Leviticus 23:5

KJV

In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day of the first {H7223} month {H2320} at even {H6153} is the LORD'S {H3068} passover {H6453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, between sundown and complete darkness, comes Pesach for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

American Standard Version

In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, is Jehovah’s passover.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:5 precisely establishes the timing for the celebration of the Passover, one of the most foundational and divinely mandated annual feasts for ancient Israel. It specifies the fourteenth day of the first month, at twilight, as the appointed time for this sacred observance, which served as a perpetual memorial of God's redemptive act in delivering His people from Egyptian bondage. This verse introduces the first of the annual "appointed times" (mo'edim), underscoring its foundational importance in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 serves as a comprehensive divine calendar, meticulously outlining the seven annual "appointed times" or "feasts of the LORD" (`mo'edim`). These festivals were not merely human traditions but sacred convocations ordained by God, designed to structure Israel's worship and remembrance of His mighty acts. The chapter begins with the Sabbath, the weekly appointed time, before moving to the annual feasts. Passover, along with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, is presented first, underscoring its foundational importance as the initial redemptive event in Israel's national history. The subsequent verses detail the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Leviticus 23:6-8](/leviticus/23-6-8 "Leviticus 23:6-8 - The Feast of Unleavened Bread")), followed by the Feast of Firstfruits, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths, each building upon the narrative of God's ongoing relationship with His people and His unfolding redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The institution of the Passover (`Pesach` in Hebrew) is rooted in the dramatic events of the Exodus, specifically the tenth and final plague upon Egypt, as vividly recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover"). On that night, the blood of a spotless lamb, applied to the doorposts and lintels of Israelite homes, served as a sign for the angel of death to "pass over" them, sparing their firstborn while judgment fell upon Egypt. This act of divine protection and deliverance marked the birth of Israel as a nation. The "first month" refers to Nisan (also called Abib), which typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar, signifying the beginning of the religious year for Israel. "At even" (Hebrew: `ben ha'arbayim`, literally "between the two evenings") refers to the twilight period, generally understood as the time between sundown and full darkness. According to the Hebrew reckoning, a new day began at sundown, meaning the Passover lamb was sacrificed on the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, and the Passover meal was eaten after sundown, marking the beginning of the 15th of Nisan, which also commenced the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This precise timing underscored the urgency and divine precision of God's redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as God sets apart specific times for His people to gather and worship Him, distinct from the common days. The verse also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Command**, emphasizing that these feasts are "the LORD'S passover," not human inventions, but divinely ordained appointments that demand precise obedience. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Redemption and Remembrance**, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's mighty act of deliverance from Egyptian bondage, which is foundational to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Explaining the Statutes to Your Children"). Finally, the Passover introduces the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where the life of an innocent lamb is given to spare the firstborn, foreshadowing greater redemptive acts to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** This term (H6453) is central to the verse and the entire feast. It derives from the Hebrew verb `pasach` (פָּסַח), meaning "to pass over," "to spare," or "to hover over." It directly refers to the Lord's act of "passing over" the homes of the Israelites marked with the lamb's blood during the tenth plague in Egypt, thus sparing their firstborn. The word encapsulates the theme of divine judgment averted through substitutionary sacrifice and God's sovereign protection, making the feast an annual re-enactment of this pivotal event.
* **Even (Hebrew, _ʻereb'_):** This term (H6153), part of the phrase `ben ha'arbayim` ("between the two evenings"), denotes the precise time of the Passover sacrifice and meal. While interpretations vary, it generally refers to the twilight period, specifically the time from sundown to full darkness. This precise timing was crucial for the ritual, emphasizing the meticulous obedience required in God's commands and highlighting the specific moment of God's redemptive intervention in Egypt, ensuring the annual observance mirrored the original historical event.
* **LORD'S (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The possessive "LORD'S" (H3068), referring to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizes the divine origin and ownership of this feast. It is not a human invention or a cultural tradition, but a sacred institution established and commanded by God Himself. This designation underscores God's sovereignty over time, worship, and the very act of redemption, making the Passover a perpetual testament to His character and covenant faithfulness as the self-Existent and Eternal One.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the fourteenth [day] of the first month":** This clause establishes the exact date for the Passover observance within the Israelite religious calendar. The "first month" (Nisan/Abib) marked the beginning of the religious year, signifying a new start and the season of spring. The specificity of the "fourteenth day" highlights the divine precision and the non-negotiable nature of God's appointed times, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's precise instructions for worship and commemoration.
* **"at even":** This phrase pinpoints the precise time of day for the ritual. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," `ben ha'arbayim` (of which `ʻereb` is the root) indicates the twilight period. This timing was critical for the sacrifice of the lamb and the subsequent partaking of the Passover meal, directly linking the annual observance to the original historical event that occurred at that specific time of day, ensuring an accurate and reverent remembrance.
* **"[is] the LORD'S passover":** This concluding declaration identifies the event itself and its divine proprietorship. It is not merely "a passover" but "the LORD'S passover," signifying that it is God's own feast, instituted by Him, for His glory, and in remembrance of His mighty act of redemption. This phrase elevates the Passover from a mere historical commemoration to a sacred, ongoing covenantal observance, a perpetual testament to God's character as a deliverer and a covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Precision** is evident in the exact specification of "the fourteenth day of the first month at even," underscoring the divine order and the necessity of obedient adherence to God's commands. This precision also reinforces the historical accuracy and divine authenticity of the original Exodus event. **Emphasis** is achieved through the possessive "the LORD'S passover," which elevates the feast from a human tradition to a divinely ordained institution, highlighting God's sovereignty and ownership over the ritual and its redemptive meaning. Furthermore, the entire concept of Passover embodies profound **Symbolism**. The lamb, its blood, and the act of "passing over" are not merely historical occurrences but powerful symbols pointing to a greater, ultimate redemption. The timing "at even" also carries symbolic weight, representing the transition from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, and from judgment to salvation. The verse thus functions as a concise yet potent summary of a pivotal redemptive event, rich with historical, theological, and symbolic significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:5, by establishing the Passover, anchors Israel's identity in God's redemptive power and faithfulness. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereign initiative in salvation, His meticulous attention to detail in commanding worship, and the necessity of a substitutionary sacrifice for deliverance from judgment. The theme of remembrance is paramount, as the annual observance ensured that future generations would never forget the mighty hand of God that set their ancestors free. This feast also prefigures a greater, ultimate redemption, where the shedding of innocent blood would provide a final and complete atonement for sin, transcending the temporary nature of the animal sacrifices. The Passover, therefore, is not merely a historical commemoration but a profound theological statement about God's character as a deliverer and a covenant-keeping God, who intervenes decisively in history for the salvation of His people.

