Leviticus 23:3

KJV

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Six {H8337} days {H3117} shall work {H4399} be done {H6213}: but the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} is the sabbath {H7676} of rest {H7677}, an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}; ye shall do {H6213} no work {H4399} therein: it is the sabbath {H7676} of the LORD {H3068} in all your dwellings {H4186}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Work is to be done on six days; but the seventh day is a Shabbat of complete rest, a holy convocation; you are not to do any kind of work; it is a Shabbat for ADONAI, even in your homes.

Berean Standard Bible

For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of work: it is a sabbath unto Jehovah in all your dwellings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:3 introduces the weekly Sabbath as the foundational and perpetual ordinance among the LORD's appointed times, emphasizing its divine origin, its purpose as a day of complete cessation from ordinary labor, and its designation as a holy convocation for communal worship. This verse underscores the Sabbath's centrality to Israelite life, establishing a rhythm of work and rest that reflected God's own pattern and served as a distinguishing mark of His covenant people in all their dwellings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the seven annual feasts of the LORD, beginning with the weekly Sabbath. By placing the Sabbath first, before any of the annual festivals, the text highlights its foundational and overarching importance within Israel's sacred calendar. Unlike the other feasts, which are tied to specific agricultural cycles or historical events, the Sabbath is a weekly, recurring observance, establishing a continuous rhythm of holiness and rest that permeates the entire year. It serves as a spiritual anchor, setting the tone for all other appointed times by emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and humanity's need for regular cessation from labor and dedication to divine purposes. This chapter, within the broader book of Leviticus, reinforces the themes of holiness, worship, and the proper ordering of life in covenant with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to observe the Sabbath predates the Mosaic Law, tracing its roots back to creation itself, where God rested on the seventh day after completing His work, thereby hallowing it ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests After Creation")). It was then codified as a foundational commandment within the Decalogue at Sinai ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). For ancient Israel, the Sabbath was a revolutionary concept, setting them apart from surrounding pagan cultures that did not observe a universal day of rest for all, including servants, slaves, and even animals ([Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - Sabbath for All")). It served as a perpetual sign of the covenant between Yahweh and His people, a tangible reminder of His creative power, His redemptive work in bringing them out of slavery in Egypt, and His provision for their physical and spiritual well-being. This weekly observance fostered a unique identity and dependence on God's sustaining grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbat'_):** Derived from the verb _shavat_, meaning "to cease," "to rest," or "to desist from labor." This word encapsulates the core meaning of the day: a complete cessation from all ordinary, gainful work. It is not merely a day off for leisure, but a divinely mandated pause in the rhythm of human activity, designed to redirect focus from earthly pursuits to divine communion and rest.
* **Holy Convocation (Hebrew, _mikra kodesh'_):** This phrase signifies a "sacred calling" or "holy assembly." It indicates that the Sabbath was not just a private day of rest but also a designated time for communal gathering, worship, and instruction. The term _kodesh_ ("holy") emphasizes that the day is set apart by God and for God's purposes, requiring a reverent and consecrated approach from the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Six days shall work be done:"** This opening clause establishes the normative pattern of human activity—six days for labor. It affirms the value and necessity of work as part of God's design for humanity, setting the stage for the contrast that follows.
* **"but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest,"** This introduces the pivotal shift. The seventh day is explicitly designated as "the Sabbath," a day characterized by _menuchah_ (rest, repose). The repetition of the concept of "rest" (Sabbath and _menuchah_) emphasizes the complete and profound cessation from labor that is commanded.
* **"an holy convocation;"** This clause specifies the communal and sacred nature of the Sabbath. It is a time for the community to gather, to be called together by God for worship, instruction, and fellowship, reinforcing its public and religious significance beyond individual rest.
* **"ye shall do no work [therein]:"** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition against engaging in any ordinary, gainful labor on the Sabbath. It underscores the mandatory nature of the cessation and the seriousness with which this command is to be observed.
* **"it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."** This final phrase highlights two crucial aspects: first, the divine ownership and authority of the Sabbath—it is "the Sabbath of the LORD," not a human invention. Second, its universal application within Israel—it is to be observed "in all your dwellings," meaning it applies to every Israelite family, regardless of location, emphasizing its personal, domestic, and communal reach.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize the importance and nature of the Sabbath. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated use of "Sabbath" and the concept of "rest," particularly in the phrase "the sabbath of rest," which uses a Hebrew construction (a cognate accusative or pleonasm) to intensify the meaning of cessation. This **Pleonasm** serves to underscore the absolute and profound nature of the required rest. Furthermore, the structure of the verse presents a clear **Contrast** between the six days of work and the singular day of rest, highlighting the distinctiveness and sacredness of the seventh day. The Sabbath itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's completed creation, His covenant with Israel, His provision, and ultimately, a foretaste of the eschatological rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:3 establishes the Sabbath as a cornerstone of Israelite theology, deeply connecting the rhythm of human life to the divine rhythm of creation and redemption. It teaches profound lessons about God's sovereignty over time, His provision for human well-being, and the necessity of consecrated rest and worship. The Sabbath is not merely a legalistic requirement but a gracious gift, designed to foster spiritual renewal, communal solidarity, and a tangible expression of trust in God's ability to sustain His people even when they cease from their labors. It underscores the truth that true rest and flourishing are found in aligning our lives with God's design and acknowledging His rightful claim over all our time and activities.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")
* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - The Sabbath and Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:3 offers enduring principles for believers today, transcending a rigid legalistic observance to invite us into a deeper understanding of God's design for human flourishing. It calls us to recognize the vital importance of intentional rest—not merely as a break from work, but as a sacred pause to reorient our lives around God. This involves setting aside dedicated time for worship, reflection, and deepening our relationship with the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty over our schedules and resources. Embracing the spirit of the Sabbath means trusting God to provide even when we cease from our efforts, cultivating a rhythm of work and rest that honors Him and nourishes our souls. It challenges the modern tendency towards ceaseless activity, reminding us that our identity and worth are not solely derived from our productivity, but from our relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "rest" in Leviticus 23:3 challenge my modern understanding of productivity and success?**
* **In what practical ways can I incorporate a "sabbath of rest" and "holy convocation" into my weekly rhythm, even if not observing the Mosaic Sabbath strictly?**
* **What does it mean for me to acknowledge that my time and activities are ultimately "the sabbath of the LORD"?**
* **How might intentional rest and worship strengthen my trust in God's provision and care for my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "holy convocation" mean in the context of the Sabbath?**

