Leviticus 16:31

KJV

It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall be a sabbath {H7676} of rest {H7677} unto you, and ye shall afflict {H6031} your souls {H5315}, by a statute {H2708} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is a Shabbat of complete rest for you, and you are to deny yourselves. "This is a permanent regulation.

Berean Standard Bible

It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute.

American Standard Version

It is a sabbath of solemn rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls; it is a statute for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:31 encapsulates two foundational and perpetual requirements for the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar: a complete cessation from all labor, observed as an intensified "sabbath of rest," and a profound act of self-humiliation, typically through fasting, signifying repentance and reliance on God's mercy. This verse underscores the enduring nature of this divine ordinance, emphasizing the perpetual need for national and individual atonement and purification for the people of Israel before a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 stands as the theological and ritualistic apex of the book of Leviticus, meticulously detailing the elaborate procedures for Yom Kippur. This pivotal chapter follows the tragic account of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering and subsequent divine judgment in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire"), which starkly underscored the sanctity of God's presence and the strictness required in approaching Him. The Day of Atonement was divinely instituted as the singular annual occasion for the High Priest to enter the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle to make comprehensive atonement for the sins of himself, his household, and the entire congregation of Israel. This intricate set of rituals—involving specific garments, animal sacrifices, and the unique ritual of the scapegoat—was designed to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from all defilement and sin, thereby ensuring God's continued holy presence among His chosen people. The preceding verses, particularly [Leviticus 16:29-30](/leviticus/16-29-30 "Leviticus 16:29-30 - Instructions for the Day of Atonement"), establish the tenth day of the seventh month as this sacred observance and introduce the commands for rest and self-affliction, with verse 31 reiterating and emphasizing their enduring and foundational nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) represented the culmination of Israel's annual cycle of feasts, occurring on the 10th day of the 7th month (Tishrei), approximately in September or October. In stark contrast to other festivals that often involved joyous feasting and celebration, Yom Kippur was uniquely characterized by profound solemnity, fasting, and deep introspection. It was the only day of the year on which the high priest, after extensive personal purification rituals detailed in [Leviticus 16:3-28](/leviticus/16-3-28 "Leviticus 16:3-28 - Rituals for the High Priest"), was permitted to enter the innermost sanctuary. There, he would sprinkle the blood of atonement on the mercy seat, an act of cosmic significance symbolically cleansing and reconciling the entire nation before God. The command to "afflict one's soul" (Hebrew: _ʻânâh nephesh_) was universally understood in ancient Israel, and broadly in the ancient Near East, as fasting. This practice served as a powerful expression of mourning, repentance, or intense supplication. For Israel, it was a collective and deeply personal act of humility before God, acknowledging their inherent sinfulness and utter dependence on His sovereign grace for atonement, which was uniquely provided through the divinely ordained sacrificial system of the day.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to be set apart and purified to maintain His presence among them, as seen throughout [Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11-15 "Leviticus 11-15 - Laws of Purity"). The verse also highlights the pervasive reality of **Sin and Defilement**, underscoring that human sin creates a barrier between God and humanity, necessitating a divinely appointed means of cleansing. The Day of Atonement, therefore, vividly portrays the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, demonstrating God's gracious provision for dealing with sin through substitutionary sacrifice. The mandated "sabbath of rest" points to the theme of **Divine Rest and Sovereignty**, acknowledging that true cleansing and peace come from God's work, not human effort. Finally, the phrase "a statute for ever" reinforces the theme of **Covenant and Enduring Ordinances**, signifying the perpetual nature of God's requirements and His commitment to His covenant people, a theme echoed in the lasting covenant promises found in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "Genesis 17 - The Covenant of Circumcision") and [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sabbath of rest (Hebrew, שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן, _shabbâth shabbâthôwn'_):** This phrase is an intensified expression of "Sabbath," literally meaning "a Sabbath of complete rest" or "a solemn Sabbath." **_shabbâth_ (H7676)** refers to an "intermission," specifically the weekly Sabbath or any day of rest. **_shabbâthôwn_ (H7677)**, derived from _shabbâth_, signifies a "sabbatism or special holiday," denoting a complete and solemn rest. Together, they emphasize an extraordinary cessation from all ordinary labor, distinguishing the Day of Atonement as a day set apart entirely for profound spiritual focus, introspection, and seeking God's presence, beyond the requirements of the weekly Sabbath.
* **afflict your souls (Hebrew, וְעִנִּיתֶם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם, _v'innitem et-nafshoteikhem'_):** This command involves two crucial terms. The verb **_ʻânâh_ (H6031)**, a primitive root, means "to depress literally or figuratively," encompassing actions like "abase self," "afflict," "chasten self," or "humble (self)." When combined with **_nephesh_ (H5315)**, which widely signifies "a breathing creature," "vitality," "soul," "self," or "life," the phrase primarily denotes fasting, as explicitly indicated in other passages (e.g., [Isaiah 58:3](/isaiah/58-3 "True Fasting")). However, it encompasses more than mere abstention from food; it implies a deep, internal posture of humility, self-denial, repentance, and sorrow for sin before God. It is an outward manifestation of an inward spiritual state of dependence and contrition.
* **a statute for ever (Hebrew, חֻקַּת עוֹלָם, _chuqqâh ʻôwlâm'_):** This concluding phrase underscores the enduring and perpetual nature of these commands. **_chuqqâh_ (H2708)**, a feminine form of _choq_, signifies "an enactment," "ordinance," or "custom," referring to a divinely appointed law or statute. **_ʻôwlâm_ (H5769)**, meaning "time out of mind (past or future)," practically denotes "eternity," "everlasting," or "perpetual." Together, they declare that the commands for the Day of Atonement were not temporary or circumstantial but were intended to be observed by the Israelite nation throughout all their generations, emphasizing the enduring theological principles of sin, atonement, and God's unchanging holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you":** This clause designates the Day of Atonement as a uniquely solemn day requiring complete cessation from all work. The intensified phrase "sabbath of rest" (_shabbat shabbaton_) highlights that the commanded rest for this day was even more stringent than that of the regular weekly Sabbath, demanding undivided attention to spiritual matters and the profound significance of the atonement rituals. It was a day set apart entirely for God and the sacred process of national cleansing.
* **"and ye shall afflict your souls":** This command directs the Israelites to humble themselves, primarily through fasting, but also encompassing a broader sense of self-denial, introspection, and repentance. It was a physical and spiritual act of acknowledging their unworthiness, expressing deep sorrow for sin, and demonstrating utter reliance on God's mercy and provision for cleansing. This affliction was not punitive but purificatory, fostering a contrite heart.
* **"by a statute for ever":** This concluding phrase underscores the enduring and perpetual nature of these commands for the people of Israel. It signifies that the Day of Atonement, with its requirements for rest and self-affliction, was an everlasting ordinance, emphasizing the continuous need for national and individual purification in the sight of a holy God across generations, until the ultimate fulfillment of its shadows.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message and emphasize the solemnity of the Day of Atonement. The phrase "**sabbath of rest**" utilizes **Hendiadys**, where two nouns joined by "and" (in the Hebrew, two forms of the same root) express a single, intensified idea. This is not merely a rest day but *the* rest day, a supreme cessation from all activity, highlighting its extraordinary sanctity. The command to "**afflict your souls**" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the physical act of "afflicting the soul" (primarily fasting) stands for the deeper spiritual posture of humility, repentance, and self-denial it represents. It concisely encapsulates a complex spiritual discipline and internal state. Furthermore, the declaration "**by a statute for ever**" employs **Declarative Language** and **Hyperbole** (in the sense of conveying perpetual, unchanging truth rather than literal endlessness in time for the ritual itself), establishing the perpetual nature of the ordinance and imbuing it with timeless significance and divine authority, underscoring its foundational importance for Israel's covenant relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:31, as an integral part of the Day of Atonement instructions, powerfully articulates core theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive reality and gravity of human sin, and the divine, gracious provision for atonement. The mandated rest and self-affliction underscore the seriousness with which God views sin and the absolute necessity of a divinely initiated means of reconciliation. This annual ritual served as a profound object lesson, teaching Israel about their persistent need for cleansing and God's gracious willingness to dwell among an imperfect people through a prescribed system of sacrifice and purification. It pointed forward to a greater, more complete atonement that would ultimately resolve the problem of sin once and for all, demonstrating God's unchanging character and His ultimate plan for redemption.

