Leviticus 23:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:16 mean?

Leviticus 23:16 instructs the Israelites to count fifty days from the day after the seventh Sabbath and then present a new grain offering to the LORD. This verse sets the timing for a special offering, marking the end of a specific period of counting days after Passover.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, who is relaying instructions to the people of Israel about their religious calendar. The verse describes the conclusion of the "counting of the omer," a period between Passover and the festival that would later be called Pentecost. The focus is on careful counting and the presentation of a new offering, highlighting the importance of order and gratitude in Israel's worship.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:16

• "Number" (סָפַר, saphar): This word means to count or reckon. The instruction is not just to wait but to actively count each day, emphasizing attentiveness and participation.
• "Fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim): The specific mention of fifty days sets this apart as a significant, complete period, connecting the Passover to the next major festival.
• "New" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): The offering is described as "new," pointing to fresh produce from the recent harvest, not leftovers from before, underlining renewal and thankfulness.
• "Offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah): This refers to a grain offering, a gift of the land’s produce, which was a central part of Israel’s worship and acknowledgment of God’s provision.

Why Leviticus 23:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that the festival known as Pentecost (or Shavuot) is not on a fixed calendar date but is determined by counting fifty days from Passover, showing the connection between the two events.
• The emphasis on a "new" offering highlights the importance of bringing the first and best of the harvest to God, not what is left over.
• Understanding the counting and timing helps make sense of later biblical events, such as the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in the New Testament, which also happens fifty days after Passover.