Leviticus 26:40

KJV

¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

KJV (with Strong's)

If they shall confess {H3034} their iniquity {H5771}, and the iniquity {H5771} of their fathers {H1}, with their trespass {H4604} which they trespassed {H4603} against me, and that also they have walked {H1980} contrary {H7147} unto me;

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they will confess their misdeeds and those of their ancestors which they committed against me in their rebellion; they will admit that they went against me.

Berean Standard Bible

But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me—

American Standard Version

And they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me, and also that, because they walked contrary unto me,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:40 stands as a pivotal turning point within a chapter primarily dedicated to outlining the covenant blessings for Israel's obedience and the severe curses for their disobedience. Following a detailed and stark portrayal of the dire consequences of rebellion, including famine, pestilence, defeat, and eventual exile, this verse introduces the divine condition for mercy, reconciliation, and potential restoration: a genuine, comprehensive confession of sin, both personal and corporate, acknowledging their deliberate opposition to God's covenant. It serves as a profound testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His ultimate desire for His people's repentance and return, even amidst judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 functions as the climactic conclusion to the legal and ritual instructions given to Israel at Mount Sinai, serving as a solemn covenantal summation. It meticulously details the reciprocal relationship between God and His people, promising abundant blessings for fidelity to His commands ([Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience")) and escalating curses for persistent disobedience ([Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Disobedience")). The preceding verses paint a grim picture of national devastation, including the land lying desolate, the people scattered among nations, and their hearts failing them in exile. Verse 40, therefore, emerges as a profound "if" clause, a glimmer of hope strategically placed after the depths of judgment, signaling that even in the uttermost despair of exile, a path to reconciliation remains open through humble and sincere confession. It anticipates the possibility of a future turning point, offering a divine lifeline to a people facing the full weight of their covenantal rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites shortly after their exodus from Egypt, as they encamped at Mount Sinai, establishing the foundational covenant between Yahweh and His chosen people. This covenant, often termed a suzerainty treaty, outlined the terms of their relationship, with God as the sovereign King and Israel as His vassal people. The warnings in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") are not merely abstract threats but prophetic pronouncements rooted in the understanding of ancient Near Eastern treaty forms, which typically included a section of blessings and curses for adherence or violation. For Israel, these warnings foreshadowed future historical realities, particularly the Babylonian Exile, where the nation would indeed experience the desolation of their land and dispersion among foreign nations as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness. [Leviticus 26:40](/leviticus/26-40 "Leviticus 26:40 - The Condition for Restoration") speaks directly to this future state of brokenness, offering a divinely ordained pathway for restoration, emphasizing that even when the covenant is broken by the people, God's ultimate faithfulness allows for a return to Him through genuine repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confess (Hebrew, _yādâ_):** While often translated simply as "confess," the Hebrew verb _yādâ_ carries a richer semantic range. It fundamentally means "to throw" or "to cast," and in its Hithpael stem (the reflexive/reciprocal form used here), it implies "to throw oneself" into a state of acknowledgment, often with an accompanying gesture of submission or praise. Thus, "to confess" in this context is not merely a verbal admission of guilt but a holistic act of acknowledging God's justice and sovereignty, even in judgment, and expressing a deep, contrite recognition of one's own culpability. It implies a turning towards God in humility and surrender.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʿāwōn_):** This term refers to perversity, moral distortion, or deviation from the right path. Unlike _ḥaṭṭāʾt_ (sin as missing the mark) or _pešaʿ_ (transgression as rebellion), _ʿāwōn_ often carries the connotation of the guilt or punishment resulting from sin. It speaks to the crookedness or twistedness of human nature and actions that are inherently contrary to God's straight and righteous ways. Confessing _ʿāwōn_ means acknowledging the deep-seated moral corruption and the deserved consequences.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _maʿal_):** This specific term denotes an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or a violation of sacred obligations, particularly in relation to covenant duties or things dedicated to God. It implies a deliberate act of disloyalty or sacrilege. When Israel "trespassed" against God, they were breaking the sacred covenant vows they had made, treating their relationship with Him lightly. Confessing _maʿal_ signifies acknowledging a profound betrayal of the divine relationship.
* **Walked Contrary (Hebrew, _qerî_):** This is a crucial and powerful term, appearing five times in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") (vv. 21, 23, 24, 27, 28) and only one other time in the Old Testament ([Psalm 18:26](/psalm/18-26 "Psalm 18:26 - With the Froward You Show Yourself Froward")). It signifies a deliberate, obstinate, and hostile opposition to God and His will. It describes a hardened heart that actively resists divine correction and walks in defiance. The KJV's "walked contrary" captures this well, but the Hebrew implies a more aggressive, froward, or even belligerent stance. Confessing this means acknowledging a willful, entrenched rebellion against the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If they shall confess their iniquity,"**: This opening clause sets the foundational condition for divine intervention and restoration. It emphasizes that the first step towards reconciliation with God is a genuine, heartfelt admission of personal moral perversion and the guilt associated with it. This is not a superficial acknowledgment but a deep, contrite recognition of one's fallen state and deviation from God's righteous standards.
