King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:29 Mean?

Leviticus 16:29 in the King James Version says “And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflic... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 16:29 · KJV


Context

27

And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

28

And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

29

And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

30

For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.

31

It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

This verse falls within the section on Day of Atonement. The most sacred day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all Israel's sins.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The most sacred day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all Israel's sins. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) described in chapter 16 became Israel's most sacred day. Only on this annual day could the high priest enter the Holy of Holies, making atonement for the entire nation. This ceremony, still observed in Judaism, found ultimate fulfillment in Christ's entrance into heaven itself (Hebrews 9:11-12). Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהָֽיְתָ֥ה1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֖ם2 of 19
H0
לְחֻקַּ֣ת3 of 19

And this shall be a statute

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָ֑ם4 of 19

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לַחֹ֜דֶשׁ5 of 19

day of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִי6 of 19

unto you that in the seventh

H7637

seventh

בֶּֽעָשׂ֨וֹר7 of 19

on the tenth

H6218

ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord

לַחֹ֜דֶשׁ8 of 19

day of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

תְּעַנּ֣וּ9 of 19

ye shall afflict

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

אֶת10 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֗ם11 of 19

your souls

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְכָל12 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלָאכָה֙13 of 19

no work

H4399

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

לֹ֣א14 of 19
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ15 of 19

and do

H6213

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

הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח16 of 19

at all whether it be one of your own country

H249

a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)

וְהַגֵּ֖ר17 of 19

or a stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֥ר18 of 19

that sojourneth

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בְּתֽוֹכְכֶֽם׃19 of 19

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 16:29 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 Leviticus 16:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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