King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:3 Mean?

Leviticus 23:3 in the King James Version says “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therei... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 23:3 · 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.

5

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת1 of 19

Six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וּבַיּ֣וֹם2 of 19

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

תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ3 of 19

be done

H6213

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

מְלָאכָ֖ה4 of 19

no work

H4399

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

וּבַיּ֣וֹם5 of 19

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י6 of 19

but the seventh

H7637

seventh

שַׁבָּ֥ת7 of 19

is the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

שַׁבָּתוֹן֙8 of 19

of rest

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

מִקְרָא9 of 19

convocation

H4744

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

קֹ֔דֶשׁ10 of 19

an holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כָּל11 of 19
H3605

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

מְלָאכָ֖ה12 of 19

no work

H4399

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

לֹ֣א13 of 19
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ14 of 19

be done

H6213

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

שַׁבָּ֥ת15 of 19

is the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

הִוא֙16 of 19
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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה17 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

בְּכֹ֖ל18 of 19
H3605

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

מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃19 of 19

in all your dwellings

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population


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 23:3 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 23:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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