* **"and the iniquity of their fathers,"**: This phrase extends the scope of confession beyond individual acts to include corporate and historical patterns of sin. It acknowledges a solidarity with the unfaithfulness of previous generations, recognizing how collective rebellion or societal deviations from God's path can contribute to present suffering and spiritual brokenness. This implies a profound understanding of generational consequences and a willingness to take responsibility for the cumulative spiritual debt of the community.
* **"with their trespass which they trespassed against me,"**: This clause specifies the nature of the offense as a direct and deliberate breach of the covenant relationship. "Trespass" highlights an act of unfaithfulness, a violation of sacred trust and obligation to God. The repetition of "trespass which they trespassed" underscores the intentionality and gravity of their disloyalty, emphasizing that their actions were not mere mistakes but willful acts of betrayal against the divine covenant partner.
* **"and that also they have walked contrary unto me;"**: This final clause describes the ultimate posture of rebellion: a persistent, obstinate, and hostile opposition to God's will and ways. It signifies a hardened heart that actively resists divine guidance and correction, choosing a path of defiance. This is the most severe form of spiritual alienation, indicating a deep-seated antagonism toward God's character and commands, which must be fully confessed for true repentance to begin.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:40 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of conditional hope. The primary device is the **Conditional Clause**, introduced by "If," which sets up a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's confession and God's subsequent action (implied in the following verses, [Leviticus 26:41-42](/leviticus/26-41 "Leviticus 26:41-42 - God Remembers the Covenant")). This structure highlights human responsibility in the process of restoration. **Repetition** is powerfully employed, particularly in phrases like "their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers" and "their trespass which they trespassed," which serves to emphasize the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of sin—both personal and corporate—and the thoroughness required in its acknowledgment. The use of specific, weighty terms like "iniquity," "trespass," and "walked contrary" constitutes **Legal/Covenantal Language**, grounding the passage firmly within the framework of the Sinai covenant and underscoring the serious implications of its violation. Finally, the verse functions as a profound **Antithesis** or **Contrast** to the preceding verses, which detail escalating curses. After the bleak pronouncements of judgment, verse 40 offers a stark contrast, presenting a pathway to reversal and hope, thereby showcasing God's unwavering mercy even in the face of persistent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:40 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and mercy, and the indispensable role of genuine repentance in the process of reconciliation. It reveals that while God is just in executing the consequences of covenant disobedience, His ultimate desire is not merely punishment but the restoration of His people. The verse underscores the comprehensive nature of sin, encompassing not only individual transgressions ("their iniquity," "their trespass") but also the collective and historical patterns of rebellion ("the iniquity of their fathers") and a deep-seated, willful opposition to God ("walked contrary unto me"). This holistic confession is the prerequisite for God's remembrance of His covenant and the initiation of healing. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful, always leaving a door open for return.
* [Nehemiah 9:2](/nehemiah/9-2 "Nehemiah 9:2 - National Confession and Repentance")
* [Psalm 32:5](/psalm/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Cleansing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:40 offers timeless principles for both individual believers and communities seeking restoration and renewal. It profoundly teaches that genuine healing and reconciliation with God begin with humble, comprehensive confession. In a world often prone to minimizing personal responsibility or blaming external factors, this verse calls us to a radical honesty before God, acknowledging not only our overt sins but also the deeper patterns of perversity and the ways we might have inherited or perpetuated generational brokenness. It reminds us that our sin is ultimately a direct offense against God, a "trespass" against His sacred character and covenant, and a "walking contrary" to His loving will. Yet, even in the depths of our rebellion and the experience of its consequences, this verse shines as a beacon of hope, assuring us that God's mercy is ever-present for those who humble themselves, genuinely confess, and turn back to Him. It encourages us to embrace a posture of contrite humility, trusting in God's faithfulness to forgive and restore, thereby transforming judgment into a pathway for renewed relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or our community's life, might we need to confess "iniquity" or "trespass" that demonstrates a "walking contrary" to God's will?**
* **How might acknowledging "the iniquity of our fathers" inform our understanding of present struggles or patterns of sin, leading to deeper corporate repentance?**
* **What does genuine confession look like for me personally, beyond a mere admission of guilt, encompassing a turning towards God in humility and surrender?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of confessing "the iniquity of their fathers" in this verse?**

