King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:23 Mean?

Leviticus 19:23 in the King James Version says “And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised : three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

Leviticus 19:23 · KJV


Context

21

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering.

22

And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.

23

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised : three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

24

But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal. holy: Heb. holiness of praises to the LORD

25

And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD your God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


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

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. 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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְכִֽי1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תָבֹ֣אוּ2 of 19

And when ye shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֗רֶץ4 of 19

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּנְטַעְתֶּם֙5 of 19

and shall have planted

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

כָּל6 of 19
H3605

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

עֵ֣ץ7 of 19

all manner of trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

מַֽאֲכָ֔ל8 of 19

for food

H3978

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

וַֽעֲרַלְתֶּ֥ם9 of 19

then ye shall count

H6188

to expose or remove the prepuce, whether literal (to go naked) or figurative (to refrain from using)

עָרְלָת֖וֹ10 of 19
H6190

the prepuce

אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

פִּרְי֑וֹ12 of 19

the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ13 of 19

three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שָׁנִ֗ים14 of 19

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה15 of 19
H1961

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

לָכֶ֛ם16 of 19
H0
עֲרֵלִ֖ים17 of 19

shall it be as uncircumcised

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

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

יֵֽאָכֵֽל׃19 of 19

unto you it shall not be eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 19:23 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 19:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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