* [Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "The Blood as a Sign for Deliverance")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1](/deuteronomy/16-1 "Observe the Month of Abib for Passover")
* [Numbers 9:1-5](/numbers/9-1-5 "Passover Observed in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:5, though detailing an ancient Israelite observance, resonates deeply with believers today, inviting us to reflect on God's enduring faithfulness and His meticulous plan of salvation. It challenges us to remember and celebrate the pivotal acts of redemption in our own lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history. Just as the Passover was a perpetual reminder for Israel of their deliverance from physical bondage, it serves as a profound typology for our spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin through Christ. This verse calls us to a life of gratitude, acknowledging that our freedom is a divine gift, not a human achievement. It also encourages us to pursue a life of obedience, recognizing that God's commands, even in their precise details, are for our good and His glory. The Passover's emphasis on a specific time reminds us that God acts decisively in history, and we are called to respond to His timing and His call, trusting in His perfect plan and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, like the Exodus, strengthen your faith in His present and future faithfulness?**
* **In what ways do you intentionally commemorate or reflect on the "Passover" of your own salvation in Christ?**
* **What does the precision of God's commands regarding the Passover (e.g., "fourteenth day," "at even") teach us about the importance of obedience in our spiritual lives?**
* **How can the themes of substitutionary sacrifice and divine protection, central to the Passover, deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Passover so important to the Israelites?**

Answer: The Passover was supremely important because it commemorated the foundational event of Israel's national identity: God's miraculous deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt. As detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Institution of the Passover"), it was the night when the blood of a lamb on the doorposts protected their firstborn from the final plague, causing the angel of death to "pass over" their homes. This act of divine redemption marked their transition from bondage to freedom and established their covenant relationship with God, making it a perpetual reminder of His power, faithfulness, and the cost of their freedom. It was the birth certificate of the nation.

**What does "at even" (ben ha'arbayim) mean precisely, and why was the timing significant?**

Answer: "At even" (Hebrew: `ben ha'arbayim`) literally means "between the two evenings." While there have been different interpretations, the most common understanding among ancient Jewish sources and scholars is the twilight period, specifically the time from sundown until darkness fully sets in. This precise timing was crucial because the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed in the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, and the Passover meal, which began the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was to be eaten after sundown, marking the beginning of the 15th of Nisan (as the Hebrew day began at sundown). The exact timing underscored the urgency and divine precision of God's redemptive act in Egypt, and it ensured that the annual commemoration faithfully mirrored the original historical event, emphasizing the meticulous obedience required in God's commands.

**How is the Passover related to the Feast of Unleavened Bread?**

Answer: The Passover ([Leviticus 23:5](/leviticus/23-5 "The LORD's Passover")) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Leviticus 23:6-8](/leviticus/23-6-8 "The Feast of Unleavened Bread")) are intimately connected and often spoken of together as one continuous festival. The Passover marked the beginning of this seven-day festival. The Passover meal was eaten on the night of the 14th of Nisan, which then flowed directly into the 15th of Nisan, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. During this week, no leaven (symbolizing sin and corruption, and also the haste with which Israel left Egypt, not having time for bread to rise) was to be found in Israelite homes. The two feasts together symbolized God's deliverance and the subsequent call to live a life of purity and separation from sin, reflecting their new status as God's redeemed people, cleansed and set apart for Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:5, with its precise timing and sacrificial requirements for the Passover, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul explicitly declares in [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ, Our Passover Lamb"), "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." Just as the Passover lamb's blood averted judgment and secured freedom for Israel, so too does the sacrificial blood of Jesus, the perfect and unblemished [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provide complete atonement for sin and deliver believers from eternal death. Remarkably, Jesus was crucified during the very Passover season, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice at the time when the Passover lambs were traditionally slain. His death on the cross, the shedding of His innocent blood, serves as the definitive "pass over" for all who believe, ensuring that God's righteous wrath "passes over" them. Through His resurrection, He ushers in a new exodus, liberating humanity from the bondage of sin and death and inviting them into a new covenant relationship with God, fulfilling the ancient shadows of the Passover with glorious reality, as celebrated in the [Lord's Supper](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Institution of the Lord's Supper"). This new covenant, inaugurated by His blood, provides a permanent and perfect deliverance, far surpassing the temporary and symbolic deliverance of the Old Testament Passover.

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

Deuteronomy 16:1

¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

Deuteronomy 16:8

Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day [shall be] a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work [therein].

Joshua 5:10

¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

Numbers 28:16

¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.

Numbers 28:17

And in the fifteenth day of this month [is] the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.

2 Chronicles 35:18

And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35:19

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.