King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:31 Mean?

Leviticus 16:31 in the King James Version says “It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 16:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: consecrate: Heb. fill his hand

33

And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שַׁבַּ֨ת1 of 9

“It shall be a sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

שַׁבָּת֥וֹן2 of 9

“of rest”

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

הִיא֙3 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לָכֶ֔ם4 of 9
H0
וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם5 of 9

“unto you and ye shall afflict”

H6031

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

אֶת6 of 9
H853

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

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם7 of 9

“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

חֻקַּ֖ת8 of 9

“by a statute”

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָֽם׃9 of 9

“for ever”

H5769

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

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 16:31 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 16:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:32Isaiah 58:5Leviticus 25:4Exodus 35:2Exodus 31:15Isaiah 58:3

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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