Leviticus 23:30

And whatsoever soul [it be] that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.

And whatsoever soul {H5315} it be that doeth {H6213} any work {H4399} in that same {H6106} day {H3117}, the same soul {H5315} will I destroy {H6} from among {H7130} his people {H5971}.

and anyone who does any kind of work on that day, I will destroy from among his people.

I will destroy from among his people anyone who does any work on this day.

And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any manner of work in that same day, that soul will I destroy from among his people.

Commentary

Leviticus 23:30 is a stern warning concerning the observance of the Day of Atonement, an annual holy day for ancient Israel. It underscores the absolute seriousness with which God regarded this sacred occasion, demanding complete cessation of all labor.

Context: The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus chapter 23, which outlines the LORD's appointed feasts and holy days. Specifically, verses 27-29 describe the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), which was to be observed on the tenth day of the seventh month. This was the most solemn day of the Israelite calendar, a time for national repentance and purification from sin. On this day, the people were commanded to "afflict their souls" (interpreted as fasting and deep introspection) and to perform no work. The consequence for failing to afflict one's soul was also being "cut off" (v. 29).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sacred Rest and Holiness: The prohibition against work on the Day of Atonement emphasized its unique sanctity. Unlike the weekly Sabbath, which allowed for essential tasks, this day required absolute rest, signifying a complete devotion to God and the process of atonement. It was a day set apart for spiritual matters above all earthly concerns.
  • Divine Authority and Obedience: God's command is absolute, and the severe penalty highlights the importance of obedience to His divine decrees. The demand for no work was not merely a suggestion but a foundational requirement for participating in the covenant community and receiving the benefits of atonement.
  • Consequences for Disobedience: The phrase "the same soul will I destroy from among his people" signifies a severe judgment. This often means being "cut off" (Hebrew: karat), which could imply excommunication from the community, loss of covenant blessings, or or even premature death, effectively removing them from the spiritual and social life of Israel. It underscored the gravity of treating God's holy days lightly.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "destroy from among his people" is closely related to the term "cut off" (Χ›ΦΈΦΌΧ¨Φ·Χͺ, karat) used in the preceding verse (Leviticus 23:29) and elsewhere in the Pentateuch. It implies a severance from the covenant community, a severe form of punishment that isolated the individual from the spiritual and social blessings of Israel. The emphasis on "any work" (ΧžΦ°ΧœΦΈΧΧ›ΦΈΧ”, m'lakhah) stresses that absolutely no ordinary labor was permitted, reinforcing the day's singular focus on spiritual matters.

Practical Application

While Christians are not under the Old Testament ceremonial law regarding specific feast days (Colossians 2:16-17), the principles behind Leviticus 23:30 remain profoundly relevant:

  • Reverence for God's Holiness: We are called to treat God and spiritual matters with utmost seriousness and reverence. There are times when we must set aside worldly pursuits to focus entirely on our relationship with Him.
  • The Importance of Repentance and Atonement: The Day of Atonement pointed forward to the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ. We are reminded of the need for ongoing repentance and reliance on Christ's finished work (Hebrews 9:12).
  • Spiritual Rest: Just as Israel ceased from physical labor, believers are called to enter into God's spiritual rest, ceasing from self-effort and trusting in His provision and salvation (Hebrews 4:9-10). This involves a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual disciplines and communion with God.

Leviticus 23:30 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of neglecting God's commands and the profound importance of honoring His sacred appointments with devotion and obedience.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 20:3

    And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

  • Zephaniah 2:5

    Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD [is] against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:17

    If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

  • Leviticus 20:5

    Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

  • Leviticus 20:6

    And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

  • Ezekiel 14:9

    And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

  • 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.
← Back