Leviticus 23:41

KJV

And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. [It shall be] a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall keep {H2287} it a feast {H2282} unto the LORD {H3068} seven {H7651} days {H3117} in the year {H8141}. It shall be a statute {H2708} for ever {H5769} in your generations {H1755}: ye shall celebrate {H2287} it in the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to observe it as a feast to ADONAI seven days in the year; it is a permanent regulation, generation after generation; keep it in the seventh month.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to celebrate this as a feast to the LORD for seven days each year. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come; you are to celebrate it in the seventh month.

American Standard Version

And ye shall keep it a feast unto Jehovah seven days in the year: it is a statute for ever throughout your generations; ye shall keep it in the seventh month.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:41 meticulously outlines the perpetual and annual observance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), mandating its celebration for seven days in the seventh month as an enduring divine ordinance for all generations of Israel. This verse underscores the festival's profound significance as a cornerstone of Israelite worship, commemorating God's faithful provision during their wilderness wanderings and celebrating the joyous ingathering of the harvest, thereby integrating historical remembrance, spiritual gratitude, and eschatological hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 stands as a pivotal chapter within the Pentateuch, meticulously detailing the "appointed feasts of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mo'adim_) that the Israelites were divinely commanded to observe. Following the foundational Sabbath and the spring festivals—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost—the chapter culminates with comprehensive instructions for the autumn festivals: the Feast of Trumpets, the solemn Day of Atonement, and finally, the joyous Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Verses [Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34-43 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - Instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles") lay out the duration, the unique requirement to dwell in temporary shelters (booths), and the multifaceted purpose of this final annual festival. Verse [Leviticus 23:41](/leviticus/23-41 "Leviticus 23:41 - Perpetual Feast of Tabernacles") specifically reiterates its perpetual nature and precise timing, serving as a concluding affirmation of its enduring importance within the annual cycle of worship. Its placement at the end of the liturgical calendar highlights Sukkot's role as a time of culmination, profound thanksgiving, and a vibrant remembrance of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, known as Sukkot, was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) that required all Israelite males to journey to Jerusalem, emphasizing national unity and communal worship. Historically, it served a dual and interconnected purpose. First, it was a profound commemoration of the forty years the Israelites spent [wandering in the wilderness](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remembering God's Provision in the Wilderness") after their Exodus from Egypt, during which they lived in temporary shelters or "booths" (_sukkot_). This aspect fostered humility, dependence on God's miraculous provision, and a deep appreciation for His steadfast presence. Second, it functioned as a joyous harvest festival, marking the successful ingathering of the year's agricultural produce, particularly grapes and olives, at the very end of the agricultural cycle. Celebrated in the seventh month (Tishrei, corresponding to September/October), it was a time of immense thanksgiving for God's bounty and a vibrant reminder of His dwelling presence among His people, even in their transient dwellings. The explicit command to live in temporary booths for seven days visually reinforced their nomadic past and God's enduring, protective care.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:41 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **God's Presence and Dwelling (Tabernacling)**, as the feast itself commemorates God's dwelling with Israel in the wilderness and foreshadows His ultimate desire to dwell with humanity. The command for perpetual observance highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Remembrance**, emphasizing that Israel's identity is inextricably linked to remembering God's past redemptive acts and His enduring covenant promises. The dual nature of the feast—commemorating the wilderness journey and celebrating the harvest—underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Dependence**, teaching Israel to rely on God for both their physical sustenance and spiritual well-being. Furthermore, the mandatory nature of the observance, described as "a statute for ever," reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Holiness**, as adherence to God's commands was essential for maintaining their covenant relationship and living as a holy people set apart for Him, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws for a Holy People"). The joyous nature of Sukkot, following the solemn Day of Atonement, also speaks to the theme of **Joy in God's Salvation and Blessing**, emphasizing that true joy flows from a right relationship with God and gratitude for His abundant grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, _chag_):** (H2282) This term, derived from a root meaning "to move in a circle" or "to dance," denotes a pilgrimage festival characterized by joyful celebration and a communal gathering before the LORD. Unlike a simple "holy day" or Sabbath, a _chag_ involved a prescribed journey to a central sanctuary, emphasizing corporate worship, national identity, and joyous participation. In this context, it highlights the celebratory and communal nature of Sukkot, distinct from the solemnity of the Day of Atonement that immediately preceded it. It signifies a time of public rejoicing and thanksgiving.
