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Leviticus 26:14 - Consequences of ignoring commandments?

Leviticus 26:14 - ויקרא 26:14

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּ לִי וְלֹא תַעֲשׂוּ אֵת כָּל־הַמִּצְוֺת הָאֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

But if you will not hearken to me, and will not do all these commands:

Transliteration

Ve'im-lo tishme'u li velo ta'asu et kol-hamitzvot ha'eleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־לֹ֥א תִשְׁמְע֖וּ לִ֑י וְלֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַמִּצְוֺ֖ת הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
וְאִם־לֹ֥א תִשְׁמְע֖וּ לִ֑י וְלֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַמִּצְוֺ֖ת הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 26:14) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke) section of Parashat Bechukotai, where Hashem outlines the consequences of failing to observe the mitzvot. This follows the blessings promised for keeping the Torah, emphasizing the principle of reward and punishment in Divine justice.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "וְאִם־לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּ לִי" ("if you will not hearken to me") refers not merely to neglecting mitzvot, but to a deeper failure: rejecting the fundamental obligation to study Torah diligently ("שתמאסו בתורה"). This interpretation connects listening (שמיעה) with Torah study, as learning leads to proper observance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuvah (3:4), Rambam explains that this verse underscores free will—Hashem does not compel obedience but warns of consequences for disobedience. The phrase "וְלֹא תַעֲשׂוּ אֵת כָּל־הַמִּצְוֺת" implies a gradual decline: initial neglect of study leads to abandoning mitzvot entirely.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (Bechukotai 2:5) interprets the double language ("לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּ... וְלֹא תַעֲשׂוּ") as two distinct failings:

  • Failure to study: Ignoring Torah learning, the foundation of mitzvah observance.
  • Failure to act: Even if one studies but neglects practical observance, it is equally grievous.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 295) derives from this verse that Torah study and mitzvah observance are interdependent. One cannot claim to "listen" to Hashem without engaging in both. The Tochacha serves as a reminder that neglecting either aspect invites spiritual and physical consequences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 37b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the consequences of not heeding God's commandments, particularly in relation to the curses mentioned in the Torah.
📖 Sanhedrin 90a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of observing all commandments and the implications of failing to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:14 is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), where the Torah warns of consequences if the Jewish people do not listen to Hashem and fail to keep His commandments. Rashi explains that this verse introduces a series of potential punishments that may come if the Jewish people stray from Torah observance. The emphasis is on both listening (accepting Torah teachings) and doing (fulfilling the mitzvot).
Q: Why is listening to Hashem and keeping the commandments important according to this verse?
A: The verse underscores that Torah observance is the foundation of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 9:1) teaches that fulfilling mitzvot brings blessings, while neglecting them can lead to hardship. This verse reminds us that our relationship with Hashem depends on our commitment to Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 26:14 today?
A: This verse teaches that Torah observance is not optional but essential for maintaining a proper relationship with Hashem. The Sforno explains that neglecting mitzvot distances us from spiritual growth. Today, this reminds us to prioritize Torah study and mitzvah observance in our daily lives to maintain our connection with Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to repentance (teshuva)?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 86a) teaches that even after warnings like this, Hashem always leaves the door open for teshuva (repentance). The verse highlights the seriousness of neglecting mitzvot, but the surrounding context (later in the chapter) shows that returning to Hashem brings forgiveness and restoration.
Q: Does this verse mean that bad things happen only because of not keeping mitzvot?
A: While the verse connects suffering to neglecting mitzvot, the Talmud (Berachos 5a) explains that hardships can also come as tests of faith or opportunities for growth (yissurim shel ahavah). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17) adds that some suffering is a natural consequence of straying from Torah values, while other events are beyond human understanding.