Leviticus 26:21
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This verse emphasizes that God’s chastisements aren't random but increase in severity proportionally to continued sin after He's already begun to discipline. It highlights that "walking contrary to me" isn't just a single act of disobedience, but a lifestyle of disregard, prompting God to intensify His correction "sevenfold" as their guilt escalates.
“Then if you walk contrary to me and will not listen to me, I will continue striking you, sevenfold for your sins.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues God's conditional covenant with Israel, escalating the consequences for disobedience. After warning them of the initial plagues and punishments, God declares that if they persist in walking contrary to Him and refuse to listen, He will increase their suffering, bringing even greater calamities upon them in proportion to their continued sins. This sets the stage for the description of further devastating punishments, including the introduction of wild beasts.
What does it mean to 'walk contrary' to God? It's more than just making a mistake; it's a determined path away from His will.
The phrase 'walk contrary to me' in Leviticus 26:21 highlights a willful rejection of God's ways. It's not about accidental stumbling but a conscious decision to disregard His commands.
Why 'seven times more'? This isn't random anger, but a precise and intensifying response to persistent disobedience.
The phrase 'seven times more for your sins' speaks volumes about the nature of God's justice and His response to persistent rebellion.
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Understand the original words
halak · Hebrew Verb
To live, behave, or act in a specific way. In a moral sense, it refers to the ongoing pattern of life and conduct of an individual or a nation.
qeri · Hebrew Adverbial Phrase
Hostile, opposing, or resisting. Used in this context, it describes a covenantal attitude of defiance or rebellion against God’s authority and law.
chattath · Hebrew Noun
Disobedience to God's law, a missing of the mark of God's holiness, or a failure to love God and neighbor as commanded. It represents a state of rebellion or moral failure before the Creator.
This passage describes plagues of wild animals and pestilence, echoing the 'seven times more plagues' mentioned in Leviticus and detailing specific destructive forces.
2 Kings 17:25This verse provides a historical example of the consequences described in Leviticus, where the Lord sent lions among the newly settled people in Samaria because they did not fear Him.
Ezekiel 5:17Ezekiel prophesies similar judgments, including sending wild animals and pestilence, which aligns with the escalating 'seven times more plagues' as a consequence of disobedience.
Psalm 32:9-10These verses describe the fate of the wicked who, like stubborn mules, resist correction and face many sorrows, reflecting the escalating punishments for those who continue to walk contrary to God.
gillLeviticus 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."
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 them continually; or by chance, as the Targum of Jonathan, not with any intention and design to obey the Lord, and to honour and glorify him, but…
calvinLeviticus 26:14-45: "But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;"
I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain; for your enemies shall eat it.
Etiam ego faciam hoc vobis: constituam super vos terrorem, tabem, et febrem, consumentia oculos, et dolore afficientia animam, seretisque frustra semen vestrum: nam co…
This verse emphasizes that God’s chastisements aren't random but increase in severity proportionally to continued sin after He's already begun to discipline. It highlights that "walking contrary to me" isn't just a single act of disobedience, but a lifestyle of disregard, prompting God to intensify His correction "sevenfold" as their guilt escalates.
This passage continues God's conditional covenant with Israel, escalating the consequences for disobedience. After warning them of the initial plagues and punishments, God declares that if they persist in walking contrary to Him and refuse to listen, He will increase their suffering, bringing even greater calamities upon them in proportion to their continued sins. This sets the stage for the description of further devastating punishments, including the introduction of wild beasts.
This passage continues God's conditional covenant with Israel, escalating the consequences for disobedience. After warning them of the initial plagues and punishments, God declares that if they persist in walking contrary to Him and refuse to listen, He will increase their suffering, bringing even greater calamities upon them in proportion to their continued sins. This sets the stage for the description of further devastating punishments, including the introduction of wild beasts.
"“Then if you walk contrary to me and will not listen to me, I will continue striking you, sevenfold for your sins." — This verse emphasizes that God’s chastisements aren't random but increase in severity proportionally to continued sin after He's already begun to discipline. It highlights that "walking contrary to…
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Last reviewed October 2026
