Leviticus 23:29

For whatsoever soul [it be] that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.

For whatsoever soul {H5315} it be that shall not be afflicted {H6031} in that same {H6106} day {H3117}, he shall be cut off {H3772} from among his people {H5971}.

Anyone who does not deny himself on that day is to be cut off from his people;

If anyone does not humble himself on this day, he must be cut off from his people.

For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day; he shall be cut off from his people.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 23 details the Lord's appointed feasts and holy days for the Israelites, outlining a divine calendar of worship and remembrance. Verse 29 specifically refers to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), which is described in verses 26-32 of this chapter. This was the most solemn day in the Israelite calendar, an annual occasion for national repentance, purification, and atonement for sins committed throughout the year. On this day, the high priest performed specific rituals to cleanse the tabernacle and the people from their impurities (as detailed in Leviticus 16). The command to "afflict" one's soul was a crucial part of observing this sacred day, emphasizing humility, fasting, and genuine contrition before God.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Humility: The requirement to "afflict" one's soul underscored the necessity of personal and corporate humility before a holy God. This affliction typically involved fasting, abstinence, and a posture of sincere repentance.
  • Severity of Disobedience: The consequence of not observing this day properly โ€“ to "be cut off from among his people" โ€“ highlights the extreme seriousness with which God viewed disobedience to His commands, especially regarding atonement and purification.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The Day of Atonement was a collective event, and failure to participate meant exclusion from the community, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the covenant people and their shared responsibility for holiness.
  • Holiness and Atonement: The verse reinforces the absolute holiness of God and the strict requirements for His people to maintain a right relationship with Him, which necessitated regular, thorough atonement for sin.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall not be afflicted" comes from the Hebrew verb 'anah (ืขึธื ึธื”), which carries a range of meanings including "to humble oneself," "to be bowed down," "to suffer," or "to fast." In this context, it primarily means to humble oneself through fasting and self-denial, acknowledging one's sinfulness and dependence on God's mercy.

The consequence, "he shall be cut off from among his people," translates the Hebrew verb karat (ื›ึผึธืจึทืช). This powerful term signifies a severe penalty, implying excommunication, removal from the covenant community, or even divine judgment leading to physical death. It means to be severed from the spiritual and social blessings of belonging to Israel, highlighting the gravity of neglecting the prescribed means of atonement.

Practical Application

While the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, including the Day of Atonement, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principles within Leviticus 23:29 remain profoundly relevant:

  • The Importance of Repentance: This verse reminds us of the timeless need for genuine repentance and humility before God. We are called to regularly examine our hearts, acknowledge our sins, and seek God's forgiveness.
  • Seriousness of Sin: It underscores that sin is not trivial but has serious consequences, potentially leading to separation from God's blessings and community if unaddressed.
  • Value of Atonement: It points us to the profound value of atonement. For believers today, our atonement comes through faith in Christ's shed blood, which fully cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
  • Call to Humility: The concept of "afflicting the soul" encourages a posture of humility and self-denial in our spiritual walk, recognizing our dependence on God's grace rather than our own merit.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 17:14

    And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

  • Numbers 5:2

    Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 31:9

    They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.

  • Leviticus 23:27

    Also on the tenth [day] of this seventh month [there shall be] a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 7:16

    ยถ But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

  • Isaiah 22:12

    And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
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