Leviticus 23:35

KJV

On the first day [shall be] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work [therein].

KJV (with Strong's)

On the first {H7223} day {H3117} shall be an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}: ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the first day there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly. You must not do any regular work.

American Standard Version

On the first day shall be a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:35 provides a foundational directive for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the most significant annual pilgrimage festivals in ancient Israel. This verse specifically designates the first day of the seven-day celebration as a "holy convocation," a divinely appointed assembly consecrated to the Lord, during which all ordinary, laborious work is strictly prohibited. It powerfully underscores the sanctity of God's ordained times, emphasizing a necessary cessation from daily toil to facilitate communal worship, spiritual reflection, and a profound remembrance of God's unwavering faithfulness and provision for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 23 functions as God's meticulously detailed calendar for Israel, outlining the `mo'adim` (appointed times) – the Lord's sacred feasts and assemblies – that His people were commanded to observe. These festivals, including the weekly Sabbath, Passover and Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles, collectively established the spiritual rhythm of Israel's national life and worship. They served as constant reminders of God's redemptive acts, His covenant promises, and His abundant provision. Leviticus 23:35 is situated within the specific instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles, which commences on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, as detailed in [Leviticus 23:34](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34 - The Beginning of Sukkot"). This feast marks the culmination of the agricultural year, celebrating the ingathering of the harvest, and profoundly commemorates Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering, during which they lived in temporary shelters. The preceding verses establish the feast's duration and general character, making verse 35 a precise command for its inaugural day, setting the tone for the entire week.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was arguably the most joyous and widely celebrated festival in ancient Israel, deeply interwoven with their historical memory and agricultural cycle. Historically, it served as a vibrant annual reenactment of Israel's wilderness journey, where they resided in temporary dwellings (`sukkot`), fostering humility, dependence on God, and gratitude for His miraculous guidance and presence, such as the pillar of cloud and fire (cf. [Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - God's Guidance in the Wilderness")). Culturally, Sukkot coincided with the final harvest of the year, particularly the grape and olive harvests, making it a profound time of thanksgiving for God's bounty and sustenance. The prohibition against "servile work" on this day, echoing the principle of the weekly Sabbath (as commanded in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), emphasized that sacred time was to be set apart from ordinary labor. This cessation enabled the entire community to fully engage in communal worship, reflective remembrance of God's faithfulness, and joyous celebration of His dwelling among them and His comprehensive provision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Sanctified Time**, demonstrating God's prerogative to designate specific periods as holy, distinct from ordinary days, for His people's spiritual benefit and His glory. The concept of a "holy convocation" underscores the theme of **Communal Worship and Assembly**, emphasizing that faith is not merely individual but deeply corporate, requiring the gathered presence of God's people. Furthermore, the prohibition of "servile work" reinforces the theme of **Rest and Dependence on God**, teaching Israel to trust in God's provision rather than their own ceaseless labor, and to find true rest in His presence and commands. This principle of rest is foundational, echoing the Sabbath command given at creation and reiterated in the Ten Commandments (see [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ qôdesh'_):** This compound phrase (מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ) literally translates to "a summoned assembly of holiness" or "a sacred gathering." The term `miqrâʼ` (H4744) derives from the verb `qara` meaning "to call" or "to summon," indicating that this assembly was not optional or spontaneously organized, but divinely commanded and initiated by God Himself. It signifies "something called out, i.e. a public meeting." `Qôdesh` (H6944) signifies "holiness" or "separateness," meaning "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity." Together, they imply that the purpose of this gathering was distinct from ordinary life, set apart for communion with God and dedicated to sacred purposes. It emphasizes the solemnity and divine authority behind the assembly, a time and place consecrated for God's presence and worship.
* **Servile work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh'_):** This phrase (מְלָאכָה עֲבֹדָה) translates to "work of labor" or "occupational work." `Mᵉlâʼkâh` (H4399) refers to "employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)," denoting one's ordinary, professional, or skilled labor—the kind of work one does to earn a living or manage daily affairs. `ʻĂbôdâh` (H5656) denotes "work of any kind; act, bondage, labour, service(-ile, -itude)," often implying hard or burdensome work. Together, they specify the cessation of one's regular, gainful employment or strenuous tasks, distinguishing it from necessary activities like preparing food, which were generally permitted on festival days (unlike the stricter weekly Sabbath, where even cooking was forbidden, as in [Exodus 16:23](/exodus/16-23 "Exodus 16:23 - Manna and the Sabbath")). The prohibition aimed to free the Israelites from the demands of their daily occupations to fully engage in the spiritual significance of the day.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the first day [shall be] an holy convocation:"** This clause unequivocally establishes the inaugural day of the Feast of Tabernacles as a divinely mandated sacred assembly. The emphasis is on the intentional setting apart of this specific day for collective worship and spiritual focus, highlighting its unique and consecrated status among the seven days of the feast. It signifies God's imperative call for His people to gather formally in His presence, indicating a communal rather than purely individual observance, where the entire community is to participate in a sacred gathering.
* **"ye shall do no servile work [therein]."** This prohibition directly follows the command for a holy convocation, serving as a practical means by which the sanctity of the day is to be maintained. By refraining from ordinary, laborious work (`ʻâsâh` H6213, "to do or make, in the broadest sense"), the Israelites were enabled to dedicate their time, energy, and attention exclusively to the spiritual demands and celebratory nature of the feast. It was a tangible expression of their dependence on God's provision and their commitment to prioritizing His commands and His presence over their worldly pursuits and economic endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:35 employs several literary devices to convey its instruction with clarity and impact. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct and declarative nature of the command, particularly in the immediate pairing of "holy convocation" with the prohibition of "servile work." This juxtaposition highlights the dual aspects of sacred time: active gathering for worship and passive resting from labor. There is also an implied **Contrast** between the sacred time of the convocation, set apart for God, and the profane time of daily work, reinforcing the distinct and elevated nature of the commanded observance. Furthermore, the concept of "holy convocation" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's desire for His people to gather as a unified, consecrated body, set apart for Him, and to experience His presence collectively. The cessation of work is not merely a negative command but a positive invitation to enter into a different kind of activity—one of devotion, remembrance, and communal joy, symbolizing a deeper trust in divine provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:35 powerfully articulates the profound theological principle of consecrated time, where specific periods are designated by God for His people to cease from their ordinary pursuits and dedicate themselves wholly to worship, remembrance, and communion with Him. This concept is not unique to the Feast of Tabernacles but is a recurring theme throughout the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that true rest and spiritual flourishing are found in obedience to God's commands and in prioritizing His presence. The "holy convocation" underscores the vital importance of corporate worship and communal solidarity in faith, fostering a collective identity centered on God. The prohibition of "servile work" highlights the necessity of releasing worldly anxieties and consciously trusting in God's provision, recognizing that our ultimate sustenance and security come from Him, not from our own efforts.

