Leviticus 23:25

KJV

Ye shall do no servile work [therein]: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399} therein: but ye shall offer {H7126} an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not do any kind of ordinary work, and bring an offering made by fire to ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

You must not do any regular work, but you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

Ye shall do no servile work; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:25 outlines a crucial command for the observance of the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah), an annual sacred assembly for ancient Israel. On this day, which marked the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites were strictly prohibited from engaging in any ordinary, laborious work. Instead, their focus was to be entirely on worship and devotion, specifically by presenting an "offering made by fire" to the LORD, signifying a day of solemn rest and active spiritual engagement before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously details the LORD's appointed times (`mo'edim`), a divinely ordained calendar of sacred festivals and Sabbaths that structured Israel's year and their covenant relationship with God. The chapter begins with the weekly Sabbath, foundational to Israelite life, as seen in [Leviticus 23:3](/leviticus/23-3 "Leviticus 23:3 - The Weekly Sabbath Command"), and progresses through the annual feasts: Passover and Unleavened Bread ([Leviticus 23:4-8](/leviticus/23-4-8 "Leviticus 23:4-8 - Passover and Unleavened Bread")), Firstfruits ([Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Offering of Firstfruits")), Pentecost ([Leviticus 23:15-22](/leviticus/23-15-22 "Leviticus 23:15-22 - The Feast of Weeks")), and then the autumn festivals. Leviticus 23:23-25 specifically introduces the Feast of Trumpets, immediately preceding the solemn Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 23:26-32](/leviticus/23-26-32 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - The Day of Atonement")) and the joyous Feast of Booths ([Leviticus 23:33-44](/leviticus/23-33-44 "Leviticus 23:33-44 - The Feast of Booths")). This strategic placement highlights the Feast of Trumpets as a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and preparation, calling the people to introspection and repentance before the most sacred day of the year. The command in verse 25, therefore, reinforces the sanctity and unique purpose of this particular holy day within the divine calendar, setting it apart as a day dedicated to the LORD.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Israelite calendar was intrinsically linked to their agricultural cycles and, more importantly, to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Feast of Trumpets, or Yom Teruah, literally "Day of Shouting/Blowing," was observed on the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei), marking the beginning of the civil new year in later Jewish tradition (Rosh Hashanah). Its primary characteristic was the blowing of trumpets (shofars), which served multiple purposes: a call to assembly, a sound of alarm, a signal for war, a reminder of God's presence and judgment, and a summons to repentance. The prohibition against "servile work" on this day, akin to the weekly Sabbath as commanded in [Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - The Sabbath Commandment"), underscored the day's sacredness, demanding a complete cessation from ordinary labor to allow for full devotion to God. The "offering made by fire" indicated prescribed sacrifices that were part of the communal worship, emphasizing that this was not merely a day of rest but a day of active, ritualistic engagement with the divine. The solemnity of the trumpet blasts and the cessation of work set the tone for the ten "Days of Awe" leading up to Yom Kippur, a period of intense self-examination and repentance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Appointed Feasts of the Lord"), contributes to several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **sanctity of time** and the divine prerogative to set apart certain days as holy to the LORD, demanding a cessation of ordinary human activity for divine purposes. This echoes the creation account where God rested on the seventh day, hallowing it as seen in [Genesis 2:3](/genesis/2-3 "Genesis 2:3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **worship and devotion**, underscoring that rest from labor is not an end in itself but a means to facilitate intentional engagement with God through prescribed offerings and communal assembly. This active worship is a tangible expression of Israel's covenant relationship. Thirdly, the Feast of Trumpets, as introduced here, contributes to the theme of **preparation and repentance**, serving as a solemn call to attention and introspection before the climactic Day of Atonement. The trumpet blasts serve as a divine summons, urging the people to prepare their hearts for reconciliation with God, a theme woven throughout the prophetic calls for repentance in the Old Testament, such as in [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - Blow the Trumpet in Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From H4399, this term refers to "employment," "occupation," or "business." It denotes any form of labor, craftsmanship, or professional activity. In the context of the holy days, the prohibition on `mᵉlâʼkâh` means a cessation from one's regular, gainful, or productive endeavors, freeing the individual from the demands of their daily livelihood. This is not merely idleness but a redirection of energy and focus from earthly pursuits to divine matters.
* **Servile (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** From H5656, this word signifies "service," "labor," or "bondage." When combined with `mᵉlâʼkâh` (as `mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh`), it specifically refers to burdensome, laborious, or menial work, often associated with one's daily occupation or a task performed in servitude. The prohibition against `ʻăbôdâh` emphasizes that the day is not for personal gain or the fulfilling of human masters' demands, but for service and devotion to the LORD alone, distinguishing it from necessary household tasks or food preparation often permitted on other festival days.
* **Offering made by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** From H801, this term refers to "a burnt-offering," or more generally, any "sacrifice made by fire." It denotes a prescribed offering that is consumed by fire on the altar as an act of worship to the LORD. This `ʼishshâh` was a tangible expression of dedication, atonement, and communion, symbolizing the people's consecration and their communal worship before God. Its inclusion highlights that the day was not merely about abstaining from work, but actively engaging in ritual worship as commanded by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall do no servile work [therein]:"** This is a direct, negative command prohibiting specific types of labor on the Feast of Trumpets. The phrase "servile work" (Hebrew: `mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh`) refers to one's ordinary, gainful, or burdensome occupation. The purpose of this command was to ensure that the day was set apart as holy, enabling the Israelites to shift their focus from worldly pursuits to divine matters. By refraining from their usual occupations, they were to acknowledge the LORD's sovereignty over their time and labor, creating a dedicated space for spiritual focus and rest from their own efforts.
* **"but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."** This is a positive command, specifying the active worship required on this holy day. The "offering made by fire" (Hebrew: `ʼishshâh`) refers to the prescribed sacrifices and oblations that were to be presented to God at the tabernacle (and later the temple). This act of offering was a tangible expression of obedience, reverence, and devotion, symbolizing the people's consecration and their communal worship before the LORD. It underscores that the day was not just about what they *shouldn't* do, but what they *should* do: engage in active, prescribed worship that involved giving something precious to God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:25 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The primary device is **Command and Prohibition**, a direct legislative style characteristic of the Mosaic Law, clearly stating what is forbidden ("no servile work") and what is commanded ("offer an offering made by fire"). This directness leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the day's observance. There is also an element of **Antithesis**, where the negative command ("no servile work") is immediately contrasted with the positive command ("but ye shall offer..."), highlighting that the cessation of one activity is for the express purpose of engaging in another, higher activity—worship. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in the "offering made by fire," which represents dedication, atonement, and the sweet aroma of devotion ascending to God, a common motif throughout Leviticus. The entire verse functions as a **Prescription**, setting forth a specific ritual requirement for a sacred time, reinforcing the divine order and the Israelites' obligation to adhere to it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:25 articulates profound theological principles concerning the sanctity of time, the nature of worship, and the priority of God in human life. The command for "no servile work" establishes a rhythm of sacred rest, mirroring the creation Sabbath and reminding humanity that true productivity and sustenance ultimately come from God, not solely from human toil. This rest is not passive but active, enabling focused devotion and the offering of prescribed sacrifices, demonstrating that worship is a deliberate act of giving back to the Creator. The "offering made by fire" signifies the need for consecrated worship, where something precious is given to God as an act of obedience and communion. The Feast of Trumpets, with its solemn trumpet blasts and call to repentance, emphasizes the importance of divine appointment and preparation for encountering God's holiness and judgment.

