King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:36 Mean?

Leviticus 23:36 in the King James Version says “Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto yo... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 23:36 · KJV


Context

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

37

These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:

38

Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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 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 God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
שִׁבְעַ֣ת1 of 21

Seven

H7651

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 21

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

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם3 of 21

unto you and ye shall offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֤ה4 of 21

an offering made by fire

H801

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

לַֽיהוָה֙5 of 21

unto the LORD

H3068

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם6 of 21

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

הַשְּׁמִינִ֡י7 of 21

on the eighth

H8066

eight

מִקְרָא8 of 21

convocation

H4744

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

קֹדֶשׁ֩9 of 21

shall be an holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה10 of 21
H1961

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

לָכֶ֜ם11 of 21
H0
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם12 of 21

unto you and ye shall offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֤ה13 of 21

an offering made by fire

H801

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

לַֽיהוָה֙14 of 21

unto the LORD

H3068

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

עֲצֶ֣רֶת15 of 21

it is a solemn assembly

H6116

an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday

הִ֔וא16 of 21
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

כָּל17 of 21
H3605

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

מְלֶ֥אכֶת18 of 21

work

H4399

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

עֲבֹדָ֖ה19 of 21

no servile

H5656

work of any kind

לֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃21 of 21

and ye shall do

H6213

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


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 23:36 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 23:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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