Leviticus 23:31

KJV

Ye shall do no manner of work: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall do {H6213} no manner of work {H4399}: it shall be a statute {H2708} for ever {H5769} throughout your generations {H1755} in all your dwellings {H4186}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to do any kind of work; it is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live.

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to do any work at all. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live.

American Standard Version

Ye shall do no manner of work: it is a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:31 issues a definitive divine mandate for the solemn observance of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), strictly prohibiting any form of occupational or gainful labor. This command underscores the profound sacredness and unique gravity of this annual day of national repentance and atonement, establishing it as an enduring ordinance to be meticulously honored by the Israelites across all generations and in every place they resided, emphasizing its perpetual and non-negotiable nature within their covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the annual festivals of the Lord, as outlined in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord"). Specifically, it falls within the directives for the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, which is described in [Leviticus 23:26-32](/leviticus/23-26-32 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - Instructions for the Day of Atonement"). Preceding this verse, God commands the people to "afflict their souls" and present an offering made by fire on the tenth day of the seventh month ([Leviticus 23:27](/leviticus/23-27 "Leviticus 23:27 - Afflicting Souls on Yom Kippur")). The prohibition of work in verse 31 reinforces the gravity of the "affliction" mentioned earlier, indicating a complete cessation of normal life activities to focus entirely on repentance and reconciliation with God. The verses immediately following reiterate the severity of the day, promising that any soul failing to afflict itself or doing any work on that day would be cut off from the people ([Leviticus 23:29-30](/leviticus/23-29-30 "Leviticus 23:29-30 - Consequences of Disobedience on Yom Kippur")). Thus, verse 31 serves as a definitive summary and emphatic reiteration of the work prohibition for this most sacred of days, ensuring its perpetual observance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most solemn and significant day in the ancient Israelite calendar, distinct from the joyous harvest festivals. Occurring once a year on the tenth day of the seventh month, it was the singular day when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation, as meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals"). The command to "do no manner of work" was not merely a physical rest but a profound spiritual discipline, designed to facilitate deep introspection, repentance, and reliance on God's provision for sin. In an agrarian society where daily labor was essential for survival, a complete cessation of work signified absolute dependence on God and a prioritization of spiritual matters above all earthly concerns. This prohibition, alongside the command to "afflict their souls" (which traditionally involved fasting), underscored the unique holiness and gravity of the day, setting it apart as a time for national purification and reconciliation with a holy God. The phrase "throughout your generations in all your dwellings" emphasized the universal and enduring applicability of this command to all Israelites, wherever they might live, highlighting the foundational nature of atonement in their covenant relationship.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God is utterly set apart and demands a holy people who reflect His character. The strict prohibition of work on Yom Kippur underscores the sacredness of the day and the seriousness of approaching a holy God. Related to this is the theme of **Atonement**, as the entire purpose of the day was to make expiation for the nation's sins, a process entirely dependent on divine provision rather than human effort. The command to "do no manner of work" reinforces the idea that human works are insufficient for reconciliation with God, highlighting **Divine Provision** as the sole means of cleansing. Furthermore, the phrase "a statute for ever throughout your generations" speaks to **Covenant Obedience** and the **Perpetuity of God's Commands**, stressing the enduring nature of God's expectations for His people. This theme of rest from labor for spiritual purposes also connects to the broader biblical concept of **Sabbath Rest**, as seen in the weekly Sabbath commands in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From H4399, this term refers to "employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely)." It denotes purposeful, creative activity that contributes to one's livelihood or the building of structures, distinguishing it from acts of necessity or personal care. Its use here emphasizes that the Day of Atonement was to be a complete cessation from all forms of productive human effort, underscoring the theological truth that atonement for sin cannot be achieved through human works or achievements but only through divine provision.
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** From H2708, this word signifies "an enactment; hence, an appointment... ordinance, statute." It conveys the legal, binding, and established nature of God's command. The Day of Atonement was not a suggestion but a divinely instituted and unchangeable decree, a foundational law for the covenant community.
* **Ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, this term means "time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; ...always; alway(-s), eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual." Its inclusion emphasizes the enduring and unchanging nature of God's command regarding the Day of Atonement, signifying that it was a permanent and foundational decree intended to be observed by all generations of Israel, speaking to the unchanging character of God and the perpetual need for atonement and reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall do no manner of work:"** This is a direct, absolute prohibition. The Hebrew word `mᵉlâʼkâh` (work) signifies any form of occupational or gainful labor, encompassing all productive human effort. This command emphasizes a complete cessation of normal human activity, ensuring that the day is entirely dedicated to spiritual reflection, repentance, and reliance on God for atonement, rather than on human effort or productivity.
* **"[it shall be] a statute for ever"**: This clause declares the perpetual and unchanging nature of this command. The Day of Atonement, with its strict observance, was not a temporary regulation but an enduring ordinance (`chuqqâh ʻôwlâm`) for the Israelites, binding them across all time. It underscores the timeless theological principles of sin, atonement, and God's holiness.
* **"throughout your generations in all your dwellings."**: This phrase extends the scope of the command universally to all Israelites, regardless of their geographical location or the specific era in which they lived. It highlights the command's comprehensive applicability, ensuring that the solemnity and requirements of Yom Kippur were to be observed by every Israelite family, in every place they inhabited, from generation to generation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:31 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the gravity of the command. The primary device is **Command**, expressed through a direct, imperative statement ("Ye shall do no manner of work"). This authoritative tone underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. The phrase "a statute for ever throughout your generations" functions as **Emphasis** and **Permanence**, stressing the perpetual and enduring quality of the ordinance beyond typical human lifespans, thereby highlighting its foundational importance to Israel's covenant identity. There is also an element of **Symbolism** embedded in the "no manner of work" command; the complete cessation of human labor symbolizes the utter inability of human effort to achieve atonement or reconciliation with God, pointing instead to the necessity of divine action and provision. The repetition of similar prohibitions for other holy days within [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord"), especially for the Day of Atonement, serves as **Repetition for Emphasis**, reinforcing the extreme solemnity and unique sacredness of this particular day compared to other feasts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:31, with its strict prohibition of work on the Day of Atonement, powerfully communicates several core theological truths. It underscores the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness of sin, which necessitates a complete cessation of human activity to focus solely on divine reconciliation. The command for perpetual observance ("a statute for ever") highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant requirements and the unchanging need for atonement under the Old Covenant. Theologically, it prefigures the ultimate inadequacy of human works for salvation, pointing instead to a divinely provided means of cleansing. This principle of resting from works for spiritual purposes finds echoes in other biblical themes, particularly the Sabbath, and lays a theological groundwork for understanding grace and faith over human merit.

