Leviticus 16:29

KJV

¶ And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

KJV (with Strong's)

And this shall be a statute {H2708} for ever {H5769} unto you: that in the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}, on the tenth {H6218} day of the month {H2320}, ye shall afflict {H6031} your souls {H5315}, and do {H6213} no work {H4399} at all, whether it be one of your own country {H249}, or a stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} you:

Complete Jewish Bible

"It is to be a permanent regulation for you that on the tenth day of the seventh month you are to deny yourselves and not do any kind of work, both the citizen and the foreigner living with you.

Berean Standard Bible

This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—

American Standard Version

And it shall be a statute for ever unto you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the home-born, or the stranger that sojourneth among you:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:29 establishes the foundational command for the annual Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, as a perpetually binding statute for the Israelite community. This sacred day, observed on the tenth day of the seventh month, mandated a profound spiritual and physical discipline: the "affliction of souls" and a complete cessation of all work. This requirement applied universally to everyone within the community, whether native-born Israelite or resident foreigner, underscoring the solemnity, inclusivity, and absolute necessity of this national day of purification and repentance before a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 stands as the theological and ritualistic apex of the book of Leviticus, often referred to as its heart. It immediately follows chapters detailing various laws concerning ritual purity and impurity (Leviticus 11-15), which highlight the constant need for purification in the presence of a holy God. The Day of Atonement, as described in this chapter, provides the comprehensive, annual solution for the accumulated impurities and sins of the entire nation, including the sanctuary itself, which would otherwise defile God's dwelling place among His people. Verse 29 specifically introduces the communal obligations following the detailed ritual actions performed by the High Priest (Leviticus 16:1-28), ensuring that the people's internal disposition matched the external atonement work. The chapter concludes by reiterating the perpetual nature of this statute, emphasizing its enduring significance for Israel's relationship with God, as seen in [the concluding verses of the chapter](/leviticus/16-34 "Leviticus 16:34 - The Perpetual Statute of Atonement").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most solemn and unique day in the ancient Israelite liturgical calendar, distinct from the other annual festivals outlined in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord"). Historically, it was the only day of the year when the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) to perform specific, intricate rituals for the atonement of the sins of the priests, the people, and the sanctuary itself. The command to "afflict your souls" (Hebrew: _‘innitem ‘et-nafshotekhem_) was universally understood to primarily mean a complete fast from food and drink, as evidenced in parallel passages like [Psalm 35:13](/psalm/35-13 "Psalm 35:13 - Fasting and Affliction") and [Isaiah 58:3](/isaiah/58-3 "Isaiah 58:3 - True Fasting"). This physical discipline was a tangible expression of deep humility, repentance, and mourning over sin, reflecting the gravity of the day. The prohibition of "any work" elevated Yom Kippur to the status of a "Sabbath of solemn rest" ([Leviticus 23:32](/leviticus/23-32 "Leviticus 23:32 - A Sabbath of Solemn Rest")), indicating a complete cessation from all ordinary labor to dedicate the entire day to spiritual reflection and participation in the national atonement. The inclusivity of the command, extending to "strangers that sojourneth among you," highlights God's universal standard of holiness and the requirement for all within the covenant community to participate in the national cleansing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to be holy, both individually and corporately, to dwell in His presence. It underscores the theme of **Atonement**, revealing God's gracious provision for dealing with human sin and impurity through divinely appointed means. The Day of Atonement highlights the **Pervasiveness of Sin**, demonstrating that sin affects not only individuals but also the entire community and even the sacred space where God dwells, necessitating a comprehensive annual cleansing. Finally, the inclusion of "strangers" points to the theme of **Inclusivity within the Covenant Community**, indicating that God's standards of holiness and the need for atonement extended beyond ethnic Israelites to all who chose to live within the sphere of His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This term (H2708) denotes an enduring ordinance, a fixed decree, or an unchangeable law. When paired with "for ever" (_‘ôwlâm_, H5769), it emphasizes the perpetual and binding nature of the Day of Atonement for the Israelite covenant community. It signifies that this observance was not temporary or conditional but an eternal fixture in their relationship with God, foundational to their identity and continued existence as His holy people.
* **Afflict (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root (H6031) means to depress literally or figuratively, to abase oneself, or to humble. When used with "souls" (_nephesh_, H5315), as in "afflict your souls," it signifies a profound act of self-denial, spiritual discipline, and genuine contrition. While contextually understood to include fasting (abstaining from food and drink), its semantic range is broader, encompassing deep humility, mourning, and a recognition of one's sinfulness and complete dependence on God's mercy and provision for atonement. It is an internal disposition of repentance made manifest through external practices.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** This term (H1616), derived from the root _gûwr_ (H1481) meaning to sojourn, properly refers to a guest or, by implication, a foreigner who has taken up residence within the Israelite community, living under their laws and customs. The inclusion of the stranger in this command highlights the universal scope of the Day of Atonement's requirements. It demonstrates that the need for repentance, purification, and adherence to God's holy standards extended to all individuals living within the covenant sphere, regardless of their ethnic origin, emphasizing the principle that sin defiles all who dwell in the land where God's presence resides.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this shall be a statute for ever unto you:"** This declarative statement underscores the enduring and non-negotiable nature of the Day of Atonement. It signifies that the principles and practices associated with Yom Kippur are divinely ordained and perpetually binding upon the Israelite people, serving as a foundational pillar of their covenant relationship with God across generations.