* [Leviticus 23:7](/leviticus/23-7 "Leviticus 23:7 - Holy Convocation for Unleavened Bread")
* [Leviticus 23:21](/leviticus/23-21 "Leviticus 23:21 - Holy Convocation for Pentecost")
* [Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:35, though rooted in the Old Testament ceremonial law, offers timeless and profound principles for contemporary believers. It compels us to critically examine the value we place on sacred time and corporate worship in our own lives. In a world that relentlessly glorifies productivity, busyness, and self-reliance, the divine command to cease from "servile work" on a holy day serves as a radical and counter-cultural reminder that our ultimate provision, peace, and spiritual well-being flow from God, not from our own ceaseless efforts. This verse challenges us to intentionally and regularly set aside time for spiritual rest, deep reflection, and communal gathering with fellow believers, recognizing that such practices are not a mere option but a divine mandate for our holistic flourishing. It encourages us to prioritize assembling with the body of Christ for worship, fellowship, and instruction, thereby fostering a profound sense of unity and shared devotion, and to consciously release the anxieties and demands of daily life to fully engage with God's presence and His transformative Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current rhythm of life demonstrate a prioritization of "holy convocation" and spiritual rest over the demands of "servile work"?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally set aside time for communal worship and personal devotion, deliberately freeing myself from the distractions and pressures of daily tasks?**
* **What specific anxieties or perceived necessities of "servile work" might be hindering my ability to fully enter into God's commanded rest and experience His abiding presence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "first day" being a holy convocation?**

