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Leviticus 26:27 - Divine consequences for disobedience?

Leviticus 26:27 - ויקרא 26:27

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־בְּזֹאת לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּ לִי וַהֲלַכְתֶּם עִמִּי בְּקֶרִי׃

English Translation

And if you will not for all this hearken to me, but walk contrary to me;

Transliteration

Ve'im-b'zot lo tishm'u li vahalachtem imi b'keri.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֨ם־בְּזֹ֔את לֹ֥א תִשְׁמְע֖וּ לִ֑י וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם עִמִּ֖י בְּקֶֽרִי׃
וְאִ֨ם־בְּזֹ֔את לֹ֥א תִשְׁמְע֖וּ לִ֑י וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם עִמִּ֖י בְּקֶֽרִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 26:21) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe Hashem's commandments. It follows a series of escalating consequences for disobedience, emphasizing the gravity of willful defiance.

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

The phrase "וַהֲלַכְתֶּם עִמִּי בְּקֶרִי" ("but walk contrary to me") uses the term keri, which Rashi explains as deriving from the root קרה (to happen by chance). This implies treating divine providence as mere coincidence rather than recognizing Hashem's deliberate guidance in events.

Commentary by Rashi

  • Behavior of Keri: Rashi states that walking bekeri means behaving indifferently toward Hashem—acknowledging Him only when suffering occurs, then reverting to disobedience once relief comes (based on Toras Kohanim).
  • Divine Response: Hashem will correspondingly respond "בחמת קרי" (with the wrath of chance), withdrawing structured providence and allowing chaos to prevail.

Rambam's Perspective (Hilchos Taaniyos 1:1-3)

Rambam ties this verse to the obligation of teshuvah (repentance) during crises. Ignoring signs and attributing suffering to chance (keri) compounds sin, as it rejects the divine call to return.

Midrashic Interpretation (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1)

The Midrash compares keri to a person who strikes his father but later claims it was accidental. Similarly, deliberate sinners who dismiss their actions as "unintentional" provoke greater severity.

Chassidic Insight (Sefas Emes)

The Sefas Emes notes that keri reflects a fractured relationship—where one "walks" (halicha) with Hashem only superficially, lacking inward commitment. True avodah requires consistent awareness of divine presence.

Halachic Implication (Mishnah Berurah, Introduction)

This verse underscores the principle that suffering is meant to awaken repentance. The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that dismissing adversity as random (keri) forfeits the opportunity for spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'walk contrary to me' mean in Leviticus 26:27?
A: The phrase 'walk contrary to me' (הֲלַכְתֶּם עִמִּי בְּקֶרִי) means behaving with defiance or indifference toward Hashem's commandments. Rashi explains that 'בְּקֶרִי' implies a casual or accidental attitude toward mitzvot, as if they don't matter. The Torah warns that this lack of sincere commitment leads to spiritual and physical consequences.
Q: Why does the Torah mention consequences for not listening to Hashem?
A: The Torah outlines consequences to emphasize the seriousness of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that these warnings are meant to inspire repentance and proper observance. They remind us that our actions have spiritual weight and that keeping mitzvot strengthens our relationship with Hashem.
Q: How can we avoid 'walking contrary' to Hashem today?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 9b) teaches that the Second Temple was destroyed due to baseless hatred (שנאת חינם), showing how disunity and neglect of mitzvot harm us. To avoid 'walking contrary,' we must study Torah, perform mitzvot with sincerity (לשם שמים), and treat others with kindness—strengthening our bond with Hashem and each other.
Q: What is the significance of the word 'if' (וְאִם) in this verse?
A: The word 'if' (וְאִם) highlights free will—Hashem gives us the choice to follow His ways or not. The Sforno explains that the Torah presents both blessings and consequences to show that our decisions shape our lives. This verse reminds us that our spiritual growth depends on actively choosing to heed Hashem’s guidance.