Leviticus 23:2
New International Version
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.

New Living Translation
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. These are the LORD’s appointed festivals, which you are to proclaim as official days for holy assembly.

English Standard Version
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.

Berean Standard Bible
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.

King James Bible
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

New King James Version
“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.

New American Standard Bible
“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD’S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

NASB 1995
“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD’S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations— My appointed times are these:

NASB 1977
“Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, ‘The LORD’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

Legacy Standard Bible
“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The appointed times of Yahweh which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

Amplified Bible
“Speak to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The appointed times (established feasts) of the LORD which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

Christian Standard Bible
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: These are my appointed times, the times of the LORD that you will proclaim as sacred assemblies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Speak to the Israelites and tell them: These are My appointed times, the times of the LORD that you will proclaim as sacred assemblies.”

American Standard Version
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, The set feasts of Jehovah, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.

Contemporary English Version
to say to the community of Israel: I have chosen certain times for you to come together and worship me.

English Revised Version
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, The set feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Tell the Israelites: These are the appointed festivals with the LORD, which you must announce as holy assemblies.

Good News Translation
the following regulations for the religious festivals, when the people of Israel are to gather for worship.

International Standard Version
"Tell the Israelis that these are my festival times appointed by the LORD that you are to declare as sacred assemblies:

Majority Standard Bible
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.

NET Bible
"Speak to the Israelites and tell them, 'These are the LORD's appointed times which you must proclaim as holy assemblies--my appointed times:

New Heart English Bible
"Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'The set feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.

Webster's Bible Translation
Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

World English Bible
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘The set feasts of Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Speak to the sons of Israel, and you have said to them: Appointed times of YHWH, which you proclaim [as] holy convocations, these [are] My appointed times.

Young's Literal Translation
Speak unto the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Appointed seasons of Jehovah, which ye proclaim, holy convocations, are these: they are My appointed seasons:

Smith's Literal Translation
Speak the sons of Israel and say to them, The appointments of Jehovah, which ye shall call them holy callings, these my appointments.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: These are the feasts of the Lord, which you shall call holy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Speak to the sons of Israel, and you shall say to them: These are the feasts of the Lord, which you shall call holy.

New American Bible
Speak to the Israelites and tell them: The following are the festivals of the LORD, which you shall declare holy days. These are my festivals:

New Revised Standard Version
Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: These are the appointed festivals of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations, my appointed festivals.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Speak to the children of Israel and say to them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are my feasts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Speak with the children of Israel and say to them: ‘The feasts of LORD JEHOVAH which you will announce are called and holy; these are my feasts.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: The appointed seasons of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My appointed seasons.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say unto them, The feasts of the Lord which ye shall call holy assemblies, these are my feasts.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Feasts of the LORD
1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. 3For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.…

Cross References
Exodus 12:14-17
And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. / For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. / On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly, and another on the seventh day. You must not do any work on those days, except to prepare the meals—that is all you may do. ...

Numbers 28:16-25
The fourteenth day of the first month is the LORD’s Passover. / On the fifteenth day of this month, there shall be a feast; for seven days unleavened bread is to be eaten. / On the first day there is to be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work. ...

Deuteronomy 16:1-17
Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. / You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name. / You must not eat leavened bread with it; for seven days you are to eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt. ...

Exodus 23:14-17
Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me. / You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed. / You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field. And keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field. ...

Numbers 29:12-40
On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days. / As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a food offering, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, / along with the grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil with each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths of an ephah with each of the two rams, ...

2 Chronicles 8:13
He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Nehemiah 8:9-12
Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. / Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” / And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” ...

Ezekiel 45:21-25
On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to observe the Passover, a feast of seven days, during which unleavened bread shall be eaten. / On that day the prince shall provide a bull as a sin offering for himself and for all the people of the land. / Each day during the seven days of the feast, he shall provide seven bulls and seven rams without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD, along with a male goat for a sin offering. ...

1 Kings 9:25
Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.

2 Chronicles 30:1-27
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. / For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, / since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. ...

Matthew 26:17-19
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

Mark 14:12-16
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ ...

Luke 22:7-13
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ...

John 7:2
However, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near.

Acts 2:1
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.


Treasury of Scripture

Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

Exodus 34:22
And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

Leviticus 23:24,25
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation…

John 10:22
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

Leviticus 23:4,37
These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons…

Exodus 23:14-17
Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year…

proclaim

Exodus 32:5
And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.

