Leviticus 23:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:30 issues a profound divine decree regarding the strict observance of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), unequivocally prohibiting any form of work on this most sacred day. It underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and obedience, warning that any individual who performs labor on this appointed day will be "destroyed" from among the covenant community of Israel, signifying a severe and irreversible judgment for violating the sanctity of this annual purification rite.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The LORD's Appointed Feasts"), a chapter meticulously detailing the LORD's appointed feasts and holy convocations, known as *mo'adim*. Following the instructions for the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) in [Leviticus 23:23-25](/leviticus/23-23-25 "Leviticus 23:23-25 - Feast of Trumpets"), the text transitions to the solemn commands for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in [Leviticus 23:26-32](/leviticus/23-26-32 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - The Day of Atonement"). Verses 27-29 establish the core requirements for Yom Kippur: it is to be a holy convocation, a day for afflicting one's soul (understood as fasting and repentance), and a day on which no work is to be done. Verse 29 explicitly states that anyone who fails to afflict their soul will be "cut off" from their people, setting a precedent for the equally severe consequence detailed in verse 30 for performing work. The subsequent verses ([Leviticus 23:31-32](/leviticus/23-31-32 "Leviticus 23:31-32 - Perpetual Statute for Yom Kippur")) reiterate the command for rest and soul-affliction, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this statute for generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most solemn and significant day in the ancient Israelite calendar, observed annually on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishrei). It was the singular day when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation, as described in rich detail in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals"). The command to "afflict their souls" (often understood as fasting, mourning, and deep introspection) and the absolute prohibition of "any work" (מְלָאכָה, *m'lakhah*, referring to ordinary labor or occupation) were central to its observance. This cessation of all normal activity underscored the day's unique sanctity, shifting the entire nation's focus from earthly pursuits to spiritual purification, repentance, and complete reliance on God's provision for sin. The severity of the punishment, being "destroyed from among his people," reflects the critical importance of national purity and the communal nature of the covenant with Yahweh. Disobedience on such a pivotal day threatened the entire community's standing before God and the efficacy of the atonement ritual.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:30 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Holiness**, emphasizing that God's presence among His people demands a corresponding holiness from them, especially in their observance of His appointed times. The command for absolute cessation from work highlights the theme of **Sanctity of Time**, designating specific periods as sacred, set apart for God alone. Furthermore, the severe penalty for disobedience underscores the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Consequence**, illustrating that God's covenant relationship with Israel was conditional upon their faithful adherence to His commands. The Day of Atonement itself embodies the theme of **Atonement and Purification**, revealing God's provision for sin and the necessity of human humility and repentance. The "destruction" from among the people also speaks to the theme of **Communal Responsibility**, where individual actions could have profound implications for the purity and standing of the entire covenant community before God, as seen in other instances of severe judgment for rebellion against God's commands (e.g., [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sins")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From an unused root meaning to be hot; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental). In this context, "soul" refers to the individual person, the living being. It emphasizes that the command and its consequence apply personally to every Israelite. It encompasses not merely a physical body but the entire essence of the person, highlighting individual responsibility within the covenant community. The repetition of "the same soul" reinforces this direct, personal accountability before God.
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From the same as מֲלְאָךְ; properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor). This term specifically denotes ordinary, customary labor or occupation. It distinguishes from necessary acts like preparing food for the Sabbath (though on Yom Kippur, even that was forbidden due to the command to fast). The absolute prohibition of *m'lakhah* on the Day of Atonement underscored its unique status as a "Sabbath of Sabbaths," demanding complete cessation from all worldly endeavors to focus solely on spiritual matters of atonement and repentance.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy). While the KJV translates this as "destroy," the underlying Hebrew verb *ʼâbad* implies perishing, being lost, or being brought to ruin. In the context of "from among his people," this signifies a severe divine judgment that results in the individual being removed from the covenant community. This removal could imply excommunication, loss of all covenant blessings, being denied a place in the land or among one's kin, or even premature death at God's hand. It represents a complete severance from the spiritual and social life of Israel, a dire consequence for violating the most sacred of God's appointed times.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever soul [it be] that doeth any work in that same day":** This clause establishes the condition for the divine judgment. "Whatsoever soul" emphasizes the universal applicability of the command to every individual within Israel, regardless of status or gender. "That doeth any work" specifies the forbidden action—any ordinary labor or occupation, reinforcing the absolute nature of the command for complete rest. "In that same day" explicitly ties the prohibition to the Day of Atonement, highlighting its unique sanctity and the specific, non-negotiable time frame for this stringent rule. The emphasis is on active disobedience through labor.
* **"the same soul will I destroy from among his people":** This clause declares the direct and severe consequence of violating the command. "The same soul" reiterates the personal nature of the judgment, ensuring no one misunderstands that the penalty is individually applied. "Will I destroy" signifies direct divine intervention and punishment, indicating that this is not merely a human disciplinary action but an act of God's righteous judgment. "From among his people" defines the nature of this destruction as a severance from the covenant community, implying a loss of identity, protection, and blessing associated with being part of Israel. This was the most terrifying consequence for an Israelite, as it meant being cut off from the very source of their spiritual and communal existence.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stern warning and underscore the gravity of the command. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, which presents a clear command followed by an explicit, non-negotiable consequence, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the divine will or the severity of disobedience. The phrase "whatsoever soul... the same soul" utilizes **Repetition** (specifically, anaphora with a slight variation) to emphasize the individual's direct accountability and the personal nature of the divine judgment. This repetition reinforces that no one is exempt from this command. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the sacred rest demanded on the Day of Atonement and the severe punishment of being "destroyed from among his people" creates a powerful sense of **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**. The physical act of being "destroyed" or "lost" from the community symbolizes a spiritual severance from God's covenant blessings and presence, highlighting the ultimate spiritual consequence of neglecting divine commands regarding holiness and atonement. The absolute nature of the prohibition and the consequence also contribute to a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme emphasis, ensuring the listener grasps the unparalleled importance of this day.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:30 profoundly underscores the themes of divine holiness, the absolute necessity of obedience, and the grave consequences of profaning sacred time and space. The Day of Atonement was not merely a ritual but a divinely ordained means for maintaining the covenant relationship between a holy God and His people, requiring their active participation through repentance and cessation from self-reliance (symbolized by "no work"). The severe penalty for disobedience highlights that God's commands are not suggestions but foundational requirements for life within His covenant. It teaches that there are moments of such profound spiritual significance that all earthly pursuits must be laid aside to prioritize communion with and submission to the Almighty. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God takes His holiness and His appointed means of reconciliation with utmost seriousness, demanding a corresponding reverence and obedience from His people.

