Leviticus 23:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

On the first day you are to have a holy convocation; don't do any kind of ordinary work.

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any regular work.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:7 inaugurates the Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following the Passover, by commanding a "holy convocation" on its first day. This directive required the assembly of the entire community for sacred purposes, while strictly prohibiting "servile work." The verse thus establishes a divinely appointed time for communal worship, spiritual focus, and remembrance of God's redemptive act in delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage, thereby consecrating both time and activity to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the annual cycle of "the Lord's appointed times" (`mo'adim`), serving as a divine calendar for Israel's worship and national remembrance. This chapter begins with the foundational weekly Sabbath and then systematically details the major annual festivals, including Passover and Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. Leviticus 23:7 specifically addresses the inaugural day of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commences on the 15th day of the first month, Nisan, directly after the Passover sacrifice on the 14th [Leviticus 23:5](/leviticus/23-5 "Leviticus 23:5 - Passover Command"). The broader instructions for this feast, detailed in [Leviticus 23:6-8](/leviticus/23-6-8 "Leviticus 23:6-8 - Feast of Unleavened Bread Directives"), emphasize the consumption of unleavened bread for a full week, symbolizing purity and the haste of Israel's departure from Egypt. Thus, this verse is an integral component of Israel's liturgical year, establishing the solemnity and sacredness of this particular day within the larger framework of their covenant relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Unleavened Bread, known in Hebrew as `Chag HaMatzot`, was profoundly rooted in Israel's foundational experience of the Exodus from Egypt. As vividly recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus Narrative"), the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread (`matzah`) during their swift departure, a tangible symbol of their readiness to obey God's command without delay [Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - Hasty Departure from Egypt"). This annual observance served as a perpetual, tangible reminder of God's miraculous deliverance from slavery [Deuteronomy 16:3](/deuteronomy/16-3 "Deuteronomy 16:3 - Bread of Affliction Remembrance") and the subsequent formation of Israel as His covenant people. Culturally, "holy convocations" (`miqra kodesh`) were divinely designated times for the entire community to gather at the central sanctuary, fostering national unity, communal worship, and collective remembrance of God's faithfulness. The prohibition of "servile work" (`melakhah avodah`) on such days mirrored the weekly Sabbath command [Exodus 20:8-10](/exodus/20-8-10 "Exodus 20:8-10 - The Sabbath Commandment"), setting these times apart from ordinary labor and dedicating them entirely to spiritual pursuits, rest, and communion with God. This practice reinforced the theological principle that God was the ultimate provider and that human activity should be consecrated to His purposes.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Sanctification of Time**, where God Himself establishes specific days and seasons as holy, set apart from the mundane for sacred purposes. This reflects God's sovereignty over all creation, including time, and His desire for humanity to consecrate their lives to Him. The verse also highlights **Communal Worship and Identity**, as the "holy convocation" emphasizes the collective gathering of the covenant people to remember God's acts and reinforce their shared identity as a nation set apart. Furthermore, the prohibition of "servile work" underscores the theme of **Rest and Dependence on God**, mirroring the Sabbath principle. It teaches Israel to trust in God's provision rather than relying solely on their own labor, freeing them to focus on spiritual matters. This act of cessation from ordinary toil also symbolizes **Purity and Separation**, aligning with the broader theme of holiness that permeates the book of Leviticus, calling Israel to live a life distinct from the surrounding nations, consecrated to Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** (H6944) This word signifies a state of being "set apart" or "consecrated" for divine use or purpose. It denotes sanctity, purity, and separateness from the common or profane. In the context of "holy convocation," it emphasizes that the assembly itself is divinely designated and imbued with sacred significance, requiring a particular reverence and focus from those who participate.
* **Convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** (H4744) Derived from a root meaning "to call out," this term refers to a public meeting or assembly that is "called out" or "summoned" by divine command. It implies a mandatory gathering, not merely a voluntary coming together. It underscores that the assembly is initiated by God Himself, for His purposes, and for the benefit of His people to hear His word and engage in collective worship.
* **Servile (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** (H5656) This term refers to "work of any kind," particularly "labor," "service," or even "bondage." When used in conjunction with "work" (`mᵉlâʼkâh`), it specifies work that is laborious, occupational, or for gain. The prohibition of this type of work on sacred days liberates individuals from the daily grind and the pursuit of livelihood, enabling them to fully dedicate their time and attention to the spiritual significance of the feast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the first day":** This phrase precisely identifies the beginning of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows the Passover observance. It marks the commencement of a distinct period of spiritual devotion and communal observance, setting the tone for a week dedicated to remembering God's deliverance and living in purity.
* **"ye shall have an holy convocation":** This is a divine command establishing the sacred and mandatory nature of the day. It signifies that the community is to be formally gathered by God's decree, not merely for social interaction, but for a specific sacred purpose. This assembly was central to communal worship, instruction in the Law, and collective remembrance of God's mighty acts, reinforcing Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **"ye shall do no servile work therein":** This prohibition serves to underscore the sanctity of the day by mandating a cessation from ordinary, laborious, or gainful employment. By refraining from the typical toil of daily life, the Israelites were enabled to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual significance of the feast, to rest in God's provision, and to reflect on His redemptive power without the distractions of worldly pursuits.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Legal Language** and **Repetition** to emphasize its imperative nature and the sanctity of the command. The declarative phrases "ye shall have" and "ye shall do no" are direct legal pronouncements, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, leaving no ambiguity regarding the expected conduct. This direct address underscores the divine authority behind the instruction. Furthermore, the concepts of "holy convocation" and the prohibition of "servile work" are recurring motifs throughout Leviticus 23 and other legal sections of the Pentateuch, creating a thematic **Parallelism** with the weekly Sabbath. This repetition reinforces the importance of setting aside time for God, establishing a pattern of consecrated living that permeates Israel's calendar. The specific nature of the prohibition on "servile work" also functions as a form of **Distinction**, clearly differentiating this day from regular workdays and highlighting its unique sacred status within the liturgical year.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:7 transcends a mere calendrical instruction, embodying profound theological principles central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. It underscores the divine prerogative to sanctify time, designating specific periods for humanity to cease from ordinary labor and dedicate themselves wholly to worship, remembrance, and communion with the Creator. This command reflects God's desire for His people to prioritize spiritual rest and collective devotion over worldly pursuits, fostering a rhythm of life that acknowledges His sovereignty and provision. The "holy convocation" emphasizes the communal dimension of faith, where the gathered assembly collectively remembers God's saving acts, reinforcing their identity as a people set apart for Him. The cessation of "servile work" serves as a tangible expression of trust in God's provision, mirroring the Sabbath principle and cultivating a posture of dependence rather than self-reliance. This pattern of consecrated time was designed to continually reorient Israel's focus towards their divine Deliverer and Sustainer.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1-8 "Ezra Reads the Law to the People in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 23:7 offer profound insights for contemporary faith and practice. The command for a "holy convocation" calls believers today to prioritize corporate worship and communal gathering. In an increasingly fragmented and individualized world, the intentional act of assembling with fellow believers for worship, teaching, and fellowship remains vital for spiritual nourishment, mutual encouragement, and the collective expression of faith. This requires a deliberate setting aside of time, much like the prohibition on "servile work," to step away from the relentless demands of career, commerce, and personal pursuits. It challenges us to consider if our lives are truly consecrated to God, not just in moments of crisis, but in the regular rhythm of our weeks and years. Do we intentionally create space for spiritual rest and renewal, allowing God to be our ultimate source of provision and peace? This verse invites us to reflect on our priorities, ensuring that our pursuit of God and His kingdom takes precedence over worldly anxieties and ambitions, fostering a life characterized by intentional devotion and joyful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "holy convocation" challenge my approach to corporate worship and communal gathering today?**
* **In what practical ways can I "do no servile work" in my life, ensuring I set aside time for spiritual rest and focus on God?**
* **What "leaven"—symbolic of sin or worldly distractions—do I need to identify and remove from my life to live more fully consecrated to God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "holy convocation" in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: A "holy convocation" (Hebrew: `miqra kodesh`) was a divinely appointed assembly, a sacred gathering where the community was called together by God for worship, instruction, and remembrance. Unlike ordinary days, these were set apart for special spiritual focus, often involving sacrifices, readings of the Law, and communal celebration. They served to reinforce Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and to recall His mighty acts of deliverance and provision, such as the Exodus from Egypt, which the Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorated. These convocations were central to Israel's national identity and spiritual discipline, ensuring that the people regularly re-centered their lives on God's commands and promises, as seen throughout the liturgical calendar outlined in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord").

