Leviticus 23:15 - “‘You shall count from the next day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be completed:

Generated Verse: Leviticus 23:15

What does "Leviticus 23:15" mean?


Leviticus 23:15 instructs the Israelites on how to begin the count towards the Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot or Pentecost. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"You shall count from the next day after the Sabbath...": This is the starting point for the 49-day count. The specific "Sabbath" is a point of debate.
Pharisaic/Rabbinic Interpretation: This refers to the weekly Sabbath (Saturday). Thus, the count begins on the Sunday after Passover.
Sadducee/Boethusian Interpretation: This refers to the first day of Unleavened Bread, which is a "high Sabbath" or special day of rest, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. Thus, the count begins on the day after that special Sabbath.
"...from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering...": This clarifies the "Sabbath" being referred to. The omer (a measure of barley) was harvested and offered as a "wave offering" to God on the day following the Sabbath being referenced in this verse.
"...seven Sabbaths shall be completed:": This emphasizes that the counting period is precisely seven full weeks, or 49 days. The use of the word "Sabbaths" indicates that each week is a complete unit.

In summary, the verse establishes the starting point and duration for counting the days leading up to the Feast of Weeks/Shavuot:

1. Identify the day after the relevant Sabbath: This is the day after either the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) or the first day of Unleavened Bread.
2. Offer the wave sheaf (omer): This offering marks the official beginning of the harvest season.
3. Begin Counting: Start counting from the day after the wave offering.
4. Count seven full weeks (49 days): The count must be complete, with no days skipped.
5. The Feast of Weeks/Shavuot: This feast is celebrated on the 50th day, following the completion of the seven Sabbaths.

The specific interpretation of which Sabbath is intended impacts the date on which the Feast of Weeks is celebrated.

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