Leviticus 23:4 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:4 mean?

Leviticus 23:4 states that the special feasts of the LORD are to be observed as holy gatherings, and that the people are to announce and keep them at the proper times each year. This verse sets the stage for the instructions about Israel’s religious calendar and the importance of these appointed times.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them directions about their worship and community life. The focus is on specific days set apart for gathering together, which are not just traditions but are considered sacred appointments with God. The verse introduces a section where each feast will be described in detail.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:4

• feasts (מֹועֲדִים, mo'adim): This word means appointed times or set festivals. It emphasizes that these are not random celebrations but specific times set by God for meeting with His people.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, highlighting that these feasts belong to Him, not to the people or their leaders.
• holy (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means something set apart or sacred. The gatherings are not ordinary meetings but are meant to be treated with special reverence.
• convocations (מִקְרָאֵי, miqra’ei): This word refers to assemblies or gatherings that are called together for a specific purpose, in this case, worship.
• proclaim (קָרָא, qara’): This means to announce or declare publicly. The people are to make these times known and observe them as a community.
• seasons (מֹועֲדִים, mo'adim): This repeats the idea of appointed times, stressing that the timing is significant and not left up to personal choice.

Why Leviticus 23:4 matters

• Leviticus 23:4 clarifies that these feasts are not man-made traditions but are appointed by God Himself, which gives them special authority and meaning.
• The verse highlights that the timing of these gatherings is important, showing that worship in Israel was organized around a shared calendar, not just individual preference.
• By introducing the idea of “holy convocations,” Leviticus 23:4 shows that these events were meant to be communal and sacred, setting the tone for the detailed instructions that follow.