Leviticus 23:5 - In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening, is Yahweh’s Passover.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 23:5

What does "Leviticus 23:5" mean?


This verse, Leviticus 23:5, is a crucial instruction regarding the observance of Passover in the Hebrew calendar. Let's break it down:

"In the first month": This refers to the first month of the Hebrew religious calendar, which is called Nisan (also known as Aviv). Nisan usually corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar. The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, so the exact correspondence varies each year.

"on the fourteenth day of the month": This specifies the exact date for the Passover observance. It is to be held on the 14th of Nisan.

"in the evening": This indicates the time of day when Passover should begin. In Jewish tradition, days begin at sunset, not at midnight. Therefore, the 14th day begins at sunset on the 13th and extends until sunset on the 14th. The Passover observance starts at the beginning of the 14th, which is the evening of the 13th.

"is Yahweh’s Passover": This declares that this particular evening is designated as a holy occasion ordained by God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God). It emphasizes that this is not merely a historical event, but a divinely mandated observance.

In essence, this verse is a commandment:

It instructs the Israelites (and by extension, the Jewish people) to observe the Passover on the evening of the 14th day of the first month (Nisan). This evening marks the beginning of the Passover festival, which commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Key Takeaways:

Divine Command: This is not just a suggestion but a direct order from God.
Specific Time: The date (14th of Nisan) and time (evening) are precisely defined.
Significance: It is Yahweh's (God's) Passover, a central event in Jewish history and faith.
Commemoration: Passover serves as a yearly reminder of God's saving act and the Israelites' liberation.

What categories does "Leviticus 23:5" have?