Leviticus 26:18

Authorized King James Version

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And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

Original Language Analysis

וְאִ֨ם H518
וְאִ֨ם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עַד And if ye will not yet H5704
עַד And if ye will not yet
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 2 of 12
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֵ֔לֶּה H428
אֵ֔לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 3 of 12
these or those
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמְע֖וּ for all this hearken H8085
תִשְׁמְע֖וּ for all this hearken
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 5 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לִ֑י H0
לִ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 12
וְיָֽסַפְתִּי֙ more H3254
וְיָֽסַפְתִּי֙ more
Strong's: H3254
Word #: 7 of 12
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
לְיַסְּרָ֣ה unto me then I will punish H3256
לְיַסְּרָ֣ה unto me then I will punish
Strong's: H3256
Word #: 8 of 12
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
אֶתְכֶ֔ם H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֖בַע you seven times H7651
שֶׁ֖בַע you seven times
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 10 of 12
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 11 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חַטֹּֽאתֵיכֶֽם׃ for your sins H2403
חַטֹּֽאתֵיכֶֽם׃ for your sins
Strong's: H2403
Word #: 12 of 12
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

Analysis & Commentary

And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

This verse falls within the section on Blessings and Curses. Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

Historical Context

Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Questions for Reflection

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