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.