Leviticus 26:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ye will not be reformed {H3256} by me by these things, but will walk {H1980} contrary {H7147} 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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:23 serves as a profound warning within the Mosaic covenant, highlighting a critical stage in God's disciplinary process with Israel. It describes a scenario where, despite previous divine chastisements, the people remain unyielding and refuse to be "reformed." Their persistent and deliberate defiance, characterized by "walking contrary" to God's will, signals a deep spiritual hardening that will inevitably trigger further, more severe divine consequences. The verse underscores God's persistent desire for His people's repentance and transformation, even as it reveals the perilous nature of unyielding rebellion against His loving, corrective hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 26 functions as the climactic conclusion to the legal and ceremonial instructions given at Mount Sinai, serving as a covenantal capstone. It meticulously outlines the blessings for covenant fidelity (verses 3-13) and, conversely, the escalating curses for disobedience and persistent rebellion (verses 14-39). Leviticus 26:23 is situated within the "curses" section, specifically after an initial series of judgments—including terror, disease, famine, and wild beasts (verses 14-22)—have already been detailed. This verse marks a pivotal turning point, indicating that these prior disciplinary measures have failed to achieve their intended purpose of bringing Israel to repentance. It sets the stage for a new, intensified phase of divine opposition, where God Himself promises to "walk contrary" to them, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 26:24](/leviticus/26-24 "Leviticus 26:24 - God's Proportionate Response"). The structured progression of judgments within [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") reveals God's patient yet firm resolve to restore His people to a faithful covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant") was the defining moment for Israel, establishing their unique identity and relationship with Yahweh. In the Ancient Near East (ANE), treaties and covenants between a suzerain (a powerful king) and a vassal (a lesser king or people) commonly included detailed stipulations, blessings for fidelity, and curses for rebellion. The Mosaic Covenant, as presented in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, meticulously follows this pattern, with God as the divine Suzerain and Israel as His vassal. The curses outlined in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") (and parallel passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) were not arbitrary acts of wrath but legally binding consequences, understood within the covenant framework as God's just enforcement of His holy standards. The concept of "reformation" or discipline through suffering was also prevalent in ancient thought, often seen as a means to correct behavior or atone for wrongdoing. Israel's historical trajectory, marked by repeated failures to heed these warnings, ultimately led to the fulfillment of these curses, culminating in the Babylonian exile (e.g., [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile")).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:23 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Discipline and Correction**, revealing God's active involvement in the lives of His people, not merely to punish, but to bring about repentance and restoration. His "reforming" actions are an expression of His covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, demonstrating that the covenant relationship is bilateral, with blessings contingent upon obedience and curses upon disobedience. The verse emphasizes the serious consequences of **Stubborn Rebellion and a Hardened Heart**, portraying Israel's refusal to be reformed as a deliberate and dangerous posture of antagonism toward God. This stubbornness ultimately provokes God's intensified opposition, illustrating the principle that God will meet human perversity with divine proportionality, a theme evident throughout the historical books as Israel repeatedly "walked contrary" to Him (e.g., [Judges 2:19](/judges/2-19 "Judges 2:19 - Israel's Repeated Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reformed (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct." It carries the nuance of parental discipline aimed at moral improvement, correction, and the impartation of wisdom. In the context of [Leviticus 26:23](/leviticus/26-23 "Leviticus 26:23 - Unreformed Rebellion"), it reveals God's benevolent intent behind the preceding "things" (judgments). His purpose was not merely punitive but redemptive—to instruct Israel, correct their waywardness, and bring them back into alignment with His covenant. The failure to be "reformed" therefore indicates a stubborn refusal to learn from divine correction and to embrace the path of repentance.
* **walk (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This common primitive root means "to walk" in a wide variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. In a figurative sense, as used here, it describes a manner of life, a course of conduct, or a consistent pattern of behavior. To "walk contrary" indicates a deliberate, chosen lifestyle or trajectory that is in opposition to God's commands and character. It implies an active commitment to a path of disobedience, rather than a passive or accidental deviation. This choice of "walking" emphasizes the volitional and ongoing nature of Israel's rebellion.
* **contrary (Hebrew, _qᵉrîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to meet" or "to happen," this noun takes on a powerful and negative connotation in this context, signifying "hostile encounter," "perversity," "stubborn opposition," or "rebelliousness." It describes a deliberate, active, and defiant attitude of antagonism toward God. It is not mere neglect but a willful, hardened resistance to His will and attempts at correction. When God declares He will "walk contrary" to them in subsequent verses (e.g., [Leviticus 26:24](/leviticus/26-24 "Leviticus 26:24 - God's Proportionate Response")), it signifies a proportionate divine response to their own obstinate perversity, meeting their hostility with His own just opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things":** This clause establishes a conditional premise, building directly upon the preceding verses (e.g., [Leviticus 26:18-22](/leviticus/26-18-22 "Leviticus 26:18-22 - Further Warnings of Judgment")). "These things" refers to the earlier, less severe, but still impactful judgments God had already sent—such as famine, wild beasts, or pestilence—as means of discipline. The phrase emphasizes that God had already initiated disciplinary measures with the explicit, benevolent purpose of bringing about a change of heart and behavior in Israel. Their failure to be "reformed" indicates a deep-seated spiritual stubbornness and a rejection of God's patient, corrective hand, highlighting their unresponsiveness to His initial warnings.
* **"but will walk contrary unto me;":** This second clause describes the nature of Israel's unresponsiveness: a persistent, active, and defiant opposition to God. To "walk contrary" (using the Hebrew _qᵉrîy'_) signifies a lifestyle or pattern of behavior characterized by perversity, hostility, and deliberate antagonism towards God's commands and covenant. It implies a conscious, volitional choice to resist divine authority and correction, rather than a mere lapse or weakness. This defiant posture is what provokes God's further, more severe intervention, as His justice and covenant faithfulness demand a response to such hardened rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:23 powerfully employs **Conditional Clause** and **Escalation** to convey its solemn warning. The verse is structured as a **Conditional Clause** ("And if ye will not... but will..."), establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's continued rebellion and God's subsequent actions. This highlights the covenantal nature of their relationship, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience or disobedience. Furthermore, the verse is a critical point in the **Escalation** of divine judgment described throughout [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"). It marks a threshold where God's previous, less intense "things" (disciplinary measures) have failed to achieve their intended purpose of reformation. This failure triggers a promise of even harsher consequences, demonstrating God's patience reaching its limit and His resolve to meet their stubbornness with a proportionate, intensified response. The use of "contrary" (Hebrew _qᵉrîy'_) also foreshadows the **Reciprocity** of God's actions, where He promises to "walk contrary" to them in return (e.g., [Leviticus 26:24](/leviticus/26-24 "Leviticus 26:24 - God's Proportionate Response")), a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the direct consequence of their defiance and the just nature of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:23 profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of divine discipline as an expression of God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering desire for His people's ultimate good. God's "reforming" actions are not arbitrary acts of wrath, but purposeful interventions designed to call His people back to Himself, preventing them from utterly destroying themselves through sin. This verse reveals that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite in the face of persistent, defiant rebellion. It underscores the serious consequences of a hardened heart that refuses to yield to divine correction, emphasizing that God will go to great lengths to bring His children to repentance, even if it means intensifying His disciplinary measures. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His loving pursuit of His people's sanctification. It teaches us that God's discipline, though painful, is a sign of His love and a means to draw us into deeper conformity to His character.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11-12 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:23 serves as a timeless mirror for our own lives, challenging us to honestly assess our responsiveness to God's voice and His providential workings. When we encounter difficulties, setbacks, or periods of hardship, this verse prompts us to consider if God might be using "these things" to get our attention, to "reform" us, or to correct a wayward path. The danger lies in a hardened heart, one that stubbornly "walks contrary" to God's revealed will, resisting His loving discipline. Such defiance not only prolongs suffering but can lead to increasingly severe consequences, as God, in His faithfulness, will continue to pursue our repentance. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, self-examination, and a quickness to repent. It reminds us that God's discipline, though painful, is always for our ultimate good, aimed at conforming us more closely to His character and drawing us into deeper communion with Him. Our spiritual growth hinges on our willingness to be shaped by His hand, rather than resisting His transforming work. It encourages us to embrace difficult seasons as opportunities for profound spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I face difficult circumstances or challenges? Do I see them as potential opportunities for God's correction and "reformation," or merely as unfortunate events?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "walking contrary" to God's revealed will, perhaps unknowingly or through stubbornness, and what might be the consequences?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more responsive and humble before God's discipline, recognizing it as a sign of His love and a pathway to deeper spiritual maturity?**

