Leviticus 23:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall proclaim {H7121} on the selfsame {H6106} day {H3117}, that it may be an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744} unto you: ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399} therein: it shall be a statute {H2708} for ever {H5769} in all your dwellings {H4186} throughout your generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the same day, you are to call a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work; this is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live

Berean Standard Bible

On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly, and you must not do any regular work. This is to be a permanent statute wherever you live for the generations to come.

American Standard Version

And ye shall make proclamation on the selfsame day; there shall be a holy convocation unto you; ye shall do no servile work: it is a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:21 issues a foundational command for the observance of the Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot or Pentecost, emphasizing its sacred nature and perpetual obligation within Israel's divinely ordained calendar. This verse mandates a public proclamation of the day as a holy assembly, where all ordinary labor is strictly forbidden, underscoring its status as an eternal statute for all generations of Israelites, wherever they reside.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the Lord's appointed times (`mo'adim`), a series of annual feasts and Sabbaths that structure Israel's liturgical year and serve as communal encounters with God. Following the detailed instructions for Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:4-8), and the offering of the firstfruits from the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:9-14), verses 15-16 establish the counting of seven complete Sabbaths, culminating on the fiftieth day—the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). This agricultural festival celebrates the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. Leviticus 23:17-20 then describes the specific offerings required for this day, including two loaves of leavened bread, symbolizing the new grain from the land. Verse 21 then pronounces the specific requirements for the observance of this day, cementing its status as a non-working, sacred assembly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Passover and Sukkot) where all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem (compare [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). Rooted in the agrarian cycle of ancient Israel, it marked the completion of the spring harvest, specifically the wheat harvest. Beyond its agricultural significance, Jewish tradition later associated Shavuot with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, occurring fifty days after the Exodus from Egypt, mirroring the fifty-day count from Passover. The command for a "holy convocation" and the cessation of "servile work" was a common feature of these sacred days (for example, [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Holy Convocation for Unleavened Bread")), distinguishing them from ordinary days and emphasizing their divine appointment for worship, rest, and communal gathering, rather than merely a day off from labor.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Time**, as God Himself ordains specific days and seasons for His people to meet with Him, thereby sanctifying time itself. This verse also highlights the **Nature of Holiness**, emphasizing that certain times and actions are to be "set apart" from the ordinary for sacred purposes, reflecting God's own holy character. The prohibition of "servile work" underscores the theme of **Rest and Dependence on God**, teaching Israel to cease from their own labor and trust in God's provision and sustaining power, a principle foundational to the Sabbath (see [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). Finally, the command for a "holy convocation" reinforces the importance of **Communal Worship and Covenant Identity**, as these gatherings served to unite Israel as God's chosen people, reminding them of their shared history, divine blessings, and ongoing covenant relationship with the Lord (as seen throughout the instructions for the feasts in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Appointed Feasts of the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** This term (H4744) refers to "something called out," signifying a public meeting or assembly. It emphasizes that these gatherings were not human initiatives but divine summonses, where God Himself called His people together for a specific purpose of worship and communal gathering.
* **Servile (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** While often translated as "servile work" in conjunction with another word, _ʻăbôdâh_ (H5656) itself denotes "work of any kind," "labor," or "service." It can also carry connotations of "bondage" or "toil." In this context, it refers to the cessation of ordinary, burdensome, or gainful labor, distinguishing sacred time from regular occupational pursuits.
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This word (H2708) signifies an "enactment," "ordinance," or "decree." It implies a fixed, unalterable, and divinely appointed law or custom. Its usage here underscores the permanent and binding nature of the command for the Feast of Weeks, indicating it was a fundamental and enduring part of God's covenant requirements for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the public and authoritative nature of the command. The day of the Feast of Weeks was not to be observed privately or haphazardly, but formally announced and recognized by the community. The "selfsame day" highlights the immediate and specific timing of this proclamation, ensuring its timely observance.
* **"that it may be an holy convocation unto you":** The purpose of the proclamation is revealed here: to designate the day as a "holy convocation." This phrase signifies a divinely summoned and set-apart assembly. It was a time for the entire community to gather before the Lord, dedicated to worship, spiritual instruction, and communal fellowship, distinct from their regular activities.
* **"ye shall do no servile work therein":** This is a direct prohibition, specifying the manner of observance. The cessation of "servile work" meant a complete suspension of ordinary labor or occupational duties. This was not merely a day off but a sacred cessation, intended to free the people from worldly distractions and enable full devotion to God and the spiritual significance of the feast.
* **"it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations":** This concluding declaration emphasizes the enduring and universal applicability of this command within Israel. It was a permanent ordinance, binding on all Israelites regardless of their location ("in all your dwellings") and for all time ("throughout your generations"). This underscores the foundational and non-negotiable nature of the Feast of Weeks as a perpetual divine appointment.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:21 employs several literary devices to convey its authoritative and enduring message. The use of **imperative verbs** ("proclaim," "do no") establishes the direct and non-negotiable nature of God's command, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the required actions. The phrase "holy convocation" functions as a **technical term**, a specific designation used repeatedly throughout Leviticus 23 and other legal texts (e.g., [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Holy Convocation for Unleavened Bread")), signaling a divinely appointed assembly with specific restrictions. **Repetition** is evident in the emphasis on the perpetuity of the statute ("for ever," "throughout your generations"), reinforcing its timeless and universal applicability to the Israelite people. This **legalistic language** serves to codify and formalize the divine requirements, ensuring clarity and adherence within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:21, in its command for the Feast of Weeks, encapsulates profound theological principles concerning divine appointment, the nature of holiness, and the rhythm of human life. It underscores God's sovereignty in establishing sacred time and space, calling His people to set aside worldly pursuits for dedicated communion with Him. The prohibition of "servile work" is not merely about idleness but about a reorientation of priorities, recognizing that true rest and sustenance come from God. The perpetual nature of the statute speaks to the enduring covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to these divine rhythms was a hallmark of their identity and faithfulness. This feast, celebrating the firstfruits of the harvest, inherently points to God as the provider and sustainer of life, worthy of first honor and communal thanksgiving.

