King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:14 Mean?

Leviticus 23:14 in the King James Version says “And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offerin... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 23:14 · KJV


Context

12

And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

13

And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.

14

And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15

And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:

16

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

This verse falls within the section on Appointed Feasts. God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings. 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 costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְלֶחֶם֩1 of 19

neither bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְקָלִ֨י2 of 19

nor parched corn

H7039

roasted ears of grain

וְכַרְמֶ֜ל3 of 19

nor green ears

H3759

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

לֹ֣א4 of 19
H3808

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

תֹֽאכְל֗וּ5 of 19

And ye shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עַ֚ד6 of 19

that

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֶ֙צֶם֙7 of 19

until the selfsame

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הַיּ֣וֹם8 of 19

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

הַזֶּ֔ה9 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עַ֚ד10 of 19

that

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֲבִ֣יאֲכֶ֔ם11 of 19

ye have brought

H935

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

אֶת12 of 19
H853

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

קָרְבַּ֖ן13 of 19

an offering

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם14 of 19

unto your 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

חֻקַּ֤ת15 of 19

it shall be a statute

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָם֙16 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

לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם17 of 19

throughout your generations

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

בְּכֹ֖ל18 of 19
H3605

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

מֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃19 of 19

in all your dwellings

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population


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 23:14 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 23:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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