Answer: Confessing "the iniquity of their fathers" signifies an acknowledgment of corporate solidarity and the cumulative impact of historical patterns of sin within a community or nation. It does not imply that individuals are punished for sins they did not commit, but rather that they recognize and take responsibility for the spiritual heritage and societal structures that have deviated from God's ways. This includes acknowledging how past generations' unfaithfulness may have contributed to current suffering or established cycles of rebellion. It's a profound act of humility and identification with the collective failures of God's people, essential for breaking those cycles and seeking comprehensive restoration. This concept is echoed in other biblical passages, such as [Nehemiah 9:2](/nehemiah/9-2 "Nehemiah 9:2 - National Confession") and [Daniel 9:8](/daniel/9-8 "Daniel 9:8 - Confession of National Sin").

**Does this verse imply God's mercy is conditional?**

Answer: Yes, in a sense, [Leviticus 26:40](/leviticus/26-40 "Leviticus 26:40 - The Condition for Restoration") presents God's mercy and restoration as conditional upon Israel's confession and repentance. The "If... then" structure is clear: "If they shall confess their iniquity... then I will remember my covenant" ([Leviticus 26:42](/leviticus/26-42 "Leviticus 26:42 - God Remembers His Covenant")). This highlights human responsibility in responding to God's warnings and judgments. However, this conditionality should be understood within the broader context of God's unchanging character of faithfulness and love. His willingness to offer a path to reconciliation, even after severe judgment, demonstrates His enduring mercy and desire for His people's return. It's not that God is unwilling to be merciful, but that His mercy is activated when His people humble themselves and turn from their sin, aligning with His righteous character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:40, with its emphasis on confession as the pathway to restoration after judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, including the Levitical laws, revealed the depth of human sin and the impossibility of perfect obedience, leading inevitably to judgment and separation from God. The confession described in this verse, while crucial, still pointed to a need for a perfect sacrifice and a mediator who could truly bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is that ultimate sacrifice. Through His atoning death on the cross, He bore the full weight of humanity's "iniquity," "trespass," and "walking contrary" to God, satisfying divine justice. Now, under the New Covenant established in His blood, true confession is not merely an admission of guilt but an act of repentance empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to forgiveness and reconciliation based on Christ's finished work. As [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Cleansing") declares, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") through whom we can boldly approach the throne of grace, confessing our sins and receiving mercy ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). He not only enables our confession but also breaks the power of generational sin, offering complete freedom and a new life in Him, fulfilling the deepest longings for restoration hinted at in [Leviticus 26:40](/leviticus/26-40 "Leviticus 26:40 - The Condition for Restoration").

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

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Nehemiah 9:2

And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

Nehemiah 9:5

Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

Hosea 5:15

I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.