* [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sign of the Sabbath Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 16:9-12](/deuteronomy/16-9-12 "Deuteronomy 16:9-12 - Instructions for the Feast of Weeks")
* [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial law of the Old Testament feasts is not binding on Christians in the same way, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 23:21 offer timeless wisdom for contemporary believers. This verse calls us to recognize the sanctity of time and the importance of intentionally setting aside moments for God. In a world that constantly demands our labor and attention, the command for a "holy convocation" reminds us of the vital need for corporate worship, where we gather as the body of Christ to honor God, receive instruction, and experience communal fellowship. The prohibition against "servile work" challenges us to evaluate our own priorities, asking whether our lives are so consumed by worldly pursuits that we neglect spiritual rest and devotion. It encourages us to cultivate a rhythm of life that includes intentional cessation from labor, not merely for physical recuperation, but for spiritual renewal and a deeper focus on our Creator and Redeemer. Ultimately, this verse underscores the value of reverence, obedience, and a life lived in conscious acknowledgment of God's sovereign design for our time and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I intentionally set aside time for God in my daily, weekly, and annual rhythms, echoing the principle of a "holy convocation"?**
* **In what ways might "servile work" (or its modern equivalent) distract me from spiritual rest and devotion, and what steps can I take to prioritize God in those moments?**
* **How does my participation in corporate worship reflect the "holy convocation" described in this verse, and what is its significance for my spiritual life?**
* **Considering the "statute for ever," what enduring principles from God's Old Testament commands are still relevant and applicable to my life as a New Testament believer?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Feast of Weeks, known as Shavuot in Hebrew, was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for ancient Israel. Agriculturally, it marked the end of the spring grain harvest, specifically the wheat harvest, and was a time to offer the firstfruits of this harvest to God (compare [Leviticus 23:17](/leviticus/23-17 "Leviticus 23:17 - Offering of Two Loaves")). Theologically, it was a celebration of God's provision and faithfulness. Later Jewish tradition also linked it to the giving of the Law (Torah) at Mount Sinai, which occurred fifty days after the Exodus, mirroring the fifty-day count from Passover.

**Are Christians still required to observe the Feast of Weeks or other Old Testament feasts?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament feasts in the same manner as ancient Israel, the New Testament teaches that these feasts found their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, the Feast of Weeks is profoundly significant for Christians because it was on this very day that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples in Jerusalem, marking the birth of the Church (see [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")). While we don't observe the feasts ritually, the principles of worship, rest, community, and gratitude for God's provision remain highly relevant.

**What does "no servile work" mean for us today?**

Answer: In the context of Leviticus 23:21, "no servile work" meant abstaining from ordinary, gainful labor or strenuous occupational tasks. It was about setting aside worldly pursuits to dedicate the day fully to God. For us today, while not under the same legalistic command, the principle encourages intentional rest and a reorientation of priorities. It reminds us to create space in our lives for spiritual activities, communal worship, and personal devotion, ensuring that our lives are not solely consumed by work and material pursuits. It's about prioritizing God's presence and purpose over our own productivity (compare [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath was Made for Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:21, with its command for a "holy convocation" and cessation of "servile work" on the Feast of Weeks, finds its glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The agricultural harvest celebrated in the Old Testament feast foreshadowed a far greater spiritual harvest initiated by Christ. Precisely on the day of Pentecost, as the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, the promised Holy Spirit descended (as recorded in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")), marking the birth of the Church. This event was the ultimate "holy convocation," a divine summoning of God's new covenant people from every nation, empowered by the Spirit to proclaim the gospel. The "no servile work" principle, which freed Israel to focus on God's provision, is fulfilled in Christ who provides true rest for our souls (compare [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His finished work on the cross, Christ has accomplished the ultimate labor, freeing us from the futile "servile work" of trying to earn our salvation (compare [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The perpetual "statute for ever" is realized in the eternal covenant established through Christ's blood, where the Spirit indwells believers, making them living temples and perpetually set apart for God's purposes (compare [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The Feast of Weeks, therefore, points to the spiritual reality of God's people gathered by the Spirit, resting in Christ's finished work, and participating in His ongoing harvest.

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 23:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, [Concerning] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, [even] these [are] my feasts.

Leviticus 23:14

And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 23:4

¶ These [are] the feasts of the LORD, [even] holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

Numbers 18:23

But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Leviticus 23:7

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

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.