Leviticus 26:27 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 26:27 mean?

Leviticus 26:27 warns that if the people still refuse to listen to God and continue to live in opposition to Him, even after previous warnings and consequences, further judgment will follow. The verse highlights a stubborn refusal to change direction despite repeated chances.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, outlining the consequences of persistent disobedience to His commands. The setting is a covenant agreement, where God explains both blessings for obedience and escalating punishments for rebellion. The language stresses not just a single act of disobedience, but an ongoing attitude of walking “contrary” to God, showing a deliberate choice to go against His ways.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:27

• hearken (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen or pay attention, but it often carries the sense of obeying what is heard. Here, it emphasizes that God is not just asking for the people to hear His words, but to respond with obedience.
• walk (הָלַךְ, halakh): This verb means to go or walk, and in this context, it refers to the way someone lives or conducts themselves. Walking “contrary” to God means living in a way that is deliberately opposed to His instructions.
• contrary (קֶרִי, qeri): This word can mean hostility, stubbornness, or opposition. Its use here points to an attitude of resistance, not just a passive mistake, but an active choice to oppose God’s direction.

Why Leviticus 26:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s concern is not only with isolated actions, but with a persistent attitude of resistance and refusal to listen, even after repeated warnings.
• The escalation in language shows that the covenant relationship is serious and that continued opposition has real consequences, reinforcing the importance of listening and responding to God’s guidance.
• Understanding the original words helps highlight that “walking contrary” is about a settled way of life, not just occasional lapses, which deepens the sense of what God is addressing in His people.