King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:37 Mean?

Leviticus 23:37 in the King James Version says “These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unt...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 23:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 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. 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. 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אֵ֚לֶּה1 of 18
H428

these or those

מֽוֹעֲדֵ֣י2 of 18

“These are the feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לַֽיהוָ֗ה3 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁר4 of 18
H834

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

תִּקְרְא֥וּ5 of 18

“which ye shall proclaim”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֹתָ֖ם6 of 18
H853

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

מִקְרָאֵ֣י7 of 18

“convocations”

H4744

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

קֹ֑דֶשׁ8 of 18

“to be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְהַקְרִ֨יב9 of 18

“to offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֜ה10 of 18

“an offering made by fire”

H801

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

לַֽיהוָ֗ה11 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עֹלָ֧ה12 of 18

“a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּמִנְחָ֛ה13 of 18

“and a meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

זֶ֥בַח14 of 18

“a sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וּנְסָכִ֖ים15 of 18

“and drink offerings”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

דְּבַר16 of 18

“every thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃17 of 18

“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

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“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

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 23:37 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 23:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:2Leviticus 23:4Ecclesiastes 3:1Deuteronomy 16:16-17

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 23 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes