King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:4 Mean?

Leviticus 23:4 in the King James Version says “These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.”

Leviticus 23:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אֵ֚לֶּה1 of 9
H428

these or those

בְּמֽוֹעֲדָֽם׃2 of 9

“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

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִקְרָאֵ֖י4 of 9

“convocations”

H4744

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

קֹ֑דֶשׁ5 of 9

“even holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁר6 of 9
H834

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

תִּקְרְא֥וּ7 of 9

“which ye shall proclaim”

H7121

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

אֹתָ֖ם8 of 9
H853

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

בְּמֽוֹעֲדָֽם׃9 of 9

“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

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 23:4 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 23:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:2Exodus 23:14Leviticus 23:37

Test Your Knowledge

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

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