Leviticus 26:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ye walk {H3212} contrary {H7147} unto me, and will {H14} not hearken {H8085} unto me; I will bring {H3254} seven times {H7651} more {H3254} plagues {H4347} upon you according to your sins {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Yes, if you go against me and don't listen to me, I will increase your calamities sevenfold, according to your sins.

Berean Standard Bible

If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times, according to your sins.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:21 serves as a solemn warning to ancient Israel, articulating God's escalating judgment upon His covenant people should they persist in deliberate, defiant opposition to His commands and character. This verse details a deepening of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant, signifying that divine response to unrepentant rebellion will be increasingly severe and comprehensive, precisely calibrated to the depth of their transgressions. It powerfully underscores God's absolute holiness, unwavering justice, and the profound consequences of rejecting His covenantal relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 is a pivotal and climactic chapter within the book of Leviticus, functioning as a grand summary and concluding exhortation to the Mosaic Law delivered at Mount Sinai. It meticulously outlines the conditional nature of the covenant, presenting a stark dichotomy: abundant blessings for obedience ([Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience")) versus severe curses for disobedience ([Leviticus 26:14-45](/leviticus/26-14-45 "Leviticus 26:14-45 - Curses for Disobedience")). Verse 21 is situated within the escalating series of judgments, following initial warnings (e.g., crop failure, defeat by enemies in [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14-17 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Initial Warnings of Disobedience")) and a promise of a "sevenfold" increase in punishment if repentance does not occur ([Leviticus 26:18-20](/leviticus/26-18-20 "Leviticus 26:18-20 - First Escalation of Judgment")). Verse 21 introduces a further, even more severe intensification of these "plagues" if their "walking contrary" persists, signaling a deepening of their rebellion and a corresponding, proportional increase in God's corrective discipline. This pattern of escalating judgment continues throughout the chapter, culminating in the ultimate consequence of exile and desolation from the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to the nascent nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage and prior to their entry into the Promised Land. They had just entered into a unique, exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had chosen them as His treasured possession. The warnings in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") were not arbitrary threats but foundational instructions for how Israel was to live as a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding pagan cultures, in the land God was granting them. In the ancient Near East, treaties and covenants commonly included stipulations for blessings and curses, often invoked by the gods of the respective parties. However, Israel's covenant with Yahweh was distinct in its emphasis on moral purity, ethical monotheism, and the absolute holiness of God. The concept of "plagues" (Hebrew: *makkah*) was deeply familiar from the Exodus narrative, where God demonstrated His sovereign power over Egypt through a series of divine judgments. Here, the same divine power is threatened against His own people should they abandon their covenant obligations, emphasizing that God's justice is impartial and His covenant demands absolute loyalty and exclusive devotion.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, highlighting that God's covenant with Israel was conditional, demanding obedience and promising consequences for rebellion. This verse specifically emphasizes the **Escalation of Divine Judgment**, illustrating God's patient yet firm response to persistent sin, where warnings intensify if unheeded. It powerfully underscores the **Holiness and Justice of God**, revealing that a holy God cannot tolerate unrepentant sin within His covenant community, and His justice ensures that punishment is proportional to transgression. Furthermore, it touches on the theme of **Sin's Progressive Nature**, showing how initial disobedience can harden into defiant opposition, leading to increasingly severe divine discipline. The ultimate purpose of these warnings, though expressed in terms of curses, is to call Israel to **Repentance and Restoration**, urging them to turn back to God before the full measure of judgment is realized, a theme that echoes throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 1:19-20](/isaiah/1-19-20 "Isaiah 1:19-20 - Obedience and Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walk (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a manner of life, a sustained course of conduct, or a chosen direction. When Israel "walks contrary," it implies not just isolated acts of disobedience, but a lifestyle or a persistent pattern of behavior that is in opposition to God's will and ways. It speaks to the trajectory of their spiritual journey.
* **Contrary (Hebrew, _qᵉrîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to meet" or "to happen," this word takes on a specialized and potent meaning in Leviticus 26, signifying a hostile encounter or perverse opposition. It describes a deliberate, defiant, and antagonistic attitude towards God. It is not merely accidental disobedience but a chosen path of stubborn antagonism, implying a hardened heart that actively works against God's purposes and commands.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." In the covenant context, *shâmaʻ* denotes much more than passive hearing; it implies attentive listening that leads to understanding, internalizing, and ultimately, obedient action. The refusal to "hearken" signifies a deliberate rejection of divine instruction, a failure to internalize God's truth, and a persistent unwillingness to act upon His commands, leading to continued disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye walk contrary unto me":** This opening clause establishes the condition for the ensuing judgment. It describes the core offense: a deliberate, defiant, and active opposition to God's revealed will, His holy character, and the stipulations of His covenant. The phrase "walk contrary" indicates a sustained pattern of behavior, a chosen lifestyle that is hostile to God, rather than an isolated transgression.
* **"and will not hearken unto me":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of "walking contrary," specifying that this defiance is rooted in a fundamental refusal to listen attentively and obey God's commands, despite His warnings and instructions. It points to a hardened heart that rejects divine counsel and resists spiritual transformation, perpetuating a cycle of disobedience.
* **"I will bring seven times more plagues upon you":** This declares God's active, personal, and sovereign involvement in judgment. The "plagues" (Hebrew: *makkah*) refer to various forms of divine affliction, calamity, or punishment. The phrase "seven times more" emphasizes the complete, intensified, and overwhelming nature of these judgments, indicating a significant escalation beyond previous warnings, demonstrating God's resolve in addressing persistent rebellion.
* **"according to your sins":** This crucial concluding phrase highlights the inherent justice and proportionality of God's judgment. The severity and nature of the "plagues" are not arbitrary but directly correspond to the depth, persistence, and character of the Israelites' sins and their defiant rejection of God. It affirms that God's discipline is righteous, perfectly measured, and serves as a just consequence for their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:21 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse's fundamental structure is a **Conditional Clause**, clearly signaled by "And if ye..." followed by "I will bring...", which establishes a direct and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's actions and God's sovereign response. This structure is characteristic of covenant documents, outlining stipulations and consequences. The phrase "**seven times more**" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, not intended as a literal mathematical multiplication, but rather to convey the extreme severity, thoroughness, and completeness of the impending judgment. It underscores the idea that God's response will perfectly match the depth and persistence of their defiance. The verse also exhibits **Anthropomorphism** in God stating, "I will bring," attributing human-like action (bringing judgment) to God to emphasize His direct agency and personal involvement in the consequences of sin. The entire chapter, including this verse, is steeped in **Covenant Language**, framing the relationship between God and Israel in terms of mutual obligations and consequences, reinforcing the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant and God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:21 profoundly underscores several core theological truths: God's absolute holiness, His unwavering justice, and His sovereignty over creation and human affairs. It reveals that God is not indifferent to sin, especially persistent and defiant rebellion from His covenant people. The escalating nature of the "plagues" demonstrates that God's patience, while vast, has limits, and that unrepentant sin leads to increasingly severe consequences. This serves as a stark reminder of the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where choices have inevitable outcomes, and deliberate disobedience invites divine discipline. Ultimately, it highlights the profound seriousness of sin as a direct affront to God's character and authority, demanding a righteous response from a holy God who desires His people to walk in faithful obedience for their own good and His glory.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Comprehensive Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom's Counsel")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "God's Righteous Judgment According to Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific curses of Leviticus 26 were directed at ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God is holy and just, and He takes sin seriously. Persistent, unrepentant rebellion, even from those in covenant relationship with Him, has serious consequences. It challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we truly "hearkening" to God's word, allowing it to transform our thoughts and actions, or are we, in subtle or overt ways, "walking contrary" to His revealed will? God's warnings, even those of judgment, are often an act of profound mercy, designed to prompt introspection, repentance, and a turning back to Him before the full measure of discipline falls. Our response to God's commands should be one of humble obedience, not primarily out of fear of curses, but out of deep love and gratitude for the immeasurable grace we have received through Christ, who bore the ultimate curse for us. This verse calls us to a life of diligent self-examination and immediate repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "walking contrary" to God's revealed will, perhaps through persistent disobedience or a defiant attitude?**
* **Am I truly "hearkening" to God's voice as revealed in His Word, allowing it to deeply shape my thoughts, attitudes, and actions, or am I merely hearing without obeying?**
* **How does understanding God's justice and the seriousness of sin in this verse deepen my appreciation for His boundless mercy and the redemptive grace found in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Is "seven times more plagues" a literal number, meaning exactly seven times the previous punishments?**