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chuqqâh_):** (H2708) This feminine noun refers to an enactment, an appointment, or a divine decree. It conveys the idea of a fixed, prescribed ordinance or custom established by divine authority. When used in the context of God's commands, it emphasizes the binding, unchangeable, and authoritative nature of the instruction. Here, it underscores that the observance of Sukkot is not a temporary suggestion or a cultural tradition, but a foundational and non-negotiable requirement of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm_):** (H5769) This word signifies a duration that is concealed or extends beyond the vanishing point, encompassing time out of mind, both past and future. It often translates to "eternity," "perpetual," or "lasting." When paired with "statute," it powerfully conveys the enduring, unchangeable, and perpetual nature of God's command regarding this festival. It indicates that the Feast of Tabernacles was intended to be observed across all generations of Israel, emphasizing the timeless theological truths embedded within the feast and its foundational role in their worship and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year."**: This opening clause reiterates the duration and annual nature of the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, which was introduced in the preceding verses of [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Appointed Feasts of the LORD"). The command to "keep" (or "observe") signifies active, intentional participation and adherence to the divine mandate. The "seven days" period is numerically significant in biblical contexts, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or a full cycle, here denoting a dedicated and comprehensive week of celebration and remembrance specifically set apart for the LORD. This highlights the festival's sacred purpose and its annual rhythm in Israel's life.
* **"[It shall be] a statute for ever in your generations:"**: This parenthetical clause, though often supplied in English translations for clarity, accurately captures the emphatic force of the Hebrew, which literally translates to "a statute of eternity for your generations." This phrase underscores the perpetual and unchanging nature of this divine ordinance. It was not a temporary command for a specific historical period or a single generation, but a foundational and enduring aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God, intended to be observed by all future descendants. This emphasizes the timeless theological significance of the feast and its role in preserving Israel's identity and memory across time.
* **"ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month."**: This final clause precisely specifies the timing of the festival within the Hebrew calendar. The "seventh month" (Tishrei, corresponding to September/October) marked the culmination of the agricultural year and the beginning of the civil year. This timing strategically connected the spiritual remembrance of the wilderness journey and God's provision with the practical reality of the harvest, integrating the sacred and the mundane aspects of Israelite life. The repeated emphasis on "seven" (seven days, seventh month) reinforces the divine order, completeness, and sacred rhythm associated with the feast, positioning it as the grand finale of the annual cycle of appointed times.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:41 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. Most notably, **Repetition** is evident in the numerical recurrence of "seven" (seven days, seventh month), which is a biblically significant number often symbolizing completeness, divine perfection, or a full cycle. This numerical repetition reinforces the idea of a full, dedicated, and divinely ordered period of celebration. The phrase "a statute for ever in your generations" exemplifies **Covenant Language**, which is characteristic of divine commands intended to be perpetually binding within the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This language elevates the feast beyond a mere custom to a foundational legal and theological requirement, emphasizing its enduring authority. Furthermore, while not explicitly detailed within this single verse, the broader context of Sukkot (as established in preceding verses like [Leviticus 23:42](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - Dwelling in Booths")) relies heavily on **Symbolism**. The temporary booths (_sukkot_) symbolize God's dwelling with His people in the wilderness and their transient earthly existence, while the harvest aspect symbolizes God's abundant provision and blessing. By mandating the celebration, the verse implicitly points to these deeper symbolic meanings, intended to be re-experienced and internalized annually by each generation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:41, by mandating the perpetual observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, encapsulates profound theological truths about God's unwavering faithfulness, His desire to dwell intimately with His people, and the essential nature of human dependence. It teaches that intentional remembrance of God's past acts of salvation and provision—particularly the wilderness journey—is crucial for present and future generations, fostering deep gratitude and unwavering trust. The feast also served as a joyous celebration of God's bounty at the harvest, seamlessly integrating spiritual thanksgiving with the practical realities of life and sustenance. Its perpetual nature signifies that these vital lessons—dependence, joy, God's enduring presence, and the call to grateful obedience—are timeless and meant to profoundly shape the identity, worship, and daily lives of God's people across all eras.

