Leviticus 23:28

And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it [is] a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.

And ye shall do {H6213} no work {H4399} in that same {H6106} day {H3117}: for it is a day {H3117} of atonement {H3725}, to make an atonement {H3722} for you before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

You are not to do any kind of work on that day, because it is Yom-Kippur, to make atonement for you before ADONAI your God.

On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God.

And ye shall do no manner of work in that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before Jehovah your God.

Commentary

Leviticus 23:28 provides a core instruction regarding the observance of the Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur. It emphasizes the profound solemnity and unique purpose of this day within ancient Israelite religious life.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus 23 where the LORD outlines His "appointed feasts" or "set times" (Hebrew: mo'adim) for the Israelites. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was arguably the most sacred and solemn of all these annual observances. Occurring on the tenth day of the seventh month, it stood in stark contrast to other festivals which often involved feasting and celebration. This day was marked by "affliction of soul" (Leviticus 23:27) and a complete cessation of ordinary work, underscoring its gravity and unique role in the nation's spiritual life. It was the singular day when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) to perform intricate rituals for the atonement of the sins of the entire community and the purification of the sanctuary itself. For a detailed account of these rituals, see Leviticus 16:29-34.

Key Themes

  • Cessation of Work and Solemn Rest: The command "ye shall do no work" (Hebrew: melāḵâ, referring to ordinary occupational labor) signifies a complete and absolute rest. This was not merely a physical Sabbath, but a spiritual one, demanding full focus on the sacred purpose of the day. It highlighted the Israelites' complete dependence on God for forgiveness and their submission to His divine calendar.
  • Atonement for Sin: The central theme is "atonement," a translation of the Hebrew word kāpar (כָּפַר). This term fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." On this day, God provided a divinely ordained means for the sins of the people to be "covered" or "purged," enabling His holy presence to remain among a sinful nation. It served as a vital, annual reminder of humanity's inherent sinfulness and God's gracious provision for forgiveness and purification.
  • Reconciliation with God: The ultimate aim of the Day of Atonement was to restore and maintain a right relationship between the LORD and His covenant people. Through the prescribed rituals, the Israelites could be reconciled with God, ensuring His continued blessing and fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "atonement," kāpar (כָּפַר), is crucial. While often translated as "to cover," it implies more than just hiding sin. It suggests a process of expiation, purification, and appeasement, where a breach in relationship is mended. This concept is foundational to understanding the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and points forward to the ultimate and perfect "covering" for sin provided by Christ.

Practical Application and Significance

For believers today, Leviticus 23:28 offers profound spiritual insights:

  • The Gravity of Sin: The strict observance and solemnity of the Day of Atonement underscore the seriousness of sin and its alienating effect on our relationship with a holy God. It demonstrates that sin requires a divine remedy.
  • Appreciating Christ's Sacrifice: The yearly, temporary nature of the Day of Atonement rituals pointed forward to the definitive, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross serves as the ultimate and eternal atonement for all who believe, perfectly reconciling humanity to God (Romans 5:11). We no longer need annual rituals because Christ's work is complete.
  • The Importance of Spiritual Rest and Repentance: While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial law of Yom Kippur, the underlying principles of setting aside time for deep spiritual reflection, repentance, and focused devotion to God remain vital. It encourages us to rest from our own efforts to earn favor and to trust solely in God's completed work of salvation through Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 16:34

    And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Zechariah 3:9

    For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

  • Hebrews 10:10

    By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

  • Hebrews 9:26

    For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

  • Hebrews 10:14

    For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

  • 1 John 5:6

    ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

  • Isaiah 53:10

    ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
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