Exodus 23:17
Exodus 23:17 in Multiple Translations
Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD.
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord Jehovah.
Three times in the year let all your males come before the Lord God.
Every Israelite male is to come before the Lord God at these three times every year.
These three times in the yeere shall all thy men children appeare before the Lord Iehouah.
'Three times in a year do all thy males appear before the face of the Lord Jehovah.
Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the LORD God.
Thrice a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God.
Every year, at each of these times, all the men must gather together to worship me, Yahweh God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 23:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
פְּעָמִ֖ים
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֑ה
יֵרָאֶה֙
כָּל
זְכ֣וּרְ/ךָ֔
אֶל
פְּנֵ֖י
הָ/אָדֹ֥ן
יְהוָֽה
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
פְּעָמִ֖ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
יֵרָאֶה֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זְכ֣וּרְ/ךָ֔
zâkûwr
H2138
male
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הָ/אָדֹ֥ן
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Art | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:17
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
פְּעָמִ֖ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יֵרָאֶה֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זְכ֣וּרְ/ךָ֔
zâkûwr
H2138
"male"
N-ms | Suff
This word simply means a male person or animal, used in Genesis and Leviticus to describe the male sex. It's a basic term in the Bible, distinguishing between males and females in various contexts.
Definition: male
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: males, men-children. See also: Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16; Deuteronomy 20:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אָדֹ֥ן
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
- Sermons on Exodus 23:17
Context — The Three Feasts of Pilgrimage
15You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed.
16You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field. And keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field.
17Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD.
18You must not offer the blood of My sacrifices with anything leavened, nor may the fat of My feast remain until morning. 19Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 16:16 | Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. |
| 2 | Exodus 34:23 | Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. |
| 3 | Exodus 23:14 | Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 31:11 | when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 12:5 | Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. |
| 6 | Luke 2:42 | And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast. |
| 7 | Psalms 84:7 | They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. |
Exodus 23:17 Summary
This verse is saying that all the men in Israel are required to come before God three times a year, likely during the big festivals like the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Harvest (as mentioned in Exodus 23:15-16). This is a time for them to worship, sacrifice, and show their devotion to God, similar to what is described in Leviticus 23:4-44. By doing so, they are acknowledging God's presence and power in their lives, and expressing their gratitude and loyalty to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. This is still an important principle for us today, as we are called to regularly gather and worship God in our own communities, as seen in Hebrews 10:25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three times a year that males are to appear before the Lord GOD?
The three times a year are likely the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering, as mentioned in Exodus 23:15-16, which are also mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:16 as the Feast of Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Why is it only males who are required to appear before the Lord GOD?
The reason for this is not explicitly stated, but it may be related to the cultural and ceremonial roles of men in ancient Israelite society, as seen in Numbers 1:2-3 and Deuteronomy 31:12.
How does this verse relate to the idea of worship and sacrifice in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of regular worship and sacrifice, as seen in other passages such as Leviticus 23:4-44 and Hebrews 10:25, which emphasize the need for believers to gather and worship God regularly.
What is the significance of appearing before the Lord GOD in this context?
Appearing before the Lord GOD likely involves presenting oneself before God in worship, sacrifice, and obedience, as seen in Exodus 19:17 and Deuteronomy 10:8, which emphasize the importance of reverence and loyalty to God.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'appear before the Lord GOD' in my own life, and how can I make sure I am doing so in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- How can I balance the requirement to appear before God with the demands of everyday life, and what priorities should I set in order to make this happen?
- What role does community play in my worship and sacrifice, and how can I engage with other believers in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of regular worship and sacrifice to my own life, and what benefits can I expect to experience as a result?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord thy God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. All thy males shall appear before the Lord God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
To wit, such as are of competent years, and health, and strength, and such as were at their own dispose; for that servants were not bound to this may seem probable, because none of these concerned were to appear before the Lord empty, or without an offering, but the generality of servants had not any thing to offer. And the care and management of their domestic affairs did require the presence and care of many of their males. Before the Lord God, i.e. in that place where God shall record his name, , as the tabernacle or temple.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
Exodus 23:17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.Ver. 17. All thy males.] The females are not required to appear, because they were weak, and not so fit for travel. They were also the housekeepers, and sanctified in their husbands. Howbeit many of them came up to these feasts, as Hannah, and the Virgin Mary. And this was well accepted as a freewill offering.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
(17) Three times in the year.—The terms of this verse, as compared with Exodus 23:14, limit the observance of the three festivals to the males, but add the important requirement of personal attendance at a given place. By “all thy males” we must understand all of full age and not incapacitated by infirmity or illness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
Verse 17. All thy males] Old men, sick men, male idiots, and male children under thirteen years of age, excepted; for so the Jewish doctors understand this command.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:17
17. Every male to appear before (see on v. 15) Jehovah three times in the year. The substantial identity with v. 14, coupled with the different word for ‘times,’ makes it probable that the verse has been introduced here from Exodus 34:23the Lord God] i.e. the Lord, Jehovah. The title ‘Lord’ is an indication that these pilgrimages are to be observed as marks of homage and respect to Jehovah, as Sovereign of the land (Di., Bä.).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:17
17. Three times in the year — That is, at the three festivals just mentioned in Exodus 23:14-16.
Sermons on Exodus 23:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Nature and Motive of Spiritual Ascendency by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of spiritual ascendency, urging believers to cultivate a deep desire for spiritual elevation akin to the Israelites' longing for Zion. |
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The Breaking of Bread by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of announcing and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus. The act of breaking bread and drinking the cup is a testimony to th |
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Exodus 23;14 Missionary Conf. by J.M. Davies | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophetic and commemorative nature of the death and resurrection of Christ. These events are foundational to Christian teaching and serve |
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Worship - Notes of a Reading John 4 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes that true worship is distinct from preaching and requires a relationship with God through salvation. He explains that worship can only occur in the pre |
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The Vocation of the Church by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the church's vocation as a prophetic instrument representing God's mind and purpose, highlighting the need for believers to see the fullness of God's re |
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(Exodus) Exodus 34:10-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's covenant with Moses for the children of Israel. God promises to do marvelous works that have never been seen before, to protect the Isra |
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Attributes of God - Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are defenseless and surrounded by enemies, such as the Hittites, Hivites, Amorites, Canaanites, and Philistines. However, God promise |