* [Leviticus 23:27-32](/leviticus/23-27-32 "Leviticus 23:27-32 - The Day of Atonement in the Feasts of the Lord")
* [Numbers 29:7-11](/numbers/29-7-11 "Numbers 29:7-11 - Sacrifices for the Day of Atonement")
* [Psalm 35:13](/psalms/35-13 "Psalm 35:13 - David's Fasting and Affliction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial law of the Old Testament to observe Yom Kippur, the enduring spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 16:31 remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual growth and understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him. The call to a "sabbath of rest" reminds us of the importance of intentional spiritual rest and ceasing from our own striving, allowing God to work in and through us. It invites us to find our ultimate rest not in our efforts or accomplishments but in the finished work of Christ. Similarly, the command to "afflict your souls" speaks to the timeless value of humility, self-examination, and sincere repentance before God. It calls us to regularly acknowledge our sinfulness, cultivate a spirit of dependence on divine grace, and engage in practices that foster spiritual discipline and contrite hearts, such as fasting, prayer, and confession. This verse encourages us to reflect deeply on the seriousness of sin and the immeasurable cost of our redemption, prompting a life of profound gratitude, humble obedience, and ongoing pursuit of holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I need to "afflict my soul" today, not necessarily through legalistic fasting, but through intentional acts of humility, self-denial, or sincere repentance before God?**
* **How does the concept of a "sabbath of rest" on the Day of Atonement inform my understanding of spiritual rest in Christ and the importance of ceasing from my own works to rely on His completed work?**
* **What does the "statute for ever" teach me about the unchanging nature of God's holiness and the enduring need for atonement, even in a New Covenant context where Christ has provided the ultimate sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "sabbath of rest" on the Day of Atonement?**

