King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:27 Mean?

Leviticus 23:27 in the King James Version says “Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you;... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 23:27 · KJV


Context

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.

28

And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.

29

For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

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 ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אַ֡ךְ1 of 18

Also

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

בֶּֽעָשׂ֣וֹר2 of 18

on the tenth

H6218

ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord

לַחֹדֶשׁ֩3 of 18

month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֨י4 of 18

day of this seventh

H7637

seventh

הַזֶּ֜ה5 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

י֧וֹם6 of 18

there shall be a 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

הַכִּפֻּרִ֣ים7 of 18

of atonement

H3725

expiation (only in plural)

ה֗וּא8 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִֽקְרָא9 of 18

convocation

H4744

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

קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙10 of 18

it shall be an holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה11 of 18
H1961

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

לָכֶ֔ם12 of 18
H0
וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם13 of 18

unto you and ye shall afflict

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם15 of 18

your souls

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם16 of 18

and offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֖ה17 of 18

an offering made by fire

H801

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃18 of 18

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 23:27 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 23:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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