Leviticus 23:1-8

1 The Lord gave Moses

2 the following regulations for the religious festivals, when the people of Israel are to gather for worship.

3 You have six days in which to do your work, but remember that the seventh day, the Sabbath, is a day of rest. On that day do not work, but gather for worship. The Sabbath belongs to the Lord, no matter where you live. ¹

4 Proclaim the following festivals at the appointed times

5 The Passover, celebrated to honor the Lord, begins at sunset on the fourteenth day of the first month. ²

6 On the fifteenth day the Festival of Unleavened Bread begins, and for seven days you must not eat any bread made with yeast. ³

7 On the first of these days you shall gather for worship and do none of your daily work.

8 Offer your food offerings to the Lord for seven days. On the seventh day you shall again gather for worship, but you shall do none of your daily work.

Leviticus 23:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 23

In this chapter an account is given of the several holy days, times, and seasons, appointed by God, under the general names of feasts and holy convocations; and first of the sabbath, Le 23:1-4; then of the passover and feast of unleavened bread, Le 23:5-8; to which is annexed the sheaf of the firstfruits, Le 23:9-14; after that of the feast of weeks or pentecost, Le 23:15-22; and of the feast of trumpets, Le 23:23-25; and of the day of atonement, Le 23:26-32; and of the feast of tabernacles, Le 23:33-44.

Cross References

• 1. 23.3Exodus 20.8-10; 23.12; 31.15; 34.21; 35.2;Deuteronomy 5.12-14.
• 2. 23.5Exodus 12.1-13;Deuteronomy 16.1, 2.
• 3. 23.6-8Exodus 12.14-20; 23.15; 34.18;Deuteronomy 16.3-8.