* [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13-15 "Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - The Joy of Sukkot and God's Blessing")
* [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13-18 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - Revival and Renewed Sukkot Observance")
* [Zechariah 14:16-19](/zechariah/14-16-19 "Zechariah 14:16-19 - Future Global Observance of Sukkot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:41, though rooted in ancient Israelite practice, offers timeless and transformative principles for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a posture of intentional remembrance, urging us to recall God's past faithfulness and unwavering provision in our own lives, in the history of the church, and in the grand narrative of salvation. Just as the Israelites were to remember their wilderness journey and God's sustaining grace, we are invited to reflect on God's steadfast care through our own seasons of uncertainty, transition, and dependence. The emphasis on joy and profound thanksgiving, particularly at the ingathering of the harvest, reminds us to celebrate God's abundant blessings in every season, recognizing His sovereign hand in all good things and cultivating a heart of gratitude. Furthermore, the "statute for ever" aspect powerfully encourages us to value, preserve, and actively transmit spiritual truths and the legacy of faith to future generations, ensuring that God's story and His character continue to shape lives. Ultimately, this verse invites us to live with a dual awareness: acknowledging our temporary earthly dwelling while embracing our eternal hope in God's permanent and glorious presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past faithfulness (like His provision in the wilderness) strengthen your trust in Him for your present circumstances and future uncertainties?**
* **In what practical ways can you more deeply cultivate a spirit of joy and thanksgiving for God's provision in your life, even amidst challenges or periods of waiting?**
* **What "statutes for ever"—timeless spiritual truths or foundational practices of your faith—are you actively preserving and passing on to the next generation in your family, church, or community?**
* **How does the temporary nature of the "booth" (or our earthly lives) shape your perspective on what truly matters and where your ultimate hope lies?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seventh month" for the Feast of Tabernacles?**

Answer: The seventh month, Tishrei (corresponding to September/October), was profoundly significant for the Feast of Tabernacles for several interconnected reasons. Agriculturally, it marked the triumphant conclusion of the harvest season, making the Feast of Tabernacles a joyous celebration of God's bounty, provision, and faithfulness for the entire year. Spiritually, it concluded the cycle of fall feasts, strategically following the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on the tenth of the month. This timing allowed for a powerful transition from a period of repentance, humility, and atonement to a season of joyous thanksgiving and dwelling in God's presence, symbolizing His desire to tabernacle with a purified and reconciled people. The number "seven" itself holds deep biblical significance, often representing completion, divine perfection, or a sacred covenant, further emphasizing the culmination of both the agricultural and spiritual year in this grand festival.

**Does "a statute for ever" mean Christians must observe the Feast of Tabernacles today?**

Answer: The phrase "a statute for ever" (Hebrew: _chuqqat olam_) indicates a perpetual ordinance specifically for the generations of Israel under the Old Covenant. For Christians, the New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Covenant law, including its ceremonial practices and feasts. While the historical and theological lessons embedded within the feasts remain profoundly significant and spiritually rich, the specific ritualistic observance of these feasts is not mandated for New Covenant believers. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "tabernacling" of God with humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and and made his dwelling among us" (the Greek word for "dwelling" literally meaning "tabernacled"). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit now permanently indwells believers, making each believer a temple of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Therefore, Christians are called to live out the spiritual realities foreshadowed by the feast—remembering God's faithfulness, living in joyful dependence, celebrating God's provision, and anticipating God's eternal dwelling with His redeemed people in the New Creation ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")). The spiritual principles endure and are fulfilled in Christ, but the ceremonial observance has been superseded by His finished work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:41, with its profound emphasis on the perpetual observance of the Feast of Tabernacles and God's desire to dwell with His people, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very act of God "tabernacling" or dwelling among humanity, symbolized by the temporary booths of Sukkot, points directly to the incarnation of the Son of God. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") powerfully declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," the Greek word for "dwelling" (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Jesus is God's ultimate and perfect presence among humanity, fulfilling the deep longing for divine intimacy that Sukkot so beautifully foreshadowed. Furthermore, Jesus' public ministry often intersected with the Feast of Tabernacles, as vividly portrayed in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles"), where He boldly proclaimed Himself to be the source of "living water" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus, the Living Water")), echoing the water libation ceremony of the feast and offering the true spiritual refreshment that the physical rituals could only hint at. He also declared Himself the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), connecting to the feast's illumination ceremonies. Finally, the Feast of Tabernacles, with its dual focus on God's dwelling and the joyous ingathering of the harvest, anticipates the grand eschatological reality of God's eternal presence with His redeemed people in the New Heaven and New Earth, where He will truly "tabernacle with them" forever, as triumphantly described in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"). In Christ, the "statute for ever" of God's desire to be with His people is brought to its magnificent and everlasting completion.

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

Numbers 29:12

¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

Nehemiah 8:18

Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.