Leviticus 26:40

ยถ 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;

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;

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.

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 Meโ€”

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

Leviticus 26:40 is a pivotal verse within a chapter detailing the blessings and curses associated with Israel's obedience or disobedience to God's covenant. Following a stark description of the severe consequences of rebellion, this verse introduces the condition for divine mercy and potential restoration: genuine confession and repentance.

Context of Leviticus 26:40

The book of Leviticus establishes the laws and rituals for Israel as God's holy people. Chapter 26 presents a solemn covenant warning: blessings for obedience (Leviticus 26:3-13) and severe curses for disobedience (Leviticus 26:14-39). These curses include famine, pestilence, defeat by enemies, and ultimately, exile from the promised land and its desolation. Verse 40 serves as a glimmer of hope amidst the pronouncements of judgment, indicating that even after enduring the consequences of their actions, a path to reconciliation remains open if they humble themselves and turn back to God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Confession as a Prerequisite for Restoration: The verse explicitly states that if "they shall confess their iniquity," the process of restoration can begin. This is not merely an admission of guilt but a heartfelt acknowledgement of wrongdoing before God. It highlights that God desires a contrite spirit before offering forgiveness.
  • Acknowledging Generational Sin: The phrase "and the iniquity of their fathers" suggests an awareness of how past patterns of sin or societal rebellion can contribute to present suffering, or perhaps an admission of solidarity with the unfaithfulness of previous generations. While individuals are responsible for their own choices, recognizing the collective historical failures can be part of a deeper repentance. See also Nehemiah 9:2 for an example of national confession.
  • Specific Nature of Sin: The verse specifies "their trespass which they trespassed against me" and "that also they have walked contrary unto me." This emphasizes that sin is not just a general failing but a direct offense against God's character and commands. "Walking contrary" (Hebrew: qeri) implies deliberate opposition and hostility to God's will.
  • God's Enduring Mercy: Despite the severe warnings of judgment, the very existence of this verse demonstrates God's ultimate desire for His people's repentance and His readiness to extend mercy even after prolonged periods of rebellion and punishment. This principle underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "confess" here is yadah (ื™ึธื“ึธื”), which carries a broader meaning than just admitting guilt; it often implies giving thanks or praise, suggesting that true confession acknowledges God's justice and sovereignty even in judgment. "Iniquity" ('avon, ืขึธื•ึนืŸ) refers to perversity or deviation from the right path, often carrying the connotation of guilt and the punishment due for sin. The term "trespass" (ma'al, ืžึทืขึทืœ) specifically denotes an act of unfaithfulness or a breach of trust, particularly in relation to sacred obligations or covenant duties. The phrase "walked contrary unto me" (qeri, ืงึถืจึดื™) signifies a deliberate, obstinate opposition to God, a hardened heart against His ways.

Practical Application

Leviticus 26:40 offers timeless principles for individuals and communities today. It teaches that:

  • Repentance is Key: When facing the consequences of sin, whether personal or societal, the first step towards healing and restoration is genuine confession and turning away from wrongdoing. This aligns with the New Testament call to repent and be converted.
  • Honesty Before God: God knows our hearts, but He desires us to openly acknowledge our sins, including those generational patterns or collective failures that might impact us.
  • Hope for Restoration: Even when we have strayed far from God and experienced hardship as a result, this verse reminds us that His mercy is available for those who humble themselves and seek reconciliation. It points to God's unchanging character of love and justice, offering a path back into His favor.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 28:13

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

  • 1 John 1:8

    ยถ 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.
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