* [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Rest of God's People")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Justification Apart from Works of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command to cease all work on the Day of Atonement, "a statute for ever," calls us to a profound reflection on the nature of true rest and the source of our reconciliation with God. While we no longer observe the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant in the same manner, the underlying spiritual principles remain eternally relevant. This verse challenges us to consider what we rely on for our sense of worth, security, and standing before God. Do we, like the ancient Israelites were forbidden to do on Yom Kippur, attempt to earn God's favor through our own "works" or efforts? Or do we find our ultimate rest and peace in the finished work of Christ? The solemnity of this day reminds us of the gravity of sin and the immense cost of atonement, prompting us to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for God's mercy and provision. It also encourages us to intentionally set aside time for spiritual discipline, reflection, and worship, recognizing that true spiritual flourishing often requires a deliberate pause from the relentless demands of daily life, allowing God to work in us and for us. This ancient command invites us to embrace a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that our salvation and sanctification are ultimately God's work, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, consciously or unconsciously, rely on my own "works" or efforts to gain God's favor or approval?**
* **How does the concept of "resting" from work on a sacred day challenge my modern understanding of productivity and success?**
* **What practical steps can I take to create intentional spaces for spiritual reflection and dependence on God in my own life, even amidst a busy schedule?**
* **How does the "perpetual" nature of this statute speak to the unchanging character of God and the enduring need for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "work" was forbidden on the Day of Atonement?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used, `mᵉlâʼkâh` (מְלָאכָה), specifically refers to occupational, servile, or gainful labor. This included activities like farming, harvesting, trading, building, or any work done for profit or livelihood. It was a comprehensive prohibition against all forms of productive human effort, designed to ensure that the day was dedicated solely to spiritual matters. This prohibition was even stricter than that for the weekly Sabbath in some interpretations, emphasizing the unique solemnity of Yom Kippur. The intent was not merely physical rest, but a complete cessation from all activities that might distract from the profound spiritual focus of the day of national atonement, as described in [Leviticus 23:27-32](/leviticus/23-27-32 "Leviticus 23:27-32 - Instructions for the Day of Atonement").

**Was this command only for ancient Israel, or does it have relevance for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific ceremonial observance of the Day of Atonement, including the strict work prohibition, was part of the Mosaic Covenant given uniquely to ancient Israel, the underlying theological principles hold profound relevance for believers today. The command to cease from work underscored the truth that atonement for sin cannot be achieved through human effort or "works" but only through God's provision. This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who accomplished our atonement once and for all through His sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). For Christians, the "rest" from works on Yom Kippur foreshadows the spiritual rest we find in Christ, who has completed the work of salvation ([Hebrews 4:10](/hebrews/4-10 "Hebrews 4:10 - Entering God's Rest")). Therefore, while we don't observe the literal day, we are called to live in the spiritual reality it pointed to: trusting in Christ's finished work for our salvation and setting aside intentional time for spiritual reflection, worship, and dependence on God rather than self-reliance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:31, with its emphatic command for a complete cessation of work on the Day of Atonement, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "no manner of work" directive for Yom Kippur powerfully foreshadowed the truth that human effort is utterly insufficient to atone for sin or achieve reconciliation with a holy God. Just as the Israelites were to rest from their labors on that solemn day, acknowledging that their salvation depended entirely on God's provision through the High Priest's sacrifice, so too are believers called to rest from their own attempts at self-justification. Jesus, our Great High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His "finished work" on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")) is the ultimate and perfect atonement, rendering all human "works" for salvation obsolete. The "statute for ever" points to the eternal efficacy of Christ's sacrifice, which is perpetually sufficient for all generations. Through faith in Him, we enter into God's true Sabbath rest, ceasing from our own labors to earn righteousness, and instead, resting in the perfect righteousness provided by Christ ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Rest of God's People")). He is our ultimate Yom Kippur, 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")), providing the complete and everlasting reconciliation that the Old Covenant rituals could only anticipate.

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.