share torah logo

Leviticus 26:23 - Divine discipline awaits rebellion?

Leviticus 26:23 - ויקרא 26:23

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־בְּאֵלֶּה לֹא תִוָּסְרוּ לִי וַהֲלַכְתֶּם עִמִּי קֶרִי׃

English Translation

And if you will not be admonished by me as a result of these things, but will walk contrary to me;

Transliteration

Ve'im-be'ele lo tivasru li vehalakhtem imi keri.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֨ם־בְּאֵ֔לֶּה לֹ֥א תִוָּסְר֖וּ לִ֑י וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם עִמִּ֖י קֶֽרִי׃
וְאִ֨ם־בְּאֵ֔לֶּה לֹ֥א תִוָּסְר֖וּ לִ֑י וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם עִמִּ֖י קֶֽרִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 26:23) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke) section of Parshat Bechukotai, where Hashem warns of the consequences if Bnei Yisrael fail to follow His commandments. The phrase "וְאִם־בְּאֵלֶּה לֹא תִוָּסְרוּ לִי" ("And if you will not be admonished by me as a result of these things") suggests that despite previous punishments, the people remain unrepentant.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "קֶרִי" ("contrary") as meaning "by chance" or "with indifference"—as if the people attribute their suffering to mere happenstance rather than Divine providence. This reflects a lack of teshuvah (repentance) and recognition of Hashem's role in their hardships.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ta'anit (1:1-3), the Rambam teaches that suffering is meant to awaken people to introspection and repentance. If they instead respond with keri—dismissing events as coincidence—they compound their wrongdoing by denying Divine justice.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifra (Behar, perek 8) links keri to the word mikreh (happenstance), emphasizing the danger of attributing events to random chance rather than Hashem's will.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Bechukotai 4) warns that persisting in keri leads to escalating punishments, as the verse continues with further consequences in the following pasuk.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushat Levi (R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) explains that keri represents a fractured relationship—walking against Hashem rather than with Him. True yirah (awe) requires recognizing that all events, even hardships, come from Hashem for our ultimate benefit.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'walk contrary to me' mean in Leviticus 26:23?
A: The phrase 'walk contrary to me' (וַהֲלַכְתֶּם עִמִּי קֶרִי) refers to behaving in a rebellious or oppositional manner toward Hashem's commandments. Rashi explains that 'keri' (קֶרִי) implies a casual, indifferent attitude toward divine providence—acting as if events happen by chance rather than recognizing Hashem's guidance and discipline.
Q: Why does the Torah mention consequences for not heeding admonishment?
A: The Torah outlines consequences to emphasize the seriousness of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:1) teaches that these warnings are meant to inspire repentance—showing that straying from Torah leads to hardship, while returning brings blessing. It reflects Hashem's mercy, giving us clear cause-and-effect to guide our choices.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:23 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us to see challenges as opportunities for self-reflection and growth rather than dismissing them as coincidence. The Sforno notes that ignoring divine messages hardens one's heart further. Today, we apply this by examining our actions during difficulties—asking if they might be prompts to improve our mitzvah observance or character traits (middos).
Q: What is the significance of the word 'keri' (קֶרִי) in this verse?
A: The term 'keri' appears multiple times in this chapter (Leviticus 26) and is central to its message. The Talmud (Megillah 10b) associates it with spiritual blindness—interpreting life's events randomly rather than recognizing Hashem's involvement. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) links it to the phrase 'as if by chance,' warning against attributing blessings or hardships to mere luck instead of divine providence.