King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:25 Mean?

Leviticus 23:25 in the King James Version says “Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 23:25 · KJV

Context

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,

27

Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 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 this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כָּל1 of 8
H3605

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

מְלֶ֥אכֶת2 of 8

“work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

עֲבֹדָ֖ה3 of 8

“no servile”

H5656

work of any kind

לֹ֣א4 of 8
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ5 of 8

“Ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם6 of 8

“therein but ye shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֖ה7 of 8

“an offering made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָֽה׃8 of 8

“unto 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 23:25 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 23:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:21

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