King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:8 Mean?

Leviticus 23:8 in the King James Version says “But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shal...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 23:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

10

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: sheaf: or, handful: Heb. omer

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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. 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם1 of 14

“But ye shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֛ה2 of 14

“an offering made by fire”

H801

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

לַֽיהוָ֖ה3 of 14

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

שִׁבְעַ֣ת4 of 14

“seven”

H7651

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

בַּיּ֤וֹם5 of 14

“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

בַּיּ֤וֹם6 of 14

“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

הַשְּׁבִיעִי֙7 of 14

“in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

מִקְרָא8 of 14

“convocation”

H4744

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

קֹ֔דֶשׁ9 of 14

“is an holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כָּל10 of 14
H3605

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

מְלֶ֥אכֶת11 of 14

“work”

H4399

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

עֲבֹדָ֖ה12 of 14

“no servile”

H5656

work of any kind

לֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשֽׂוּ׃14 of 14

“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 23:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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