King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:8 in the King James Version says “Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou sh...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein. solemn: Heb. restraint”

Deuteronomy 16:8 · KJV

Context

6

But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

7

And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.

8

Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein. solemn: Heb. restraint

9

Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn.

10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: a tribute: or, sufficiency

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt. Triple emphasis specifies the exact location (where God chooses), timing (evening/sunset), and season (anniversary of exodus). This precision demonstrates God's concern for proper worship according to His revealed will.

The phrase to place his name in indicates special divine presence and ownership. God's name represents His character and authority - where He places His name, He manifests His presence. The sanctuary was not mere human construction but the place where heaven met earth.

Sunset timing commemorated the actual hour of exodus - Israel left Egypt at night after the death of the firstborn. Annual observance at the precise anniversary maintained historical continuity between past deliverance and present memorial.

Reformed theology emphasizes the regulative principle of worship - God prescribes how He will be worshiped, and humans must not presume to innovate worship forms. We approach God on His terms, not our preferences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem eventually became the permanent location where God placed His name when Solomon built the temple. For nearly a thousand years, Jews made pilgrimage there for Passover until Rome destroyed the temple in AD 70.

Jesus' death at Passover fulfilled the feast's typology, transforming the memorial from annual ritual to accomplished fact remembered through the Lord's Supper.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's specification of location, timing, and season teach about worship precision?
  2. How does the concept of God placing His name somewhere indicate special presence?
  3. Why is historical accuracy important in memorial observances?
  4. What is the regulative principle of worship, and how does this passage support it?
  5. How does Christ's death at Passover transform our understanding of the feast?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת1 of 12

“Six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וּבַיּ֣וֹם2 of 12

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תֹּאכַ֣ל3 of 12

“thou shalt eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מַצּ֑וֹת4 of 12

“unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

וּבַיּ֣וֹם5 of 12

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י6 of 12

“and on the seventh”

H7637

seventh

עֲצֶ֙רֶת֙7 of 12

“shall be a solemn assembly”

H6116

an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday

לַֽיהוָ֣ה8 of 12

“to the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ9 of 12

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לֹ֥א10 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה11 of 12

“thou shalt do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְלָאכָֽה׃12 of 12

“no work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 16:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 28:17-19Exodus 12:15-16Leviticus 23:36Leviticus 23:6-8Exodus 13:6-82 Chronicles 7:9

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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