King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:32 Mean?

Leviticus 23:32 in the King James Version says “It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from eve...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. celebrate: Heb. rest”

Leviticus 23:32 · KJV

Context

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.

32

It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. celebrate: Heb. rest

33

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

34

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

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


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  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 · 15 words
שַׁבַּתְּכֶֽם׃1 of 15

“It shall be unto you a sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

שַׁבָּת֥וֹן2 of 15

“of rest”

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

הוּא֙3 of 15
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

לָכֶ֔ם4 of 15
H0
וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם5 of 15

“and ye shall afflict”

H6031

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

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם7 of 15

“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

בְּתִשְׁעָ֤ה8 of 15

“in the ninth”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

לַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙9 of 15

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

עֶ֔רֶב10 of 15

“at even”

H6153

dusk

עֶ֔רֶב11 of 15

“at even”

H6153

dusk

עַד12 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֶ֔רֶב13 of 15

“at even”

H6153

dusk

תִּשְׁבְּת֖וּ14 of 15

“shall ye celebrate”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

שַׁבַּתְּכֶֽם׃15 of 15

“It shall be unto you a sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

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 23:32 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 23:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:17Matthew 11:28-30Psalms 35:13Psalms 69:10-11Leviticus 16:31Leviticus 23:27

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