King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:6 Mean?

Leviticus 23:6 in the King James Version says “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleav...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 23:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

8

But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּבַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה1 of 12

“And on the fifteenth”

H2568

five

עָשָׂ֥ר2 of 12
H6240

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

יָמִ֖ים3 of 12

“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

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ4 of 12

“of the same month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַזֶּ֔ה5 of 12
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חַ֥ג6 of 12

“is the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

מַצּ֥וֹת7 of 12

“of unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

לַֽיהוָ֑ה8 of 12

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

שִׁבְעַ֥ת9 of 12

“seven”

H7651

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

יָמִ֖ים10 of 12

“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

מַצּ֥וֹת11 of 12

“of unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃12 of 12

“ye must eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 23:6 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 23:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:18Exodus 12:15-16Deuteronomy 16:8Exodus 13:6-7Acts 12:3-4Numbers 28:17-18

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