* **"[that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month,"** This specifies the precise timing of the observance. The seventh month (Tishrei) was significant as it marked the end of the agricultural year and contained several key festivals, culminating in Yom Kippur, followed by the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the month. The tenth day, specifically, allowed for a period of introspection and preparation after the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the month.
* **"ye shall afflict your souls,"** This is the central command to the people. As detailed in "Key Word Analysis," this involves a profound act of self-denial, primarily fasting, but also encompassing a spirit of humility, repentance, and sorrow over sin. It's a call for the entire community to collectively and individually humble themselves before God in recognition of their sinfulness and need for His atoning grace.
* **"and do no work at all,"** This directive elevates the Day of Atonement to the status of a High Sabbath, a day of complete rest from all ordinary labor. This cessation of work was not merely for physical recuperation but to enable full devotion to spiritual matters, prayer, and participation in the solemn rituals of the day, emphasizing its sacredness and the gravity of the atonement process.
* **"[whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:"** This clause emphasizes the universal application of the command within the Israelite community. It demonstrates that the requirements for repentance, humility, and participation in the national cleansing extended to all individuals residing in the land, regardless of their birthright, highlighting God's inclusive standard of holiness and the pervasive nature of sin's defilement.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:29 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, evident in phrases like "this shall be a statute for ever," which establishes the absolute and enduring authority of the divine command. This formal, prescriptive language underscores the non-negotiable nature of the Day of Atonement. There is also **Repetition** of the concept of "perpetual statute" from earlier in the chapter (e.g., [Leviticus 16:31](/leviticus/16-31 "Leviticus 16:31 - A Sabbath of Solemn Rest")), reinforcing the timeless and unchanging nature of this ordinance. The phrase "afflict your souls" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where a physical act (fasting) stands for a deeper spiritual reality (humility, repentance, self-denial). This figure of speech directs the reader from the outward action to the inward disposition it represents. Finally, the explicit inclusion of "stranger that sojourneth among you" demonstrates **Inclusivity** as a thematic device, broadening the scope of the covenant's demands beyond ethnic Israelites and highlighting God's universal claim on all who dwell within His holy land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:29 encapsulates profound theological truths central to the Old Covenant and foundational for understanding the New. It highlights the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive reality and defiling nature of sin, and God's merciful provision for atonement. The command to "afflict your souls" underscores the necessity of human repentance, humility, and self-abasement as a prerequisite for receiving divine forgiveness and cleansing. The Day of Atonement was a vivid annual reminder that human sin creates a barrier between God and humanity, and only through a divinely appointed means—a blood sacrifice and a High Priest—could reconciliation and purification be achieved, allowing God's holy presence to remain among His people. This annual ritual ingrained in Israel the gravity of sin and the costliness of grace, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice to come.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Isaiah 58:6-7](/isaiah/58-6-7 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - The Fast God Chooses")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leading to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, including the specific rituals of Yom Kippur, have been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 16:29 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The call to "afflict your souls" translates into a perpetual summons to humility, self-examination, and genuine repentance. We are to live lives marked by an ongoing awareness of our sinfulness and our absolute dependence on God's grace. This involves regularly confessing our sins, turning away from unrighteousness, and cultivating a spirit of humility before our holy God. The cessation of work on Yom Kippur, dedicated to spiritual focus, reminds us of the need to intentionally set aside time for prayer, worship, and reflection, prioritizing our spiritual walk above worldly pursuits. The inclusivity of the command extends to us, reminding us that God's standards of holiness apply to all who claim His name, regardless of background or origin, for all are equally in need of His grace and equally called to His holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "afflict my soul" today, demonstrating genuine humility and repentance before God?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a cessation from "work" in the sense of prioritizing spiritual disciplines and seeking God's presence?**
* **Do I recognize the pervasive nature of sin in my own life and the ongoing need for Christ's atoning work?**
* **How does the inclusivity of the Day of Atonement's command inform my understanding of God's call to holiness for all people, regardless of their background?**