Numbers 10:2,3,10
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps…

2 Kings 10:20
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

Jump to Previous
Appointed Assemblies Children Convocations Feasts Fixed Holy Israel Israelites LORD'S Meetings Proclaim Sacred Seasons Speak Times
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Appointed Assemblies Children Convocations Feasts Fixed Holy Israel Israelites LORD'S Meetings Proclaim Sacred Seasons Speak Times
Leviticus 23
1. The feasts of the Lord
3. the Sabbath
4. The Passover
9. The sheaf of firstfruits
15. The feast of Pentecost
22. Gleanings to be left for the poor
23. The feast of trumpets
26. The day of atonement
33. The feast of tabernacles














Speak to the Israelites
This phrase begins with a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of communication between God and His chosen people, the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "speak" is "דַּבֵּר" (daber), which implies not just casual conversation but a formal declaration or proclamation. This highlights the seriousness and authority of the message being conveyed. Historically, the Israelites were a distinct group chosen by God to be His people, and this communication underscores their unique covenant relationship with Him. It is a reminder of the responsibility of leaders to faithfully convey God's instructions to His people.

and say to them
The repetition of the command to speak, using the Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar), reinforces the importance of the message. It suggests a need for clarity and emphasis, ensuring that the message is understood and taken to heart. This dual command to speak and say indicates the weightiness of the instructions that follow, as they are not merely suggestions but divine mandates. It reflects the pattern of prophetic communication where God's words are delivered with precision and authority.

When you enter the land
This phrase points to a future event, the entering of the Promised Land, which was a central hope and promise for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "land" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), often referring to the specific land promised to Abraham and his descendants. This promise of land is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the blessings that come with obedience to His commands.

I am giving you
Here, God asserts His sovereignty and generosity. The phrase underscores that the land is a gift from God, not something earned by the Israelites. The Hebrew verb "נָתַן" (natan) means "to give," indicating a gracious act of provision. This highlights the unmerited favor of God and His role as the ultimate provider. It also serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God and the importance of gratitude and stewardship of His gifts.

and reap its harvest
This phrase speaks to the agricultural context of ancient Israel, where harvest time was a significant event. The Hebrew word for "harvest" is "קָצִיר" (qatsir), which refers to the gathering of crops. Harvests were times of celebration and thanksgiving, acknowledging God's provision. This phrase also implies a cycle of work and reward, where the Israelites' labor in the land would be blessed by God. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual harvests, where faithfulness and obedience yield spiritual blessings.

you are to bring
The instruction to "bring" indicates an act of offering or presentation. The Hebrew word "הֵבִיא" (hevi) means "to bring" or "to present," suggesting an intentional act of worship and dedication. This act of bringing is a physical demonstration of faith and obedience, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision. It reflects the principle of giving back to God from what He has provided, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.

to the priest
The role of the priest is central in this context, serving as a mediator between God and the people. The Hebrew word for "priest" is "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), indicating one who is set apart for sacred duties. Priests were responsible for performing sacrifices and offerings, maintaining the holiness of the community, and teaching the law. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for intercession and mediation in the relationship between God and His people. It also points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

(2) Speak unto the children of Israel.--As the festivals here discussed were to be solemnly kept by them, Moses is ordered to address these regulations to the people or their representatives.

Concerning the feasts of the Lord . . . Better, the festivals of the Lord which ye shall proclaim as holy convocations, these are my festivals. That is, the following festivals God claims as His, on which solemn assemblies are to be held in the sanctuary.

Verse 2. - Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. The translation should rather be, The appointed times which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are my appointed times. The appointed times (mo'adin) include the great fast as well as the festivals, and the weekly and monthly as well as the annual holy days. The primary purpose with which the following enumeration of holy days is introduced, is to give a list of the holy convocations. While the Israelites were still dwelling in the wilderness, a holy convocation appears to have been a religious assembly of all the males in the court of the tabernacle. After the settlement in Canaan, a religious gathering for prayer or festive rejoicing in all their dwellings, that is, wherever they lived, would have satisfied the command to hold a holy convocation, except on the three great festivals, when all who could, "kept the feast" at Jerusalem. There were in all seven holy convocations in the year, besides the sabbath, namely, the first and last days of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Pentecost, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Trumpets, the first and last days of the Feast of Tabernacles.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Speak
דַּבֵּ֞ר (dab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֤י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and say
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to them,
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘These
אֵ֥לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are My appointed feasts,
מוֹעֲדֵ֣י (mō·w·‘ă·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

the feasts
מוֹעֲדָֽי׃ (mō·w·‘ă·ḏāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

of the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you will proclaim
תִּקְרְא֥וּ (tiq·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

as sacred
קֹ֑דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

assemblies.
מִקְרָאֵ֣י (miq·rā·’ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4744: Something called out, a public meeting, a rehearsal


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OT Law: Leviticus 23:2 Speak to the children of Israel (Le Lv Lev.)
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