Leviticus 26:21
Leviticus 26:21 in Multiple Translations
If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times, according to your sins.
¶ 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.
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.
And if you still go against me and will not give ear to me, I will put seven times more punishments on you because of your sins.
If you go on opposing me and refusing to do what I tell you, I will make your punishments seven times worse, based on your sins.
And if ye walke stubburnly against me, and will not obey mee, I will then bring seuen times more plagues vpon you, according to your sinnes.
'And if ye walk with Me [in] opposition, and are not willing to hearken to Me, then I have added to you a plague seven times, according to your sins,
“‘If you walk contrary to me, and won’t listen to me, then I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins.
And if ye shall walk contrary to me, and will not hearken to me, I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
If you walk contrary to me, and will not hearken to me, I will bring seven times more plagues upon you for your sins:
“If you continue to oppose me and refuse to heed me, I will cause you to experience disasters again and again, like you deserve to experience because of your sins.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 26:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 26:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
תֵּֽלְכ֤וּ
עִמִּ/י֙
קֶ֔רִי
וְ/לֹ֥א
תֹאב֖וּ
לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַֽ
לִ֑/י
וְ/יָסַפְתִּ֤י
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
מַכָּ֔ה
שֶׁ֖בַע
כְּ/חַטֹּאתֵי/כֶֽם
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
תֵּֽלְכ֤וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
עִמִּ/י֙
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
קֶ֔רִי
qᵉrîy
H7147
hostility
N-ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תֹאב֖וּ
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַֽ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וְ/יָסַפְתִּ֤י
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מַכָּ֔ה
makkâh
H4347
wound
N-fs
שֶׁ֖בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
כְּ/חַטֹּאתֵי/כֶֽם
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 26:21
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תֵּֽלְכ֤וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
עִמִּ/י֙
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
קֶ֔רִי
qᵉrîy
H7147
"hostility"
N-ms
This word means hostility or opposition, describing a contrary or hostile encounter, often translated as 'contrary' in the KJV.
Definition: opposition, contrariness, encounter, contrary or hostile encounter
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: contrary. See also: Leviticus 26:21; Leviticus 26:27; Leviticus 26:41.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאב֖וּ
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַֽ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/יָסַפְתִּ֤י
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַכָּ֔ה
makkâh
H4347
"wound"
N-fs
A wound or blow, also referring to carnage, pestilence, or defeat. It can describe physical harm, like a beating, or widespread suffering, like a plague.
Definition: 1) blow, wound, slaughter 1a) blow, stripe 1b) beating, scourging 1c) wound 1d) slaughter 1e) defeat, conquest 1f) plague
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beaten, blow, plague, slaughter, smote, [idiom] sore, stripe, stroke, wound(-ed). See also: Leviticus 26:21; 2 Chronicles 22:6; Psalms 64:8.
שֶׁ֖בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
כְּ/חַטֹּאתֵי/כֶֽם
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Leviticus 26:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 26:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 26:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 26:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 26:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
- Sermons on Leviticus 26:21
Context — Punishments for Disobedience
19I will break down your stubborn pride and make your sky like iron and your land like bronze,
20and your strength will be spent in vain. For your land will not yield its produce, and the trees of the land will not bear their fruit.
21If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times, according to your sins.
22I will send wild animals against you to rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and reduce your numbers, until your roads lie desolate. 23And if in spite of these things you do not accept My discipline, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 26:18 | And if after all this you will not obey Me, I will proceed to punish you sevenfold for your sins. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:27 | But if in spite of all this you do not obey Me, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me, |
Leviticus 26:21 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 26:21, tells us that if we choose to disobey God and walk in hostility toward Him, He will allow us to experience the consequences of our actions, multiplying our problems and troubles according to the severity of our sins, as a form of discipline to bring us back to Him. This is not because God is cruel, but because He loves us and wants us to turn to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3 and John 3:16. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that obedience to God is the path to blessing and life, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Psalm 37:3-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to walk in hostility toward God?
To walk in hostility toward God means to deliberately disobey and rebel against Him, as seen in Leviticus 26:21, which is a heart condition that God takes very seriously, as also warned in Deuteronomy 28:15 and Jeremiah 7:23.
Why does God promise to multiply plagues seven times according to our sins?
God promises to multiply plagues seven times according to our sins as a form of discipline and judgment for disobedience, as stated in Leviticus 26:21, to turn His people back to Himself, as seen in Jeremiah 30:11 and Hebrews 12:6.
Can we escape God's judgment by ignoring or refusing to obey Him?
No, we cannot escape God's judgment by ignoring or refusing to obey Him, for as Leviticus 26:21 and other verses like Proverbs 29:1 and Isaiah 1:20 warn, disobedience will ultimately lead to punishment and judgment.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and its consequences?
This verse, Leviticus 26:21, highlights the direct relationship between sin and its consequences, where deliberate disobedience leads to multiplied plagues and judgment, as also taught in Romans 6:23 and Galatians 6:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be walking in hostility toward God without realizing it, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- How do I understand the concept of God multiplying plagues according to my sins, and what does this mean for my life and my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I actively obey God and avoid the judgment mentioned in this verse, and what role does faith and trust play in this process?
- How does the promise of discipline in Leviticus 26:21 relate to God's love and care for His people, and what does this say about His character?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 26:21
And if ye walk contrary unto me,.... To his mind and will, to his laws, commands, and ordinances, showing no regard unto them by a walk and conversation agreeably to them, but neglecting and breaking
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 26:21
And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
Contrary unto me, or, carelessly or heedlessly with me, or before me, i.e. so as to be careless and unconcerned whether you please me or offend me. This is opposed to exact and circumspect walking with God, as Abraham did, , and all are to do, .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
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.Ver. 21. Contrary unto me.] Or, Carelessly before me; as our ungirt Christians, profligate professors do. Seven times more Plagues.] God cannot be exhausted, neither need we fear, as he did of his Jupiter. “ Si quoties peccent homines, sua fulmina mittat Iupiter, exiguo tempore inermis erit. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
(21) And if ye walk contrary unto me.—That is, continue the defiance of the Divine law, and rebel against God’s authority. The third warning, contained in Leviticus 26:21-22, threatens them with destruction by wild beasts. Seven times more plagues.—That is, a still greater number. (See Leviticus 26:18.) According to your sins.—This increased number of scourges will be in proportion to their sins, since their defiance, in spite of the two preceding classes of punishments, aggravates and enhances their guilt.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 26:21
21. plagues] See on Leviticus 13:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 26:21
21. Walk contrary unto me — Literally, go into encounter with me. Sin against the divine law is collision with the divine Person. Hence pantheism, in teaching the impersonality of God, destroys the sense of the guilt of sin.
Sermons on Leviticus 26:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.9 & 10 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two verses from the Old Testament that highlight God's judgment. The first verse is Genesis 15:16, where God tells Abraham that the Israelite |