Leviticus 26:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
תֵּֽלְכ֤וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
עִמִּי֙
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
קֶ֔רִי
contrary
hostile encounter
#5
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תֹאב֖וּ
H14
unto me and will
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#7
לִשְׁמֹ֣עַֽ
not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
לִ֑י
H0
#9
וְיָֽסַפְתִּ֤י
more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#10
עֲלֵיכֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מַכָּ֔ה
plagues
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#12
שֶׁ֖בַע
seven times
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#13
כְּחַטֹּֽאתֵיכֶֽם׃
upon you according to your sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources