Leviticus 26:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ye will not for all this {H2063} hearken {H8085} unto me, but walk {H1980} contrary {H7147} unto me;

Complete Jewish Bible

"'And if, for all this, you still will not listen to me, but go against me;

Berean Standard Bible

But if in spite of all this you do not obey Me, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:27 serves as a stern warning within the covenant stipulations given to Israel, marking a critical juncture where the people's stubborn refusal to obey God, even after experiencing initial corrective judgments, escalates into outright defiance. This verse highlights a profound and deliberate rebellion against the Lord's commands, signaling that their continued rejection of His authority would inevitably lead to a more severe and reciprocal divine response. It underscores the gravity of unrepentant sin and God's unwavering commitment to His covenantal justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 stands as the climactic conclusion to the legal and ritual instructions given in the book, serving as a powerful covenant document that outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. The chapter begins with a clear articulation of the benefits of fidelity to God's commands, promising prosperity, peace, and divine presence ([Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience")). However, the bulk of the chapter, from verse 14 onward, is dedicated to a detailed, escalating series of judgments designed to bring Israel back to repentance. These curses progress from economic hardship and military defeat to widespread famine, pestilence, and ultimately, the desolation of the land and exile. Verse 27 specifically marks a point of profound recalcitrance within this escalating sequence, indicating that even after experiencing the initial stages of divine discipline (described in [Leviticus 26:18-26](/leviticus/26-18 "Leviticus 26:18-26 - Escalating Judgments")), the people remain unyielding in their rebellion. This verse sets the stage for the most severe judgments, culminating in the complete scattering of Israel among the nations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant outlined in Leviticus 26, like the broader Mosaic Law, was given to the Israelites shortly after their exodus from Egypt, while they were encamped at Mount Sinai. This period was foundational for their identity as God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding pagan nations. The concept of a suzerain-vassal treaty, common in the Ancient Near East, provides a helpful framework for understanding this covenant. In such treaties, a powerful king (suzerain) would establish terms with a lesser king or people (vassal), promising protection and prosperity for loyalty, and imposing severe penalties for rebellion. God, as the ultimate Suzerain, established His covenant with Israel, His vassal, promising to be their God if they would be His people. The warnings in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") were not arbitrary threats but were deeply embedded in this covenantal framework, serving as a solemn legal and theological declaration of the consequences of breaking faith with their divine King. The repeated warnings about "walking contrary" (as seen here in [Leviticus 26:27](/leviticus/26-27 "Leviticus 26:27 - Persistent Disobedience")) reflect a profound understanding of human stubbornness and the tendency to stray from divine commands, a theme that would tragically play out repeatedly in Israel's subsequent history, leading to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This word implies more than just hearing; it signifies listening with attention and an intention to obey. In the context of the covenant, "hearkening" to God's voice means actively receiving and submitting to His commands. The negation, "ye will not... hearken," therefore indicates a deliberate refusal to listen and comply, a deep-seated resistance to divine instruction and authority.
* **Contrary (Hebrew, _qeri'_):** This is the pivotal word, appearing multiple times in Leviticus 26 (vv. 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 40, 41). It denotes an attitude of hostility, antagonism, and defiant opposition. It's not merely passive disobedience or accidental transgression, but an active, deliberate, and even provocative setting of oneself against God. When God says He will "walk contrary" to them in response, it signifies a reciprocal divine action, a just recompense for their unyielding defiance, escalating His judgments in a manner corresponding to their rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me,"**: This clause emphasizes the persistent and unyielding nature of Israel's rebellion. The phrase "for all this" refers to the preceding judgments and warnings (as described in [Leviticus 26:14-26](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-26 - The Curses for Disobedience")), which were intended to prompt repentance. The refusal to "hearken" signifies a deliberate hardening of hearts, a conscious choice to ignore God's voice and His corrective discipline, indicating that the initial stages of judgment have failed to achieve their desired effect of turning the people back to Him.
* **"but walk contrary unto me;"**: This second clause intensifies the first, defining the nature of their refusal as active, defiant opposition. To "walk contrary" is to live in a manner that is hostile and antagonistic to God's will and covenant. It implies a deliberate course of action, a lifestyle of rebellion that is not merely a lapse in obedience but a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and holiness. This defiant posture is what triggers the next, more severe stage of God's reciprocal judgment, where He promises to act "contrary" to them in His discipline.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the recurring theme of "walking contrary" (Hebrew, _qeri'_), which appears multiple times in this chapter ([Leviticus 26:21](/leviticus/26-21 "Leviticus 26:21 - Walking Contrary"), [26:23](/leviticus/26-23 "Leviticus 26:23 - Persistent Disobedience"), [26:24](/leviticus/26-24 "Leviticus 26:24 - God's Reciprocal Action"), [26:27](/leviticus/26-27 "Leviticus 26:27 - Unyielding Defiance"), [26:28](/leviticus/26-28 "Leviticus 26:28 - Further Judgment"), [26:40](/leviticus/26-40 "Leviticus 26:40 - Confession of Iniquity"), [26:41](/leviticus/26-41 "Leviticus 26:41 - Humbling Themselves")), emphasizing the deep-seated nature of Israel's rebellion and God's corresponding, escalating response. This also functions as a form of **Lex Talionis** or "eye for an eye" principle, not in a simplistic sense, but in the divine response mirroring the human action. Because they walk contrary to God, God will walk contrary to them. The structure of [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") itself is a powerful example of **Covenantal Framework**, presenting a clear cause-and-effect relationship between obedience/disobedience and blessing/curse, creating a stark **Antithesis** between the two paths. The escalating nature of the curses, moving from lesser to greater severity, demonstrates a **Climax** of divine judgment, building tension and highlighting the increasing gravity of unrepentant sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:27 profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's unwavering holiness and justice. It reveals that God is not indifferent to sin, particularly persistent and defiant rebellion against His revealed will. The escalating judgments are not arbitrary acts of vengeance but are expressions of His righteous character and His commitment to the integrity of His covenant. They serve as a severe mercy, designed to bring a stubborn people to repentance and restore their relationship with Him, even though this verse focuses on the negative consequences of failing to do so. This passage also highlights the principle of divine reciprocity: God responds to human actions in kind, intensifying His discipline when His initial warnings are ignored. It reminds us that true freedom and flourishing are found in humble submission to God's commands, not in defiant autonomy.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")
* [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4-5 - Hardness of Heart and God's Kindness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:27 serves as a sober reminder for believers today about the profound seriousness of persistent disobedience and the dangers of a hardened heart. In an age that often downplays the consequences of sin, this verse calls us to a deep self-examination. Are there areas in our lives where we are knowingly "walking contrary" to God's revealed will, perhaps ignoring the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit or the clear commands of Scripture? Have we become complacent or even defiant in the face of God's loving discipline, whether it comes through difficult circumstances, the conviction of conscience, or the wise counsel of others? God's desire is always for our good and our flourishing, and His "discipline" (Hebrews 12:6-11) is a testament to His fatherly love, designed to refine us and draw us closer to Him. This verse urges us to cultivate a posture of humility and responsiveness, actively listening to God's voice and eagerly aligning our lives with His righteous standards, lest we experience the intensified consequences of a path of rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "walking contrary" to God's will, even subtly?**
* **How have I responded to God's corrective discipline in the past? Have I learned from it, or have I become more resistant?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "hearkening" heart, one that is quick to listen and obey God's voice?**
* **How does the concept of God's escalating judgment, though severe, ultimately reveal His justice and holiness?**

