Leviticus 16:29-30
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This passage highlights that "afflicting your souls" wasn't just about feeling bad, but actively engaging in self-denial and repentance, a solemn commitment to acknowledge sin and seek God's cleansing. Furthermore, the inclusion of "the stranger who sojourns among you" reveals that this profound act of repentance and atonement was meant to encompass all who lived within the community, extending God's offer of cleansing beyond just the native-born Israelites.
“And it shall be a statute to you forever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you. For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the LORD from all your sins.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the institution of the Day of Atonement, a crucial annual observance prescribed for the Israelites. It follows the detailed instructions for the high priest's atonement ritual within the sanctuary, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of cleansing the entire community from sin. The commandment for the people to "afflict themselves" and refrain from all work underscores that this day is set apart for intense repentance and reflection, impacting everyone, including foreigners living among them.
The Bible calls it 'afflicting your soul.' What does that really mean beyond just skipping a meal?
The command to 'afflict your souls' on the Day of Atonement wasn't just about abstaining from food. It was a comprehensive act of repentance and humility.
A Holistic Approach
This wasn't a passive experience but an active turning towards God, acknowledging their need for His cleansing.
Who was included in this solemn command? Was it only for certain people, or for everyone?
The Day of Atonement wasn't just for the Israelite natives; it extended to everyone living within their community.
Inclusion in Atonement
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This inclusive command demonstrates that God's call to repentance and His provision for atonement were not limited by ethnicity but by dwelling within the covenant community.
Understand the original words
anah · Hebrew Verb
A voluntary or commanded act of spiritual discipline involving the sacrifice of one's own desires, personal comfort, or bodily needs, often manifested through fasting, to humble oneself before God and express repentance.
huqqa · Hebrew Noun
A divine decree or ordinance that is permanent, established, and binding for all generations of God’s people.
taher · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
The state of being ritually pure, set apart from uncleanness or sin, and therefore fit to stand in the presence of the Holy God.
hattat · Hebrew Noun
An act or thought that misses the mark of God's perfect standard, breaking His law and resulting in alienation from His presence and the necessity for atonement.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His holiness, faithfulness, and self-existence.
This passage describes a true fast that God desires, which involves not just outward affliction but also acts of justice and compassion, mirroring the deeper spiritual intent behind the Day of Atonement's command to 'afflict your souls'.
Hebrews 9:7This New Testament passage describes the high priest entering the Most Holy Place once a year, a direct parallel to the annual Day of Atonement, highlighting its function as a temporary provision before Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Colossians 2:16-17This passage presents the Mosaic festivals, including the Day of Atonement, as shadows of things to come, pointing to Christ as the reality and substance that fulfilled these Old Testament requirements.
Psalm 51:17The 'affliction of the soul' commanded in Leviticus finds its ultimate expression here, as a broken and contrite spirit is the sacrifice God truly desires, going beyond mere outward observance.
bensonLeviticus 16:29: "And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:"
Leviticus 16:29 . The seventh month — Answering part to our September and part to our October; when they had gathered in all their fruits, and were most at leisure for God’s service. This time God chose for this and other feasts, herein gracio…
clarkeLeviticus 16:29: "And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:"
The seventh month, on the tenth day of the month - The commandment of fasting, and sanctifying this tenth day, is again repeated Leviticus 23:27-32 ; but in the last verse it is called the ninth day at even, because the Jewish day began with t…
This passage highlights that "afflicting your souls" wasn't just about feeling bad, but actively engaging in self-denial and repentance, a solemn commitment to acknowledge sin and seek God's cleansing. Furthermore, the inclusion of "the stranger who sojourns among you" reveals that this profound act of repentance and atonement was meant to encompass all who lived within the community, extending God's offer of cleansing beyond just the native-born Israelites.
This verse marks the institution of the Day of Atonement, a crucial annual observance prescribed for the Israelites. It follows the detailed instructions for the high priest's atonement ritual within the sanctuary, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of cleansing the entire community from sin. The commandment for the people to "afflict themselves" and refrain from all work underscores that this day is set apart for intense repentance and reflection, impacting everyone, including foreigners living among them.
This verse marks the institution of the Day of Atonement, a crucial annual observance prescribed for the Israelites. It follows the detailed instructions for the high priest's atonement ritual within the sanctuary, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of cleansing the entire community from sin. The commandment for the people to "afflict themselves" and refrain from all work underscores that this day is set apart for intense repentance and reflection, impacting everyone, including foreigners living among them.
"“And it shall be a statute to you forever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you. For on this day shall atonemen…" — This passage highlights that "afflicting your souls" wasn't just about feeling bad, but actively engaging in self-denial and repentance, a solemn commitment to acknowledge sin and seek God's cleansin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
