In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

LEVITICUS 23:7KJV
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Leviticus 23:7 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:7 mean?

Leviticus 23:7 commands that on the first day of a special festival, the people must gather together for a sacred assembly and are not allowed to do any ordinary work. This sets apart the day as holy and different from regular days of labor.

In Leviticus 23, God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to tell the Israelites how to observe the appointed festivals. This verse specifically refers to the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a time when the community comes together for worship and rest. The focus is on making the day distinct by stopping regular, work-related activities and gathering for a holy purpose.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:7

  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." The day is not just a day off, but a day dedicated to God, marked by a special status.
  • "Convocation" (מִקְרָא, miqra): This means an assembly or gathering, often for worship. The idea is that the people are called together for a communal, public observance.
  • "Servile" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word refers to labor or work, especially the kind done by servants or workers. The command is not just to rest, but specifically to stop all regular, work-related tasks.

Why Leviticus 23:7 matters

  • Leviticus 23:7 clarifies that the day is not only for rest but also for gathering as a community, emphasizing both worship and shared experience.
  • The verse highlights that not all work is forbidden—only "servile" or ordinary labor—so acts of worship or necessary tasks may still be allowed.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme in Leviticus 23 of setting aside regular routines to focus on God and community during special, appointed times.

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 23:27 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:

“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.