Answer: The "sabbath of rest" (Hebrew: _shabbat shabbaton_) on the Day of Atonement was a uniquely solemn and complete cessation from all work, even more stringent than the weekly Sabbath. Its significance lay in demanding the Israelites' undivided attention and spiritual focus on the profound rituals of atonement taking place. It underscored the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of God's provision for cleansing, allowing the people to fully engage in humble introspection and reliance on divine mercy, rather than being distracted by worldly pursuits. This intensified rest symbolized the complete dependence on God's work for purification and was a foretaste of the ultimate rest found in Christ's finished work, as described in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "The Sabbath Rest for the People of God").

**Does the command to "afflict your souls" apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law to literally observe the Day of Atonement or its specific fasting requirements (as outlined in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality")), the underlying spiritual principle of "afflicting one's soul" remains highly relevant. For believers, this translates into practices of humility, self-denial, repentance, and spiritual introspection. It encourages periodic fasting as a means of drawing closer to God, confessing sin, and expressing dependence on Him. Jesus taught about the importance of humility ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")) and self-denial ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Taking Up the Cross")) for His followers, embodying the spirit of "afflicting one's soul" in a New Covenant context. It's about cultivating a contrite heart and prioritizing spiritual realities.

**Why is the Day of Atonement called "a statute for ever"?**

Answer: The designation "a statute for ever" (Hebrew: _chuqqâh ʻôwlâm_) emphasizes the perpetual and unchanging nature of the divine command regarding the Day of Atonement for the Israelite nation. It signified that this annual observance was not a temporary measure but a foundational and enduring ordinance, intended to be observed throughout their generations. Theologically, it underscored the unchanging reality of human sin, the eternal holiness of God, and the continuous need for a divinely provided means of atonement. While the Old Covenant rituals ultimately pointed to Christ, the principle of a perpetual need for cleansing and reconciliation before a holy God remains eternally true, finding its ultimate fulfillment in the everlasting covenant established through Jesus' blood, as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ's New Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:31, with its mandates for a solemn "sabbath of rest" and the "affliction of souls" on the Day of Atonement, finds its ultimate, perfect, and definitive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The annual, repetitive nature of Yom Kippur rituals underscored humanity's persistent sinfulness and the temporary efficacy of animal sacrifices, serving as a shadow pointing forward to a definitive solution ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, entered not into an earthly sanctuary made with human hands, but into heaven itself, offering His own precious blood "once for all" to secure an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross is the final atonement, rendering the Old Covenant rituals obsolete because their purpose has been fully accomplished ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice Once for All")). The "sabbath of rest" foreshadows the true spiritual rest found in Christ, where believers cease from their own works of righteousness and striving, entering into His finished work of salvation and finding peace for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself profoundly "afflicted His soul" in His suffering and death on the cross, humbling Himself completely to bear the sin of the world and endure God's wrath, providing the ultimate example and means of reconciliation ([Isaiah 53:10-11](/isaiah/53-10-11 "Isaiah 53:10-11 - The Suffering Servant's Soul Afflicted")). Thus, the "statute for ever" is fulfilled in the everlasting covenant established through Christ's blood, offering a perpetual and complete cleansing from sin for all who believe, ensuring eternal access to God's presence ([Hebrews 13:20-21](/hebrews/13-20-21 "Hebrews 13:20-21 - The God of Peace and the Everlasting Covenant")).

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

Leviticus 23:32

It [shall be] unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth [day] of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

Isaiah 58:5

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

Exodus 31:15

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

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.

Exodus 35:2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.

Leviticus 25:4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.