Old Testament
Leviticus 23:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On the 1st day, gather fruit from majestic trees, palm branches, boughs from leafy trees, and willows from the brook. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for 7 days.
Compare translations
And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
What Leviticus 23:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Leviticus 23:40 instructs the Israelites to gather specific types of branches and fruits to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot. This festival is a time of joy and remembrance of God's provision during their journey in the wilderness. The gathering of branches from trees like palms and willows symbolizes the beauty of creation and the blessings of the harvest. The command to rejoice for seven days emphasizes the importance of gratitude and communal celebration in worshiping God. This festival not only honors God but also fosters unity among the people as they come together to celebrate their shared history and faith. The act of rejoicing before the Lord serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and the joy that comes from living in relationship with Him. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of worship, gratitude, and community in the life of the Israelites.
How to apply Leviticus 23:40 to your life
Incorporate moments of joy and gratitude into your life by celebrating milestones and blessings. Gather with friends and family to reflect on God's goodness and provision. Create traditions that honor your faith and foster community, just as the Israelites did during their festivals.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 23:40
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 23:40
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 23:40 mean?
Leviticus 23:40 instructs the Israelites to gather specific branches and fruits to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing joy and gratitude for God's provision during their wilderness journey.
What is the significance of the branches mentioned in Leviticus 23:40?
The branches from trees like palms and willows represent the beauty of creation and the blessings of the harvest, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the joy of communal celebration.
What is the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23:40?
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is a festival that celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' time in the wilderness, emphasizing joy, gratitude, and community.
How long is the celebration mentioned in Leviticus 23:40?
The celebration mentioned in Leviticus 23:40 lasts for seven days, highlighting the importance of extended joy and worship in the life of the Israelites.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.