Leviticus 16:31

Commentary on Leviticus 16:31 (KJV)

Leviticus 16:31 details a crucial command regarding the annual Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur. This verse encapsulates two primary requirements for this most solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar: a complete cessation from work and a profound act of self-humiliation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger chapter, Leviticus 16, which outlines the detailed rituals for the Day of Atonement. This was the one day of the year when the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) to make atonement for the sins of himself, his household, and the entire congregation of Israel. The instructions here follow the narrative of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering (Leviticus 10:1-2), emphasizing the sanctity and strictness required in approaching God. The Day of Atonement was a national day of purification, designed to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from defilement and sin, ensuring God's continued presence among them. The preceding verse, Leviticus 16:29, establishes the tenth day of the seventh month as this sacred observance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Solemn Rest (A Sabbath of Rest): The phrase "sabbath of rest" (Hebrew: shabbaton) signifies a special, solemn day of complete cessation from all labor, even more stringent than the weekly Sabbath. It was a day dedicated entirely to spiritual matters, reflection, and seeking God's presence. This enforced rest underscored the seriousness of the day and allowed for undivided focus on the spiritual cleansing taking place.
• Affliction of Souls: To "afflict your souls" (Hebrew: ‘anah nephesh) primarily refers to fasting, but it encompasses more than just abstaining from food. It implies a deep humbling of oneself before God, expressing repentance, sorrow for sin, and a complete reliance on His mercy. This spiritual exercise fostered humility, self-denial, and a recognition of one's utter dependence on divine grace.
• Perpetual Ordinance: The phrase "by a statute for ever" highlights the enduring nature of this command for the Israelite nation. It was not a temporary ritual but an everlasting law, emphasizing the continuous need for atonement and purification in the sight of a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "sabbath of rest," shabbaton, is a strengthened form of *Shabbat*, indicating a particularly solemn and complete cessation from work. It emphasizes that this day was set apart in an extraordinary way. The phrase "afflict your souls" translates the Hebrew *‘anah nephesh*, which is consistently used in the Old Testament to denote humbling oneself, often through fasting, but also through sorrow, grief, and spiritual submission. It's a deep internal posture of humility and repentance.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 16:31, as part of the Day of Atonement rituals, powerfully illustrates the concept of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the holiness of God. While the ceremonial laws concerning animal sacrifices were fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:10), the underlying principles remain highly relevant for believers today:

• The Need for Atonement: The annual repetition of Yom Kippur underscored humanity's persistent sinfulness and the constant need for divine intervention to cleanse and reconcile. This points forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our perfect High Priest and the final atonement for sins (Hebrews 9:12).
• Humility and Repentance: The command to "afflict your souls" teaches the timeless value of humility, self-examination, and sincere repentance before God. While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law to observe Yom Kippur, the spirit of self-denial and spiritual introspection remains a vital part of faith (Luke 9:23).
• Spiritual Rest: The "sabbath of rest" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual rest found in Christ. Believers are called to rest from their own works and rely fully on God's completed work of salvation, entering into His peace (Matthew 11:28).

This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the profound grace demonstrated through His provision for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.