King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:2 Mean?

Leviticus 23:2 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be h...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.”

Leviticus 23:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

3

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

4

These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

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

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
דַּבֵּ֞ר1 of 16

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 16

“unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣5 of 16

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם6 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֽוֹעֲדָֽי׃7 of 16

“even these are my feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁר9 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּקְרְא֥וּ10 of 16

“which ye shall proclaim”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֹתָ֖ם11 of 16
H853

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

מִקְרָאֵ֣י12 of 16

“convocations”

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

קֹ֑דֶשׁ13 of 16

“to be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֵ֥לֶּה14 of 16
H428

these or those

הֵ֖ם15 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מֽוֹעֲדָֽי׃16 of 16

“even these are my feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 23:2 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 23:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:37Leviticus 23:4Numbers 29:39Psalms 81:3Hosea 2:11Numbers 10:10

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Leviticus 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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