### FAQ
**Does God still "walk contrary" to people today as described in Leviticus 26?**

Answer: While the specific covenant curses of [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") were primarily directed at the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principle of divine reciprocity remains relevant. God is unchanging in His character, and He still responds to human rebellion. For believers, this doesn't typically manifest as national famine or exile, but rather as spiritual consequences, a sense of distance from God, a loss of peace, or experiencing the natural consequences of sinful choices. [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline") speaks of God's loving discipline for His children, which, though painful, is intended to lead to righteousness and holiness. For those who persistently reject God, the ultimate "contrary" response is eternal separation from Him ([Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). So, while the form of "walking contrary" may differ, the principle of God's just response to unrepentant sin endures.

**Is this verse about God being vengeful?**

Answer: No, this verse is not about God being vengeful in a capricious or malicious way. Instead, it speaks to God's perfect justice and His commitment to the covenant He established. The judgments described are a righteous response to deliberate and persistent rebellion against a holy God. They are a necessary consequence of breaking faith with the Creator and Sustainer of life. Furthermore, even within the context of judgment, God's ultimate desire is always for repentance and restoration, as evidenced by the promise of forgiveness for those who humble themselves and confess their iniquity ([Leviticus 26:40-42](/leviticus/26-40 "Leviticus 26:40-42 - Confession and Restoration")). God's actions are always consistent with His character, which is both holy and loving.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:27, with its stark warning against persistent rebellion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the continuation of escalating curses for believers, but in the radical transformation wrought by the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, with its conditional blessings and curses, highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly "hearken" and avoid "walking contrary" to God. This verse powerfully illustrates the depth of human sin and the necessity of a divine intervention that could truly reconcile humanity to God. Jesus Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, fully "hearkened" to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He bore the full weight of the "contrary" judgment that humanity deserved for its rebellion, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe are no longer under the condemnation of the law's curses but are brought into a new covenant of grace, where the Holy Spirit empowers them to truly "hearken" to God and "walk" in His ways ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us"), [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, while the warning of [Leviticus 26:27](/leviticus/26-27 "Leviticus 26:27 - Persistent Disobedience") reveals the severity of God's justice against sin, it ultimately points to the glorious solution found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and absorbed its curse, offering true reconciliation and the power for a life of obedience.

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 26:24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:21

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.