Answer: No, the phrase "seven times more" (Hebrew: *sheva yetherot*) in Leviticus 26:21 is generally understood not as a literal mathematical multiplication but as an idiomatic expression signifying completeness, intensification, or a superabundance of judgment. In biblical numerology, the number seven often denotes perfection, fullness, or totality. Here, it conveys that the punishments would be thorough, exhaustive, and perfectly calibrated to the depth of Israel's persistent defiance, rather than a precise numerical increase. It emphasizes the absolute certainty and escalating nature of God's response to continued rebellion, ensuring that the discipline would be comprehensive and inescapable.

**Does this verse, with its warnings of escalating plagues for disobedience, apply directly to Christians today under the New Covenant?**

Answer: While the specific curses and covenant stipulations of the Mosaic Law do not directly apply to believers under the New Covenant in the same way they did to ancient Israel, the underlying principles of God's holiness, His justice, and the reality of consequences for sin remain timeless and universally true. Christians are not under the condemnation or curse of the Law (as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse") clearly states, Christ redeemed us from it). However, God, as a loving and righteous Father, does discipline His children (as seen in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline as a Father")). Persistent, unrepentant sin in a believer's life can lead to various forms of divine discipline, designed not to condemn, but to correct, purify, and restore fellowship with Him. The seriousness with which God views sin and the reality of consequences for defiance are universal truths that transcend specific covenant administrations, calling all to walk in humble obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:21, with its grim promise of escalating judgment for persistent rebellion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in our experience of the curses, but in Christ's perfect obedience and His bearing of these curses on our behalf. The "plagues" and "seven times more" judgment due to humanity's "walking contrary" to God's holy standard were fully poured out upon Jesus on the cross. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The Law's curse, which Leviticus 26 so vividly describes as the consequence of disobedience, was redeemed by Christ, who became a curse for us, nailing it to the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse"); [Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Handwriting of Ordinances")). Therefore, for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), as He has fully absorbed the "seven times more" wrath due to our rebellion. Our obedience now flows not from fear of escalating curses, but from a heart transformed by His grace, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and motivated by profound love for the One who bore our judgment and secured our eternal blessing.

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

Leviticus 26:18

And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

Leviticus 26:27

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