But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

LEVITICUS 23:8KJV
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Leviticus 23:8 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:8 mean?

Leviticus 23:8 commands the Israelites to present offerings made by fire to the LORD for seven days, and on the seventh day, to gather for a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This verse sets apart the seventh day of the festival as a special day of rest and worship.

God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the people of Israel about the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The verse emphasizes both daily offerings throughout the week and a final, distinct day of gathering and rest, highlighting the importance of both worship and ceasing from ordinary labor during this holy time.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:8

  • "Offering" (קָרַב, qarab, H7126) is about bringing something near or presenting it, here meaning sacrifices or offerings made to God.
  • "Fire" (אֵשׁ, esh, H801) points to offerings that are burned, showing these are sacrifices consumed on the altar, not just any gift.
  • "Holy" (קָדֹשׁ, qadosh, H6944) describes the assembly as set apart or sacred, not just a regular meeting.
  • "Convocation" (מִקְרָא, miqra, H4744) means a called-together gathering, stressing that this is a formal, communal event.
  • "Servile" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah, H5656) refers to ordinary or laborious work, making clear that everyday business is to be set aside on this day.

Why Leviticus 23:8 matters

  • Leviticus 23:8 clarifies that the festival is not just about ritual but also about community and rest, with a special emphasis on the seventh day.
  • The verse shows that the pattern of work and rest is woven into Israel’s worship life, connecting this festival to the broader Sabbath principle.
  • By specifying "offerings made by fire" and a "holy convocation," the verse highlights both the sacrificial and communal aspects of worship, which are key themes throughout Leviticus.

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:

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 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.
  • 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.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

“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.