broken relationship.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 78:56-58](/psalms/78-56-58 "Psalm 78:56-58 - Israel's Rebellion and Covenant Breaking")
* [Jeremiah 11:10](/jeremiah/11-10 "Jeremiah 11:10 - Judah and Israel Breaking the Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:15 serves as a stark and timeless reminder that our relationship with God is profoundly impacted by our internal posture towards His word and His will. It challenges us to examine whether we truly value God's statutes and judgments, or if we subtly despise them as burdensome, irrelevant, or even abhorrent to our modern sensibilities. In an age where personal autonomy is often elevated above divine authority, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation: to embrace God's commands not as restrictive rules, but as expressions of His perfect wisdom and boundless love, designed for our flourishing and spiritual well-being. Our obedience, therefore, becomes a tangible demonstration of our love and reverence for Him, reflecting a heart that cherishes His covenant rather than seeking to circumvent or break it. This verse compels us to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission, recognizing that genuine faith is evidenced by a joyful conformity to God's ways, leading to a deeper, more intimate fellowship with our Creator and a life that honors His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "despising" or "abhorring" God's statutes or judgments, perhaps by rationalizing disobedience or dismissing their relevance in contemporary society?**
* **How does my attitude towards God's commandments reflect my true love and reverence for Him, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater delight in His word?**
* **What are the potential practical consequences, both personal and communal, when believers or the Church as a whole disregard God's revealed will and fail to uphold His covenantal expectations?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for "your soul" to abhor God's judgments?**

Answer: For "your soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_) to abhor God's judgments means that the rejection is not merely superficial or intellectual, but deeply seated within one's innermost being. In Hebrew thought, the _nephesh_ encompasses the entire person—their desires, emotions, will, and life force. Therefore, to abhor God's judgments with one's soul signifies a profound, visceral revulsion and opposition to His righteous standards and moral decrees. It suggests a fundamental spiritual alienation, where God's ways are not just ignored but actively found repugnant, reflecting a heart that is hostile to divine authority. This goes beyond simple disobedience; it's a deliberate, internal turning away from the very nature of God's justice and holiness, as seen in passages like [Psalm 119:113](/psalms/119-113 "Psalm 119:113 - Hating Vain Thoughts") where the psalmist declares, "I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love."

**Is this verse only applicable to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant?**

Answer: While Leviticus 26:15 was given specifically to ancient Israel as part of the Mosaic Covenant, the underlying principles hold timeless theological and spiritual relevance for all believers. The concept of a conditional covenant, where blessings flow from obedience and consequences from rebellion, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. While believers today are under the New Covenant of grace through Christ, the New Testament consistently emphasizes the importance of obedience as an expression of love for God ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Jesus on Obedience")). The attitudes of despising God's word or abhorring His will still lead to spiritual decline, a diminished experience of God's favor, and a weakening of one's relationship with Him, even if the specific covenantal curses of Leviticus 26 do not apply in the same way. The verse serves as a perpetual warning against spiritual apathy, rebellion, and the profound danger of rejecting divine truth, urging believers to cherish God's word and live in faithful submission to His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:15, with its stark warning against despising God's statutes and breaking His covenant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Humanity, in its fallen state, consistently lived out the very rebellion described in this verse, demonstrating a soul that abhorred God's judgments and a will that refused to do His commandments, thereby breaking the covenant (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the law and the covenant that Israel so often broke. He did not despise God's statutes but delighted in them, declaring, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His soul did not abhor God's judgments; rather, He perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ established a New Covenant in His blood, a covenant that is not broken by human failure but secured by His perfect, atoning sacrifice ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"); [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Thus, the consequences of covenant-breaking, foreshadowed in Leviticus 26, were borne by Christ on behalf of those who believe, allowing them to enter into a relationship with God based on grace rather than their own flawed obedience, yet empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life, truly loving and obeying God's commands from a transformed heart ([Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - New Heart and Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

2 Kings 17:15

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

Ezekiel 16:59

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Zechariah 7:13

Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

Isaiah 24:5

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

Jeremiah 11:10

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.