Answer: The designation of the "first day" of the Feast of Tabernacles as a holy convocation (a pattern also seen for other multi-day feasts like Unleavened Bread in [Leviticus 23:7](/leviticus/23-7 "Leviticus 23:7 - First Day of Unleavened Bread")) emphasizes the immediate and foundational importance of setting apart the very beginning of the festival. It ensures that the entire community commences the celebration with a collective act of worship and dedication, thereby establishing the spiritual tone and focus for all the days that follow. It signifies that the feast is inaugurated by God's explicit call and is to be observed with immediate reverence, a cessation from ordinary labor, and a communal turning towards Him.

**Was all work forbidden on a holy convocation, or just "servile work"?**

Answer: The prohibition was specifically against "servile work" (`mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh`), which refers to one's regular, laborious, or occupational work—work done for gain or as part of one's profession. This distinction is crucial, as it differentiated these festival days from the strictness of the weekly Sabbath, where virtually all work, including kindling a fire or gathering manna, was forbidden (e.g., [Exodus 35:3](/exodus/35-3 "Exodus 35:3 - No Fire on the Sabbath")). On festival days designated as holy convocations, certain necessary tasks, such as preparing food, were generally permitted (as implied in [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Preparing Food on Festival Days")). The divine intent was to free people from their daily grind and economic pursuits to fully concentrate on the spiritual and communal aspects of the feast, not to impose absolute idleness.

**How does the concept of "holy convocation" apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, the underlying theological principles of "holy convocation" remain profoundly relevant. It encourages believers to prioritize corporate worship and gather regularly as the body of Christ, recognizing the spiritual necessity and blessing of communal assembly (as exhorted in [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")). The concept of ceasing from "servile work" translates to intentionally setting aside time for spiritual rest, devotion, and communion with God, trusting Him for provision rather than relying solely on our own efforts. It reminds us to find our ultimate rest and satisfaction in Christ, who is our true Sabbath rest and the fulfillment of all God's appointed times (as discussed in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:35, with its command for a "holy convocation" and cessation from "servile work" on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in multiple layers. The Feast of Tabernacles itself, commemorating God's dwelling among His people in temporary shelters, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "tabernacling" of God with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, who "dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us," as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "holy convocation" points to the new covenant gathering of believers, the Church, called out by God through the gospel to assemble in His name, with Christ as the true head and center of their worship. Furthermore, the command to cease from "servile work" on this sacred day prefigures the spiritual rest found exclusively in Christ. Believers are no longer bound by the burdensome "works of the law" for salvation, but enter into the finished work of Christ, finding their ultimate rest in His perfect, atoning sacrifice (as articulated in [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest")). Jesus Himself stood during the Feast of Tabernacles, inviting all who thirst to come to Him for living water ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation at the Feast")), signifying His role as the ultimate source of spiritual provision and the true dwelling place of God. Ultimately, the future fulfillment of Tabernacles points to the New Heaven and New Earth, where God will eternally "tabernacle" with His redeemed people, and there will be no more toil, curse, or sorrow, but eternal rest and joy in His presence ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 23:24

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first [day] of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

Leviticus 23:25

Ye shall do no servile work [therein]: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:7

In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

Leviticus 23:8

But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day [is] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work [therein].