Leviticus 26:15

Authorized King James Version

And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּחֻקֹּתַ֣י

H2708

my statutes

a statute

תִּמְאָ֔סוּ

H3988

And if ye shall despise

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְאִ֥ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁפָּטַ֖י

H4941

my judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

תִּגְעַ֣ל

H1602

abhor

to detest; by implication, to reject

נַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם

H5315

or if your soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לְבִלְתִּ֤י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#10

עֲשׂוֹת֙

H6213

so that ye will not do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

מִצְוֹתַ֔י

H4687

all my commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#14

לְהַפְרְכֶ֖ם

H6565

but that ye break

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

בְּרִיתִֽי׃

H1285

my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Leviticus. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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Leviticus 26:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources