King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:34 Mean?

Leviticus 23:34 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 23:34 · KJV

Context

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.

35

On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

36

Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein. solemn: Heb. day of restraint

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
דַּבֵּ֛ר1 of 16

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 16

“unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּֽחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה6 of 16

“The fifteenth”

H2568

five

עָשָׂ֜ר7 of 16
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

יָמִ֖ים8 of 16

“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

לַחֹ֤דֶשׁ9 of 16

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִי֙10 of 16

“of this seventh”

H7637

seventh

הַזֶּ֔ה11 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חַ֧ג12 of 16

“shall be the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַסֻּכּ֛וֹת13 of 16

“of tabernacles”

H5521

a hut or lair

שִׁבְעַ֥ת14 of 16

“for seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֖ים15 of 16

“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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“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 23:34 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 23:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:14John 7:2Numbers 29:12Ezra 3:4Exodus 34:22Zechariah 14:16-19

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