### FAQ
**What does "afflict your souls" truly mean in the context of Leviticus 16:29?**

Answer: While commonly understood and practiced as a complete fast from food and drink, "afflict your souls" (Hebrew: _‘innitem ‘et-nafshotekhem_) carries a deeper spiritual meaning. It signifies a profound act of self-denial, humility, and contrition before God. It's about humbling oneself, expressing sorrow for sin, and acknowledging one's complete dependence on God's mercy. This physical act of fasting was a tangible outward expression of an inward spiritual posture of repentance and self-abasement, essential for participating in the national cleansing on the Day of Atonement. The prophet Isaiah later elaborates on this, emphasizing that true fasting involves acts of justice and compassion, not just physical deprivation, as seen in [Isaiah 58:3-7](/isaiah/58-3-7 "Isaiah 58:3-7 - True Fasting").

**Is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) still observed today?**

Answer: Yes, Yom Kippur continues to be the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, observed annually by Jews worldwide. While the sacrificial rituals of the Temple era ceased with its destruction in 70 AD, modern Jewish observance focuses on prayer, fasting, synagogue services, and sincere repentance (Teshuvah). For Christians, the ceremonial laws and annual rituals of Yom Kippur are understood to have been perfectly and permanently fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, as elaborated in the New Testament, particularly the Book of Hebrews. Therefore, Christians do not observe Yom Kippur as a required religious holiday, but the spiritual principles of atonement, repentance, and humility remain central to Christian faith.

**Why is it called a "statute for ever" if its rituals were fulfilled in Christ?**

Answer: The phrase "statute for ever" (_chuqqat ‘olam_) indicates the perpetual and enduring nature of the ordinance within the Old Covenant framework. It means it was not a temporary command but a foundational, unchanging aspect of Israel's relationship with God. From a Christian perspective, "for ever" does not necessarily mean "forever in the same form" but "forever in its underlying purpose and truth." The *purpose* of Yom Kippur – to deal with sin, provide atonement, and allow God's holy presence to dwell among His people – is indeed eternal. This purpose finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God and the Great High Priest, accomplished a "once for all" atonement that eternally purifies believers ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption")). Thus, the "statute" remains "for ever" not in its shadow (the ritual), but in its substance (Christ's eternal work).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:29, with its command for the affliction of souls and the solemn observance of the Day of Atonement, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The annual, repetitive sacrifices and the High Priest's entry into the earthly Most Holy Place were but a shadow of the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice offered by Jesus. He is our ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and our [great high priest who has passed through the heavens](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"). Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices daily for their own sins and then for the people, Christ "entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross superseded the need for annual atonement rituals, providing a complete and permanent cleansing for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ Offered Once for All")). Through His finished work, we now have [boldness to enter the Most Holy Place](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place") by the blood of Jesus, an access that was previously restricted to the High Priest once a year. The "affliction of souls" for believers is now a continuous spiritual discipline of repentance, humility, and self-denial, lived out in light of Christ's perfect atonement, recognizing that our forgiveness and reconciliation are secured not by our works, but by His grace, and that we are called to [present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 29:7

And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:

Isaiah 58:3

¶ Wherefore have we fasted, [say they], and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

Leviticus 23:7

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

Leviticus 23:8

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 23:21

And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, [that] it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work [therein: it shall be] a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

Exodus 20:10

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.