Leviticus 23:6

KJV

And on the fifteenth day of the same month [is] the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day {H3117} of the same month {H2320} is the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682} unto the LORD {H3068}: seven {H7651} days {H3117} ye must eat {H398} unleavened bread {H4682}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the fifteenth day of the same month is the festival of matzah; for seven days you are to eat matzah.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.

American Standard Version

And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto Jehovah: seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:6 introduces the Feast of Unleavened Bread, known in Hebrew as *Chag HaMatzot*, an essential annual observance for ancient Israel. Commencing on the fifteenth day of the first month, immediately following the Passover, this seven-day festival mandated the consumption of unleavened bread. It served as a profound and perpetual memorial of Israel's swift and miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage, symbolizing divine redemption, the call to purity, and the necessity of living a life separated from the pervasive influence of sin. This divinely appointed convocation underscored God's redemptive power and His enduring call for His people to walk in holiness and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 23 meticulously details the *mo'adim*, the "appointed times" or "set seasons" of the LORD, which functioned as a sacred calendar for Israel's worship and remembrance of God's redemptive acts throughout their history. Verse 6 specifically outlines the commencement and duration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, an observance inextricably linked to the Passover. [Leviticus 23:5](/leviticus/23-5 "Leviticus 23:5 - The Passover Observance") describes the Passover lamb's sacrifice on the fourteenth day of the first month, marking the foundational act of deliverance. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, beginning on the very next day, extends the themes of liberation and purification, compelling the Israelites to live out the implications of their redemption. This immediate sequence underscores a crucial theological principle: salvation (Passover) is always followed by a call to holy living (Unleavened Bread), emphasizing a continuity between God's saving grace and His people's subsequent consecrated walk. The entire chapter functions as a liturgical framework, guiding Israel in their communal remembrance of God's faithfulness and their commitment to His covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Unleavened Bread directly commemorates the haste of Israel's departure from Egypt. After the devastating tenth plague, Pharaoh urgently expelled the Israelites, giving them no time for their bread dough to rise ([Exodus 12:34](/exodus/12-34 "Exodus 12:34 - Israel's Hasty Departure from Egypt")). The divine command to eat *matzah*, or unleavened bread, for seven days was a tangible, annual reenactment of this pivotal moment in their history. This practice ensured that future generations would remember God's mighty hand in their liberation from slavery ([Exodus 13:8](/exodus/13-8 "Exodus 13:8 - Remembering the Exodus from Egypt")). Culturally, leaven (yeast) was widely understood as an agent of fermentation and pervasive influence, often symbolizing corruption, impurity, or even pride in the ancient Near East and throughout biblical literature. The meticulous removal of all leaven from their homes before and during this feast ([Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven from Homes")) was a powerful physical act symbolizing the spiritual cleansing and pursuit of holiness required of a people set apart for the LORD.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, as the removal of leaven and the consumption of unleavened bread symbolize the necessity for God's people to be set apart from sin and corruption. This connects directly to the book's emphasis on God's holy character and His call for His people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The verse also highlights **Remembrance and Covenant Faithfulness**, ensuring that the foundational act of the Exodus, God's mighty deliverance, would be perpetually recalled and celebrated by every generation ([Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Teaching Future Generations")). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Appointment and Obedience**, as the feast is explicitly "unto the LORD" and commanded for a specific duration, emphasizing that Israel's worship and lifestyle were to be dictated by God's decrees, not human inclination. The immediate succession of Passover and Unleavened Bread also reinforces the theme of **Redemption Leading to Sanctification**, demonstrating that God's saving act is always accompanied by a call to a transformed life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** From the root *chagag* (to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast), this term denotes more than a mere holiday; it signifies a divinely appointed pilgrimage festival, often involving communal celebration and a journey to a central sanctuary. It implies a joyous, communal observance ordained by God, distinct from a fast or solemn day. The term emphasizes the celebratory and communal aspect of remembering God's mighty acts, particularly His deliverance.
* **Month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be new," this word refers to the new moon and, by implication, a month. The "fifteenth day of the same month" (referring to the first month, Nisan/Abib) precisely dates the commencement of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This lunar-based calendar system was integral to Israel's religious life, marking God's sacred times.
* **Unleavened bread (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** From a root suggesting "sweetness" or "devouring for sweetness," this term refers to flat, unrisen bread. Its significance is twofold: historically, it connects to the hasty exodus from Egypt, where there was no time for bread to rise; theologically, as leaven often represents corruption or sin in Scripture, *matstsâh* symbolizes purity, sincerity, and a life lived free from the pervasive influence of sin. Eating it for seven days signifies a sustained commitment to this purified state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the fifteenth day of the same month":** This precise temporal marker establishes the exact commencement of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It immediately succeeds the Passover observance, which took place on the fourteenth day of the first month (Nisan/Abib). This temporal proximity highlights the direct, sequential relationship between God's act of salvation (Passover) and the subsequent period of consecrated living (Unleavened Bread), underscoring that deliverance leads to a transformed life.
* **"[is] the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD":** This clause declares the nature and divine purpose of the observance. It identifies it as a *chag*, a divinely ordained festival, specifically dedicated "unto the LORD." This designation emphasizes that the feast's ultimate purpose is to honor, remember, and worship God for His redemptive acts. The central element, "unleavened bread" (matzah), embodies both the historical memory of the hasty Exodus and profound spiritual symbolism of purity.
* **"seven days ye must eat unleavened bread":** This specifies both the duration and the primary commandment of the feast. The seven-day period signifies completeness, wholeness, and a sustained, comprehensive commitment to the principles of the feast. The imperative "ye must eat" underscores the mandatory nature of this observance, emphasizing the requirement for active, obedient participation in the communal remembrance and spiritual purification that the feast represents. It was not an optional tradition but a divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:6 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "unleavened bread" (matzah) serving as a powerful and multi-layered symbol. Historically, it symbolizes the haste of the Exodus, where there was no time for bread to rise, a tangible reminder of God's urgent deliverance. Theologically, it represents purity, sincerity, and freedom from the "leaven" of sin or corruption, a concept reinforced throughout Scripture. The **Repetition** of the phrase "unleavened bread" and the command to eat it for "seven days" emphasizes the importance and comprehensive nature of this purification and remembrance. The consistent use of precise temporal markers like "the fifteenth day" and "seven days" demonstrates **Precision** and **Structure**, reflecting the meticulously ordered nature of God's covenant and His expectations for His people's worship. The phrase "unto the LORD" acts as a form of **Dedication** or **Divine Attribution**, highlighting the divine origin and ultimate recipient of this sacred observance, thereby reinforcing its theological significance and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, as outlined in Leviticus 23:6, is rich with theological significance, extending far beyond its historical commemoration of the Exodus. It profoundly emphasizes the concept of sanctification – the call to live a life set apart for God, free from the pervasive influence of sin. The removal of leaven symbolizes the necessity for God's people to purge themselves of malice, wickedness, and hypocrisy, embracing instead a life characterized by sincerity and truth. This spiritual cleansing is not a one-time event but a continuous process, reflected in the seven-day duration of the feast, signifying a complete and ongoing commitment to holiness as a response to God's deliverance. It teaches that true freedom from bondage leads to a life of purity and devotion to the One who redeemed them.