### FAQ
**Does God still "walk contrary" to people today, similar to the curses in Leviticus 26?**

Answer: While the specific covenant curses outlined in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") were uniquely tied to national Israel under the Mosaic Law and its particular covenant relationship, the underlying principle of divine discipline and the consequences of persistent rebellion remain profoundly true. God, in His holiness and justice, still allows natural consequences for sin (e.g., [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Revealed Against Ungodliness")), and He actively disciplines His children whom He loves (e.g., [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")). This discipline may come through various means: the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of His Word, the counsel of others, or difficult life circumstances. While not a direct "walking contrary" in the same nationalistic, covenantal sense, God's actions are always aimed at bringing His people to repentance, spiritual growth, and conformity to Christ, rather than allowing them to persist in self-destructive rebellion.

**What does "reformed by me by these things" mean in a modern context for believers?**

Answer: In a modern context for believers, "reformed by me by these things" signifies God's ongoing work of sanctification in our lives, often through challenging circumstances or divine correction. "These things" can represent any situation God uses to draw our attention, expose sin, refine our character, or deepen our faith. This might include financial struggles, health issues, relational conflicts, or spiritual dryness. The goal is not punishment, but our spiritual "reformation"—being conformed to the image of Christ (e.g., [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). When we face such difficulties, this verse prompts us to examine our hearts, confess any sin, and yield to God's refining process, trusting that His discipline is always for our ultimate good and spiritual maturity (e.g., [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Testing of Your Faith")). It is an invitation to allow God to transform us through life's trials, rather than resisting His shaping hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:23, with its stark warning against walking "contrary" to God and the escalating consequences of unrepentant rebellion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, has universally "walked contrary" to God, deserving the full weight of the covenant curses and divine opposition. Yet, Jesus, the perfect Son, never walked contrary to the Father; He perfectly obeyed, fulfilling every righteous requirement of the Law (e.g., [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). More profoundly, Christ became the ultimate "reformation" for humanity. He willingly bore the curses of the Law on the cross, becoming a curse for us, so that we might be redeemed from its condemnation (e.g., [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")) and receive the blessing of the Spirit. Through His atoning sacrifice, the "contrary" relationship between God and humanity is reconciled, as He made peace through the blood of His cross (e.g., [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Now, through faith in Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk not "contrary" to God, but in conformity to His will, experiencing true spiritual reformation and transformation (e.g., [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The discipline we now experience as believers is not the curse of the Law, but the loving correction of a Father who desires our holiness, made possible by our union with Christ, who perfectly exemplifies the life of obedience and submission to God's will (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")).

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

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;