Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 23:27KJV
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Leviticus 23:27 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:27 mean?

Leviticus 23:27 commands the Israelites to observe the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the seventh month, treating it as a sacred gathering, humbling themselves, and presenting a special burnt offering to the LORD. This verse sets apart a specific day for national reflection, repentance, and sacrifice before God.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to tell the people of Israel about the Day of Atonement, which is known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur. The command includes three main actions: holding a holy assembly, "afflicting" their souls (which often meant fasting or humbling oneself), and bringing an offering by fire. This day is unique among the festivals listed in Leviticus 23 because it focuses on atonement and reconciliation with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:27

  • "Atonement" (כִּפֻּרִים, kippurim): This word means "covering" or "atonement," pointing to the idea of sins being covered or dealt with so that the relationship with God can be restored.
  • "Afflict" (עָנָה, anah): This word often means to humble or oppress, but here it is commonly understood as humbling oneself, usually through fasting or self-denial, to show repentance and dependence on God.
  • "Souls" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word means "life" or "self," so "afflict your souls" means to humble one's whole being, not just outward actions.
  • "Holy convocation" (מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ, mikra-qodesh): This phrase means a sacred assembly, emphasizing that this is not just a private act but a communal, set-apart gathering.

Why Leviticus 23:27 matters

  • Leviticus 23:27 clarifies that the Day of Atonement is not a festival of celebration, but a solemn day focused on humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.
  • The verse highlights that atonement involves both personal humility ("afflicting your souls") and communal worship ("holy convocation"), showing that reconciliation with God is both individual and collective.
  • This verse connects to the larger structure of Leviticus 23, which outlines Israel’s sacred calendar, marking the Day of Atonement as a unique day of spiritual reset and restoration in the life of the community.

Where else these words appear

“atonement” Hebrew H3725 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 29:36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.
  • Exodus 30:16 And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  • Leviticus 25:9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

“tenth” Hebrew H6218 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.
  • Joshua 4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
  • Jeremiah 52:4 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

“Also” Hebrew H389 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Exodus 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
  • Judges 7:19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

“convocation” Hebrew H4744 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: