King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:29 Mean?

Leviticus 23:29 in the King James Version says “For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 23:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.

31

Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.


Commentary

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

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


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

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּ֤י1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָל2 of 11
H3605

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

הַנֶּ֙פֶשׁ֙3 of 11

For whatsoever soul

H5315

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 11
H834

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

לֹֽא5 of 11
H3808

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

תְעֻנֶּ֔ה6 of 11

it be that shall not be afflicted

H6031

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

בְּעֶ֖צֶם7 of 11

in that same

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הַיּ֣וֹם8 of 11

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

הַזֶּ֑ה9 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְנִכְרְתָ֖ה10 of 11

he shall be cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵֽעַמֶּֽיהָ׃11 of 11

from among his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 23:29 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 23:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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