King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:24 Mean?

Leviticus 23:24 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath,...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.”

Leviticus 23:24 · KJV

Context

22

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.

23

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

24

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

25

Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

26

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
דַּבֵּ֛ר1 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

בְּנֵ֥י3 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ6 of 16

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י7 of 16

“In the seventh”

H7637

seventh

בְּאֶחָ֣ד8 of 16

“in the first”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ9 of 16

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

יִֽהְיֶ֤ה10 of 16
H1961

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

לָכֶם֙11 of 16
H0
שַׁבָּת֔וֹן12 of 16

“shall ye have a sabbath”

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

זִכְר֥וֹן13 of 16

“a memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

תְּרוּעָ֖ה14 of 16

“of blowing”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

מִקְרָא15 of 16

“convocation”

H4744

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

קֹֽדֶשׁ׃16 of 16

“of trumpets an holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 23:24 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 23:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:521 Thessalonians 4:16Leviticus 25:9Numbers 29:1-6Numbers 10:9-10Psalms 98:6

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