Old Testament
Leviticus 26:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If after all this you still won't listen to me, I will punish you 7 times over for your sins.
Compare translations
And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
What Leviticus 26:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 26:18, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of disobedience. He emphasizes that if they refuse to listen to Him despite His previous warnings and acts of mercy, He will increase their punishment significantly. The phrase 'seven times over' symbolizes a complete and intensified response to their sins. This verse highlights the seriousness of ignoring God's commands and the importance of repentance. It serves as a reminder that God desires a relationship with His people, but persistent disobedience leads to severe consequences. The context of this verse is part of a larger passage where God outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, illustrating the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The emphasis on listening to God reflects the need for attentiveness to His guidance and the repercussions of turning away from His ways.
How to apply Leviticus 26:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to take God's guidance seriously and to be attentive to His teachings. It reminds us that ignoring His words can lead to serious consequences. We should strive to listen and respond to God's direction in our lives, seeking to align our actions with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 26:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 26:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 26:18 mean?
Leviticus 26:18 means that if the Israelites continue to disobey God despite His warnings, He will increase their punishment significantly. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of ignoring God's commands and the need for repentance.
What is the significance of 'seven times over' in Leviticus 26:18?
The phrase 'seven times over' in Leviticus 26:18 symbolizes a complete and intensified response to the Israelites' sins. It indicates that persistent disobedience will lead to severe consequences.
How does Leviticus 26:18 relate to God's justice?
Leviticus 26:18 illustrates God's justice by showing that disobedience leads to punishment. It reflects the principle that ignoring God's commands has serious consequences.
What themes are present in Leviticus 26:18?
The themes present in Leviticus 26:18 include disobedience, consequences, God's justice, repentance, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.