**How does the prohibition of "servile work" on this day differ from the weekly Sabbath?**

Answer: The prohibition of "servile work" (`melakhah avodah`) on the first day of Unleavened Bread, and other feast days, meant that ordinary, laborious, or gainful employment was forbidden. This allowed people to fully engage in the spiritual significance of the day. While similar to the weekly Sabbath, there was a key distinction: on the weekly Sabbath, absolutely no work was permitted, including preparing food [Exodus 16:23](/exodus/16-23 "Exodus 16:23 - No Cooking on the Sabbath"). However, on certain feast days, such as the first day of Unleavened Bread, activities like preparing necessary food were generally permitted, as long as they were not `melakhah avodah` (e.g., [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Preparing Food on Feast Days")). The primary intent was to free people from the daily grind of their occupations to focus on God and the communal observance of the feast.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:7, with its command for a "holy convocation" and cessation from "servile work" during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following Passover, pointed to the essential need for purity and a decisive departure from sin. Christ is revealed as our true [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect sacrifice cleanses us from sin [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). He is also the [unleavened bread](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Christ, Our Unleavened Bread"), embodying perfect holiness and absolute purity. In Him, the spiritual reality of removing "leaven"—symbolic of sin, malice, and wickedness—is fulfilled, as believers are called to live a new life of sincerity and truth, free from the old leaven [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Live Without Malice and Wickedness"). The "holy convocation" finds its ultimate expression in the Church, the body of Christ, which is called together by God through the Holy Spirit to worship Him in spirit and truth [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Furthermore, the cessation from "servile work" foreshadows the spiritual rest found in Christ. We are no longer bound by the "servile work" of trying to earn our salvation through human effort or the law, for Christ has accomplished all through His finished work on the cross [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ from the Yoke of Slavery"). He invites us to enter His rest, a rest from striving and a peace that surpasses all understanding [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary and Burdened"). Thus, Leviticus 23:7 ultimately points to the new covenant reality where Christ is our purity, our sacred assembly, and our perfect, eternal rest.

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 23:8

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].

Leviticus 23:35

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

Leviticus 23:36

Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a solemn assembly; [and] ye shall do no servile work [therein].

Numbers 28:18

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

Numbers 28:25

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

Leviticus 23:25

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

Leviticus 23:21

And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, [that] it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work [therein: it shall be] a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.