Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

LEVITICUS 23:3KJV
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Leviticus 23:3 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:3 mean?

Leviticus 23:3 commands that work should be done for six days, but the seventh day is set apart as a sabbath, a day of complete rest and a holy gathering, during which no work is to be done. This sabbath is described as belonging to the LORD and is to be observed in every home.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about the weekly rhythm of work and rest. The verse introduces the sabbath as both a day of rest and a time for the community to gather in a sacred way, emphasizing its importance as a recurring, God-given appointment for all Israelites, no matter where they live.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:3

  • "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat) means a stopping or ceasing, highlighting that this day is meant for complete rest from regular work.
  • "Rest" (שַׁבָּתוֹן, shabbaton) adds the sense of a special, intensified rest, not just a break but a full pause in activity.
  • "Holy convocation" (מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ, mikra qodesh) refers to a sacred assembly or gathering, showing that the sabbath is not only about rest but also about coming together for worship or remembrance.
  • "Dwellings" (מוֹשָׁב, moshav) indicates that this command is meant to be observed everywhere Israelites live, not just in the temple or a central place.

Why Leviticus 23:3 matters

  • Leviticus 23:3 clarifies that the sabbath is not just a personal day off but a communal, sacred time that involves gathering together.
  • The verse stresses that the sabbath is "of the LORD," showing that this rest is not just for physical refreshment but is a spiritual practice rooted in God’s instruction.
  • This command sets the pattern for the rest of Leviticus 23, which outlines other appointed times and festivals, making the weekly sabbath the foundation for Israel’s calendar of worship.

Where else these words appear

“rest” Hebrew H7677 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 16:31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.
  • Leviticus 23:39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

“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 23:27 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.
  • 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:

“dwellings” Hebrew H4186 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 10:30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.
  • Leviticus 25:29 And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it.
  • Job 29:7 When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.