Leviticus 23:7

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Leviticus 23:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work.
Leviticus 23:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Leviticus 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation, etc.] That is, on the first of the seven days of the feast of unleavened bread, even the fifteenth day of the month Nisan; this was separated from the other days of the festival, and more particularly devoted to religions exercises, (see <021216> Exodus 12:16); ye shall do no servile work therein; such as agriculture, or any manufacture or mechanical business, which they and their servants were at other times employed in; but they might bake bread, and boil or roast their meat, and walk abroad, which they might not do on their sabbaths; and therefore it is so expressed as to distinguish it from the work forbidden on that day.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In these verses, the Passover, or Paschal Supper, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, are plainly spoken of as distinct feasts. See Exodus 12:6, Exodus 12:15, Exodus 12:17; Numbers 28:16-17. Leviticus 23:5 See Exodus 12:6. According to the Hebrew mode of reckoning, the 15th day of the month began on the evening of the 14th. The day of holy convocation with which the Feast of Unleavened Bread commenced Leviticus 23:7 was the 15th, and that with which it terminated was the 21st. Compare Numbers 28:16-17. Leviticus 23:6 Feast - The three festivals (often called the Great Festivals), Passover, Pentecost and tabernacles, to which the name חג chag, i. e. a feast or rejoicing properly belongs…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Num 28:18-25 Leviticus 23:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification