On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

LEVITICUS 23:35KJV
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Leviticus 23:35 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:35 mean?

Leviticus 23:35 commands that on the first day of a special festival, the people of Israel are to gather for a sacred assembly and are not to do any ordinary work. This sets apart the day as holy, marking it as different from regular days of labor.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to instruct the Israelites about the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The verse highlights the importance of stopping regular work (servile work) and coming together for a holy gathering at the start of this festival, emphasizing both rest and community worship as central to the celebration.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:35

  • קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh, "holy"): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." The day is not just a day off, but a day marked as special for God.
  • מִקְרָא (miqra, "convocation"): This means a public gathering or assembly. The focus is on coming together as a community for worship, not just individual rest.
  • עֲבֹדָה (avodah, "servile"): This word refers to labor or work, especially the kind done by servants or for daily needs. The instruction is to refrain from ordinary, work-related tasks, not necessarily all activity.

Why Leviticus 23:35 matters

  • Leviticus 23:35 clarifies that the day is not only about rest but also about gathering together for a sacred purpose, which sets it apart from a typical day off.
  • The verse helps distinguish between "servile work" (ordinary labor) and other activities, showing that the focus is on ceasing regular work rather than complete inactivity.
  • This command fits into the larger context of Leviticus 23, which outlines the appointed festivals and their significance for Israel's communal and spiritual life, showing how worship and rest are woven together in these observances.

Where else these words appear

“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:

“servile” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.