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Leviticus 26:15 - Rejecting Torah brings consequences?

Leviticus 26:15 - ויקרא 26:15

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־בְּחֻקֹּתַי תִּמְאָסוּ וְאִם אֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַי תִּגְעַל נַפְשְׁכֶם לְבִלְתִּי עֲשׂוֹת אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתַי לְהַפְרְכֶם אֶת־בְּרִיתִי׃

English Translation

and if you shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that you will not do all my commandments, but that you break my covenant:

Transliteration

Ve'im-bechukotai tim'asu ve'im et-mishpatai tig'al nafshechem levilti asot et-kol-mitzvotai lehafrechem et-briti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־בְּחֻקֹּתַ֣י תִּמְאָ֔סוּ וְאִ֥ם אֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַ֖י תִּגְעַ֣ל נַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם לְבִלְתִּ֤י עֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתַ֔י לְהַפְרְכֶ֖ם אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי׃
וְאִם־בְּחֻקֹּתַ֣י תִּמְאָ֔סוּ וְאִ֥ם אֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַ֖י תִּגְעַ֣ל נַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם לְבִלְתִּ֤י עֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתַ֔י לְהַפְרְכֶ֖ם אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse's Context

The verse (Vayikra 26:15) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke) section of Parshat Bechukotai, where Hashem outlines the consequences of straying from His commandments. This particular verse describes a progression of spiritual decline, beginning with disdain for mitzvot and culminating in the breaking of the covenant.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • "תִּמְאָסוּ" (Shall despise): Rashi explains that this refers to one who treats Torah study with contempt, failing to appreciate its value. The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) adds that this disdain leads to neglecting even the practical observance of mitzvot.
  • "תִּגְעַל נַפְשְׁכֶם" (Your soul abhor): Ramban (Nachmanides) interprets this as an active rejection of mitzvot, not just passive neglect. The term nafshechem (your soul) suggests a deep-rooted aversion, indicating a corruption of one's spiritual essence.
  • "לְבִלְתִּי עֲשׂוֹת אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתַי" (Not doing all My commandments): The Talmud (Kiddushin 39b) teaches that neglecting even a single mitzvah can lead to a slippery slope of further transgressions, as implied here.
  • "לְהַפְרְכֶם אֶת־בְּרִיתִי" (Breaking My covenant): The covenant (brit) refers to the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, established at Har Sinai. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) warns that rejecting mitzvot undermines this foundational relationship.

The Progression of Spiritual Decline

The verse outlines a dangerous trajectory:

  1. Disdain for Torah study (תִּמְאָסוּ): The first step is a lack of reverence for Torah wisdom, as Rashi emphasizes.
  2. Active rejection of mitzvot (תִּגְעַל נַפְשְׁכֶם): This evolves into a visceral disgust for halachic observance, per Ramban.
  3. Complete abandonment (לְבִלְתִּי עֲשׂוֹת): The neglect becomes total, leading to the severing of the covenant.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 3:6-7) derives from this verse that one must not only avoid sin but also cultivate a love for mitzvot. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 295) adds that despising mitzvot reflects a flawed understanding of their divine origin and purpose. The covenant is not merely a contract but a living bond sustained through Torah observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 9b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the severity of despising God's commandments and its consequences.
📖 Sanhedrin 99a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the gravity of rejecting Torah commandments and the resulting breach of the covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:15 warns against rejecting or despising Hashem's commandments (chukim and mishpatim). According to Rashi, this verse describes a progression—starting with neglecting mitzvot, then feeling disgust toward them, and ultimately breaking the covenant with Hashem. It emphasizes the seriousness of abandoning Torah observance.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the consequences of turning away from Torah observance. The Rambam explains that rejecting mitzvot damages our relationship with Hashem and can lead to spiritual and physical consequences, as detailed later in the Torah portion (Leviticus 26:14-46). It reminds us to cherish and uphold the covenant.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 26:15?
A: We learn that Torah observance requires both action and attitude. The Sforno teaches that even if someone technically keeps mitzvot but does so resentfully or without proper intent, it can lead to a breakdown in their spiritual commitment. The verse encourages us to embrace mitzvot with joy and dedication.
Q: How does this apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to avoid taking mitzvot for granted or viewing them as burdens. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) warns that neglecting Torah study and mitzvot weakens our spiritual connection. By actively engaging in mitzvot with sincerity, we strengthen our bond with Hashem and uphold the covenant.
Q: What are 'chukim' and 'mishpatim' mentioned in this verse?
A: Chukim (statutes) are mitzvot whose reasons are not easily understood (e.g., kashrut or sha'atnez), while mishpatim (judgments) are logical laws (e.g., honesty or charity). Rashi explains that the verse mentions both to teach that rejecting any mitzvah—whether we understand it or not—damages our covenant with Hashem.