* [Exodus 31:14](/exodus/31-14 "Exodus 31:14 - Sabbath Breakers to be Cut Off")
* [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sinners Cut Off")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-26 - No More Sacrifice for Willful Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers in Christ are not bound by the ceremonial law of the Old Covenant, including the specific observance of the Day of Atonement, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 23:30 remain eternally relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach God's holiness and His commands. Do we treat our spiritual disciplines, worship, and times of repentance with the reverence they deserve, or do we allow worldly concerns and self-reliance to overshadow our commitment to God? The call to "afflict our souls" and cease from "work" on Yom Kippur points to the necessity of humble reliance on God's provision for sin and a deliberate setting aside of self-effort. For us, this translates into prioritizing spiritual rest in Christ, ceasing from our own works of righteousness, and dedicating time for deep introspection, confession, and communion with God. It reminds us that there are moments when our full attention and devotion are required, demanding a conscious withdrawal from the clamor of daily life to focus on the eternal and the spiritual. It compels us to ask if we are truly resting in Christ's finished work or still attempting to earn what has been freely given.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I treat opportunities for spiritual reflection, repentance, and communion with God in my life, setting them apart from worldly distractions?**
* **In what ways might I be "doing work" (relying on my own efforts or distractions) when God is calling me to "rest" in His provision and grace, particularly concerning my salvation and sanctification?**
* **What does "being destroyed from among his people" or "cut off" from God's blessings mean in a New Covenant context, and how can I ensure I remain connected to the body of Christ and His grace?**
* **How does the severity of the command in Leviticus 23:30 deepen my appreciation for the immeasurable grace and mercy extended to me in Christ, who fulfilled all its demands?**

### FAQ

**What does "destroy from among his people" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "destroy from among his people" (Hebrew: *ʼâbad*) signifies a severe form of divine judgment in the Old Testament. While *ʼâbad* primarily means to perish, be lost, or be brought to ruin, in this context, it implies a complete removal or severance from the covenant community of Israel. This could manifest in several ways: excommunication, meaning expulsion from the social and religious life of the nation; loss of all covenant blessings and protection; or even premature death at the hand of God. It implies a complete removal from the spiritual and physical inheritance of Israel, underscoring the absolute necessity of obedience to God's commands, especially concerning the sanctity of the Day of Atonement. This punishment was not merely human discipline but a divine act, reflecting the gravity of violating God's holy decrees and the threat such an act posed to the entire community's standing before God.

**Why was the punishment for working on the Day of Atonement so severe?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment for working on the Day of Atonement reflects the unparalleled sanctity and critical importance of this day within the Israelite covenant. Yom Kippur was the annual day of national atonement, where the sins of the entire community were addressed through specific rituals performed by the high priest (see [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals")). It was a day of profound repentance, humility, and absolute reliance on God's grace for forgiveness. Performing work on this day was seen as a direct defiance of God's command for complete cessation from earthly pursuits, a rejection of the solemnity of atonement, and an act of presumptuous self-reliance. Such an act undermined the very foundation of the covenant and threatened the spiritual purity and standing of the entire nation before a holy God. The severe penalty served as a deterrent and emphasized that God's holiness and His appointed means of reconciliation were not to be trifled with.

**Does the prohibition against "work" on the Day of Atonement apply to Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific prohibition against "work" on the Day of Atonement, as part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law, does not directly apply to Christians today. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law, including its ceremonial aspects. [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance") states, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." The Day of Atonement, with its rituals and prohibitions, was a "shadow" pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. However, the underlying principles of reverence for God's holiness, the importance of repentance, and the need for spiritual rest remain profoundly relevant for believers. Christians are called to a spiritual "rest" from their own works of righteousness, relying entirely on Christ's finished work for their atonement and salvation (see [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Believer's Rest")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:30, with its stern warning against working on the Day of Atonement, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Day of Atonement was the annual, temporary means by which Israel's sins were covered, requiring a high priest, animal sacrifices, and a strict cessation of all human effort. This entire system, including the severe consequences for its violation, was a shadow pointing to the perfect and once-for-all atonement accomplished by Christ. He is our eternal High Priest, who entered, not an earthly tabernacle, but heaven itself, "not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The prohibition against "work" on Yom Kippur profoundly foreshadowed the spiritual rest that believers enter into through Christ; we cease from our own futile attempts to earn salvation or justify ourselves, because "it is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")). The "destruction" or "perishing" for failing to observe the day's sanctity underscores the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of atonement. Christ, by His sacrifice, bore the ultimate "cutting off" from God's presence on the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), so that those who believe in Him might never be cut off but receive eternal life and an unbreakable covenant relationship with God ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")). Thus, the terrifying warning of Leviticus 23:30 is transformed into a profound message of grace and security for those who rest fully in the completed work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 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.