Walk contrary to me: literally “if you walk with me in opposition.” The Hebrew expression (also used in verses 23, 24, 27, 28, 40, and 41) indicates an attitude of hostility or resistance. It may be rendered “if you oppose me,” or “if you remain hostile to me” (compare New Jerusalem Bible and New International Version), or “if you still defy me” (New English Bible).

Will not hearken to me: this may be taken as parallel to the previous expression, or as an explanation of the actual way in which they showed their opposition. In the latter case, the two may be connected as follows: “if you continue to oppose me by refusing to listen to me….”

Bring more plagues upon you: the word translated plagues actually refers to “punishment.” Since this is the second increase in their punishment (see verse 18), it may be helpful to add the word “again” as in Good News Translation, or to use an expression like New Jerusalem Bible, “I will go on smiting you….”

Sevenfold as many as your sins: compare verse 18.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .