Leviticus 23:36
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The eighth day isn't just an extra day tacked on; it's a distinct, solemn assembly that marks the conclusion of the festival cycle, signifying a transition and a final, significant act of worship. This emphasizes that the sacred journey of observance culminates in a dedicated moment of closure and unique commitment.
For seven days you shall present food offerings to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage concludes the description of the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing its structure over seven days with daily offerings, followed by a distinct eighth day. This eighth day, while connected to the feast and involving its own special sacrifices and prohibition of ordinary work, is also called a "solemn assembly" or "day of conclusion," marking the formal end of the entire festival season.
The Feast of Tabernacles lasted seven days, but Leviticus 23:36 immediately adds an eighth. What made this extra day so significant?
The seventh month in the Jewish calendar was packed with important feasts, culminating in the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles. But the chapter doesn't end there.
The Eighth Day's Purpose
This eighth day wasn't just an afterthought; it was a crucial part of the festival, providing a deliberate and sacred conclusion. It was a time to bring the entire feast to a formal close with worship and thanksgiving.
The Hebrew word for 'solemn assembly' ( atseret ) has layers of meaning that go beyond simply stopping work. What does it truly signify?
Ask a follow-up
The term 'solemn assembly' (atseret) in Leviticus 23:36 carries a rich meaning. It's not merely about taking a break from daily tasks, though that's a vital part.
Unpacking 'Atseret'
In essence, the atseret was a divinely appointed time to gather, to cease from worldly activities, and to be intentionally focused on God, bringing a significant period of worship to a holy close.
Understand the original words
iššeh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to various offerings made to God by fire, signifying the surrender of the worshiper's life or gratitude to the Lord. These offerings involve the consumption of the gift by fire, symbolizing its acceptance by God as a pleasing aroma.
miqrā' qōdeš · Hebrew Noun phrase
A designated time for the people of God to assemble for corporate worship, distinct from ordinary life. It signifies a state of being set apart (holy) for the specific purpose of gathering together in the Lord's presence.
‘aṣārâ · Hebrew Noun
A special gathering or closing assembly, often associated with a day of rest at the end of a feast. It implies a suspension of normal routines to focus entirely on religious observance and community worship.
This passage refers to Jesus standing and crying out on the 'last day, that great day of the feast,' which many scholars understand to be the eighth day connected to the Feast of Tabernacles described here in Leviticus.
Numbers 29:35-36This passage provides the specific sacrificial instructions for the eighth day, detailing the offerings required and reinforcing its nature as a holy convocation and solemn assembly.
Nehemiah 8:18This verse describes the reading of the Law during the Feast of Tabernacles, mentioning that the people kept the feast for seven days and also observed the eighth day as a solemn assembly, echoing the structure in Leviticus.
Romans 11:16Calvin's commentary alludes to Paul's mention of the 'first-fruits' being holy, connecting it back to the wave offering of the Omer and the broader theme of holy convocations and offerings set apart for God.
calvinLeviticus 23:1-44: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
Alloquere filios Israel, et dic eis, Quum ingressi fueritis terrain quam ego do vobis, et messueritis messem ejus, tunc offeretis omnes primitias messis vestrae ad sacerdotem.
And he shall wave the shea…
pooleLeviticus 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."
Seven days ye shall offer an offering; a several offering each day, which is particularly described Numbers 29:13 , &c. On the eighth day; which though it was not one of the days of this feast strictly taken, nor is it here affirmed…
The eighth day isn't just an extra day tacked on; it's a distinct, solemn assembly that marks the conclusion of the festival cycle, signifying a transition and a final, significant act of worship. This emphasizes that the sacred journey of observance culminates in a dedicated moment of closure and unique commitment.
This passage concludes the description of the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing its structure over seven days with daily offerings, followed by a distinct eighth day. This eighth day, while connected to the feast and involving its own special sacrifices and prohibition of ordinary work, is also called a "solemn assembly" or "day of conclusion," marking the formal end of the entire festival season.
This passage concludes the description of the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing its structure over seven days with daily offerings, followed by a distinct eighth day. This eighth day, while connected to the feast and involving its own special sacrifices and prohibition of ordinary work, is also called a "solemn assembly" or "day of conclusion," marking the formal end of the entire festival season.
"For seven days you shall present food offerings to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work." — The eighth day isn't just an extra day tacked on; it's a distinct, solemn assembly that marks the conclusion of the festival cycle, signifying a transition and a final, significant act of worship.…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
