Leviticus 23:27

“Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”

Immediate Context

The preceding line reads “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,” The titled verse reads “Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.” The following line reads “And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God.” Together, these lines place Leviticus 23:27 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

Reading the Verse

The wording gives an instruction, obligation, prohibition, or prescribed practice. Its force depends on the people addressed, the action required, and the circumstance stated in the passage.

The wording develops in three movements: “Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement:” then “it shall be an holy convocation unto you;” and finally “and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.” These clauses should be read together.

Biblical Significance

Biblical commands show that faithfulness takes concrete form. They must also be read within their covenantal and literary setting so that the original requirement and any later application are not confused.

Application

Readers should first identify exactly what is commanded and why. Application begins with reverence for God’s word, precise observation, and careful distinction between the original setting and present responsibilities.

Read in this setting, Leviticus 23:27 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims and application begin with the KJV text above.