Leviticus 23:15 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:15 mean?

Leviticus 23:15 instructs the Israelites to begin counting seven full weeks, starting from the day after the Sabbath when they brought the first sheaf of the grain harvest as a wave offering. This counting leads up to the festival known as Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving them specific instructions about their religious calendar. The context is the spring harvest season, and the counting begins with the offering of the first sheaf, marking a period of anticipation and preparation for another major festival.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:15

• "count" (סָפַר, saphar): This word means to count or number carefully, emphasizing that the Israelites were to keep a precise tally of the days and weeks.
• "sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat): Here, "Sabbath" refers to the weekly day of rest, and the counting starts from the day after this Sabbath, not just any day.
• "sheaf" (עֹמֶר, omer): The "sheaf" is a bundle of harvested grain, and this particular offering (the omer) marks the start of the counting period.
• "complete" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word means whole, perfect, or complete, showing that the seven weeks are to be fully counted with nothing skipped.

Why Leviticus 23:15 matters

• Leviticus 23:15 clarifies that the counting toward the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is tied to a specific event—the offering of the first sheaf—rather than a random date.
• The verse highlights the importance of careful observance and precision in following God's instructions, as seen in the use of the word "complete."
• Understanding this verse helps explain the timing and significance of one of Israel’s major festivals, connecting the agricultural cycle to their worship practices.