Leviticus 23:44 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:44 mean?

Leviticus 23:44 describes how Moses told the Israelites about the special festivals that belonged to the LORD. This verse marks the conclusion of a section where Moses communicates God's instructions about these holy days to the people.

In this setting, Moses is acting as the messenger between God and the nation of Israel. God had just given Moses detailed instructions about the various feasts and appointed times, and now Moses is passing those instructions on to the people. The verse emphasizes the importance of these festivals as part of Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:44

• "Declared" (דִּבֵּר, dibber): This word means to speak or proclaim. Here, it highlights that Moses is not just casually mentioning the feasts, but officially announcing or teaching them as God’s appointed times.
• "Feasts" (מֹעֲדֵי, mo'adei): This word means appointed times or set festivals. It points to specific, scheduled gatherings that God set aside for the people, not just any celebration.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, reminding the reader that these festivals belong to God, not to Moses or the people.

Why Leviticus 23:44 matters

• Leviticus 23:44 shows that the festivals were not Moses’ own idea, but commands from God, passed on faithfully to the people.
• The verse connects the detailed instructions about the feasts to their actual communication, showing Moses’ role as a faithful messenger.
• This verse wraps up the chapter’s focus on God’s appointed times, underlining their importance in Israel’s worship and community life.