* [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "The Command to Remove Leaven")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "Christ Our Passover Lamb and Unleavened Living")
* [Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "The Leaven of the Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:6, though rooted in ancient Israelite practice, offers timeless spiritual principles for believers today. The command to eat unleavened bread for seven days serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian walk: a continuous, intentional commitment to purity and truth in light of our deliverance from spiritual bondage. Just as the Israelites were called to purge physical leaven from their homes, we are called to actively identify and remove the "leaven" of sin, hypocrisy, and false teaching from our lives and communities. This feast reminds us that salvation is not merely an event but an ongoing journey of sanctification, requiring daily choices to live in sincerity and obedience to God's Word. It invites us to reflect on the depth of God's redemptive work and to respond with lives that honor His holiness, remembering that our freedom in Christ calls us to walk in newness of life, free from the old leaven of sin. This active pursuit of purity is a joyful response to God's grace, shaping our character and conduct to reflect His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leaven" (sins, habits, or ungodly influences) do I need to actively remove from my life to live more fully in God's purity?**
* **How does the immediate succession of Passover and Unleavened Bread challenge my understanding of the relationship between salvation and sanctification?**
* **In what ways can I, like the Israelites, intentionally remember and celebrate God's deliverance and ongoing work in my daily life?**
* **How does the communal aspect of this feast encourage me to pursue holiness not just individually, but also within my faith community?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days long?**

Answer: The seven-day duration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies completeness and represents a sustained, comprehensive commitment to the principles of the feast. Historically, it provided ample time for the Israelites to reflect on their hasty departure from Egypt and God's mighty deliverance, ensuring the memory was deeply ingrained. Theologically, it emphasizes that the call to purity and freedom from the "leaven" of sin is not a momentary act but an ongoing, pervasive aspect of the believer's life, requiring continuous vigilance and dedication. This extended period reinforces the idea of a thorough cleansing and a sustained walk in holiness, as opposed to a fleeting observance, highlighting the enduring nature of God's covenant and His call to a consecrated life.

**What is the symbolic meaning of "leaven" in the Bible?**

Answer: In biblical contexts, leaven (yeast) frequently symbolizes corrupting influences, such as sin, wickedness, hypocrisy, or false doctrine. Its nature to permeate and puff up dough makes it an apt metaphor for how sin can subtly spread and corrupt an individual or community from within. For example, Jesus warned His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" ([Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - The Leaven of Hypocrisy")), indicating a pervasive, hidden corruption. Similarly, Paul admonished the Corinthians to "cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Cleanse Out the Old Leaven")), referring to moral impurity and scandalous sin within the church. Thus, the command to remove all leaven during the Feast of Unleavened Bread was a tangible act representing the spiritual imperative to purge sin and live a life of sincerity and truth before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:6 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament feast commanded the physical removal of leaven as a symbol of purity, Christ is the ultimate reality of that purity and the source of our cleansing. He is the ["Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), our true Passover sacrifice ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")), whose perfect, sinless life and atoning death deliver us from the bondage of sin, just as the Passover lamb delivered Israel from Egypt. The seven days of eating unleavened bread, symbolizing a life free from the "leaven of malice and wickedness," are fulfilled in the Christian's call to live a new life in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, believers are united with Him, enabling them to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")), continually putting off the old self and its sinful practices ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New")) and living in the "sincerity and truth" that unleavened bread represents ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Living in Sincerity and Truth")). Thus, the Feast of Unleavened Bread points to Christ as both the source of our deliverance and the standard of our sanctification, empowering us to live a life truly "unleavened" by sin through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Exodus 12:15

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Exodus 12:16

And in the first day [there shall be] an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save [that] which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.

Exodus 34:18

¶ The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.

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].

Numbers 28:17

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

Numbers 28:18

In the first day [shall be] an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work [therein]:

Exodus 13:6

Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day [shall be] a feast to the LORD.