King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:15 Mean?

Leviticus 23:15 in the King James Version says “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offeri...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 23:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 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

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. 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּסְפַרְתֶּ֤ם1 of 13

“And ye shall count”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

לָכֶם֙2 of 13
H0
מִמָּֽחֳרַ֣ת3 of 13

“unto you from the morrow”

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

שַׁבָּת֖וֹת4 of 13

“after the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

מִיּוֹם֙5 of 13

“from the 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

הֲבִ֣יאֲכֶ֔ם6 of 13

“that ye brought”

H935

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

אֶת7 of 13
H853

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

עֹ֖מֶר8 of 13

“the sheaf”

H6016

properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure

הַתְּנוּפָ֑ה9 of 13

“of the wave offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

שֶׁ֥בַע10 of 13

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שַׁבָּת֖וֹת11 of 13

“after the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

תְּמִימֹ֥ת12 of 13

“complete”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

תִּֽהְיֶֽינָה׃13 of 13

“shall be”

H1961

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

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 23:15 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 23:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:10-11Leviticus 25:8Deuteronomy 16:9-10Exodus 34:22Numbers 28:26

Test Your Knowledge

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