* [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13-14 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - Delighting in the Sabbath")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:25, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The call to cease from "servile work" challenges us to evaluate our priorities and recognize that true rest and spiritual flourishing come from intentionally setting aside time for God, rather than being consumed by endless labor or material pursuits. This isn't merely about physical inactivity, but about resting from our own efforts and anxieties, trusting in God's provision and sovereignty. The command to offer "an offering made by fire" translates into a call for active, intentional worship that involves giving of ourselves—our time, talents, and resources—as a "living sacrifice" to the LORD. It reminds us that our spiritual lives are not passive, but require deliberate engagement, prayer, study, and service, reflecting a heart fully devoted to God. This verse encourages us to cultivate a rhythm of life that prioritizes spiritual communion and acknowledges God as the source of all blessing, fostering a deeper sense of dependence and gratitude, and recognizing that true rest is found in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I allow "servile work" (my daily tasks, worries, or ambitions) to prevent me from truly resting in God and prioritizing spiritual matters?**
* **How can I make my worship more intentional and "offered by fire" – signifying a costly, dedicated, and wholehearted offering of myself to the LORD?**
* **What specific times or practices can I set aside in my week or month to intentionally cease from my regular pursuits and focus solely on God, as a modern application of this ancient command?**

### FAQ

**What is "servile work" in the context of Leviticus 23:25?**

Answer: "Servile work" (Hebrew: `mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh`) refers to one's ordinary, gainful, or laborious occupation. It specifically prohibits work done for profit or that is physically demanding and part of one's regular livelihood. This prohibition was intended to ensure that the day was set apart as holy, allowing the Israelites to focus entirely on spiritual matters and communal worship. It distinguished these holy days from the weekly Sabbath, where prohibitions were even stricter, as some necessary tasks like food preparation were often permitted on festival days, though not on the Sabbath, as seen in passages like [Exodus 16:23](/exodus/16-23 "Exodus 16:23 - Manna on the Sabbath"). The core idea was to free the people from their daily grind to fully consecrate the time to the LORD.

**What was the significance of "an offering made by fire" on this day?**

Answer: The "offering made by fire" (Hebrew: `ʼishshâh`) refers to the various sacrifices and oblations that were to be presented to the LORD on the altar. On the Feast of Trumpets, these would have included specific burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, as detailed in [Numbers 29:1-6](/numbers/29-1-6 "Numbers 29:1-6 - Offerings for the Feast of Trumpets"). The act of offering by fire symbolized dedication, purification, and communion with God. It was a tangible expression of the Israelites' obedience, reverence, and reliance on God's provision and atonement. It underscored that the day was not merely a day of rest, but a day of active, prescribed worship and communion with the divine, a sweet aroma acceptable to the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:25, with its command for sacred rest and fire offerings on the Feast of Trumpets, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The cessation from "servile work" points to the ultimate rest found in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest for their souls in Him, as promised in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Our striving and self-effort, our "servile work" to earn righteousness or salvation, are rendered obsolete by His perfect, completed work on the cross, allowing us to enter His Sabbath rest not through our deeds, but through faith, as articulated in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God"). Furthermore, the "offering made by fire" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). He is the Lamb of God whose sacrifice truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making any further propitiatory offerings unnecessary. The trumpet blasts of the Feast of Trumpets, signaling a call to assembly and a day of judgment, powerfully foreshadow the trumpet call that will announce Christ's glorious return, when the dead in Christ will rise and believers will be gathered to Him, as described in [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return"). Thus, the ancient command points forward to the rest, the perfect sacrifice, and the triumphant return of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets.

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 23:21

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.