King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:24 Mean?

Leviticus 19:24 in the King James Version says “But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal. holy: Heb. holiness of praises to ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 19:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal.

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).

The central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּבַשָּׁנָה֙1 of 8

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָֽרְבִיעִ֔ת2 of 8

“But in the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה3 of 8
H1961

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

כָּל4 of 8
H3605

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

פִּרְי֑וֹ5 of 8

“all the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

קֹ֥דֶשׁ6 of 8

“thereof shall be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הִלּוּלִ֖ים7 of 8

“to praise”

H1974

a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest

לַֽיהוָֽה׃8 of 8

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 19:24 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 19:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:9Deuteronomy 18:4Deuteronomy 14:28-29Numbers 18:12-13Deuteronomy 12:17-18

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