Answer: The phrase "holy convocation" (Hebrew: _mikra kodesh_) signifies a "sacred calling" or "holy assembly." It means that the Sabbath was not just a day for individual cessation from work, but a divinely appointed time for the community of Israel to gather together for worship, instruction, and fellowship. It emphasized the communal aspect of Sabbath observance, where the people would come together to acknowledge God's holiness and their covenant relationship with Him. This gathering was distinct from regular daily activities, set apart for sacred purposes.

**Is the Sabbath still binding on Christians today in the same way it was for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the specific legalistic requirements of the Mosaic Sabbath are generally understood by most Christians to have been fulfilled in Christ and are not binding in the same way, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. New Testament passages like [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come") indicate that the Sabbath was a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." This means that the spiritual realities the Sabbath pointed to—rest, holiness, and God's covenant—are fully realized in Jesus. Believers are encouraged to observe principles of regular rest, worship, and setting aside time for God, often expressed through Sunday worship (the Lord's Day) in remembrance of Christ's resurrection, rather than strict adherence to the Old Covenant Sabbath laws.

**How does the Sabbath being "of the LORD" impact its observance?**

Answer: The declaration that it is "the sabbath of the LORD" underscores that its authority, purpose, and very existence originate solely from God Himself, not from human tradition or convenience. This means that its observance is not optional or subject to human modification, but is a divine command. It reminds the people that their time, their work, and their rest ultimately belong to God. This divine ownership elevates the Sabbath from a mere day off to a sacred institution, demanding reverence and obedience from all who are in covenant with Him. It calls for a recognition of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including our time and labor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:3, with its emphasis on a divinely mandated "sabbath of rest" and "holy convocation," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Sabbath was a shadow, a prophetic pointer to the deeper spiritual realities that would be fully embodied in the Messiah. Jesus, as the true Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrated that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as an oppressive burden, and that true rest is found in Him. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for ultimate rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus Offers Rest")). The physical cessation from labor on the Sabbath foreshadowed the spiritual rest from the futile works of the law and the burden of sin that Christ provides through His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the "holy convocation" points to the new covenant community, the Church, gathered in Christ's name, where believers continually experience corporate worship and fellowship, fulfilling the communal aspect of the Sabbath in a new and living way. The eschatological "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for God's People")) is ultimately found in our union with Christ and the promised eternal rest in His presence. Thus, the Sabbath of Leviticus 23:3 is not abolished but transformed and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus, who is our true rest, our perfect holiness, and the center of our eternal worship.

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 19:3

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 35:2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.

Exodus 35:3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Exodus 23:12

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Luke 13:14

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.