The Meaning of Exodus 23:14 Explained

Exodus 23:14

KJV: Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

YLT: 'Three times thou dost keep a feast to Me in a year;

Darby: Thrice in the year thou shalt celebrate a feast to me.

ASV: Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Three  times  thou shalt keep a feast  unto me in the year. 

What does Exodus 23:14 Mean?

Study Notes

Three times
Cf. Leviticus 23:4-44 . Exodus for the wilderness; Leviticus for the land.

Context Summary

Exodus 23:1-17 - Laws Of Conduct And Worship
We may apply these various precepts to our own hearts. Many of them breathe the very spirit of Christ. We must watch our speech, so that no man's character may suffer by our gossip or slander. We must dare to stand for the truth, though we stand absolutely alone. With all kindness and good will we must save our neighbor from damage, even though he has vented on us his spleen. It is never for us to take advantage of him; God will deal with him on our behalf, and in His own time and way. Let us not fret ourselves to do evil. David's example in refusing to injure Saul when his bitter enemy was within his reach is an inspiring example for us to follow. We must hold an even balance for just and honorable dealing with all men; and cultivate the Sabbath-keeping of the heart. In every life, also, there should be perpetual memory of Calvary, the Resurrection and Pentecost-the three feasts of the soul! [source]

Chapter Summary: Exodus 23

1  Of slander, false witness, and partiality
4  Of charitableness
6  Of justice in judgment
8  Of taking bribes
9  Of oppressing a stranger
10  Of the year of rest
12  Of the Sabbath
13  Of idolatry
14  Of the three feasts
18  Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice
20  An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him

What do the individual words in Exodus 23:14 mean?

Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ רְגָלִ֔ים תָּחֹ֥ג לִ֖י בַּשָּׁנָֽה

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ  Three 
Parse: Number, feminine singular
Root: מִשְׁלֹשׁ 
Sense: three, triad.
רְגָלִ֔ים  times 
Parse: Noun, feminine plural
Root: רֶגֶל  
Sense: foot.
תָּחֹ֥ג  you  shall  keep  a  feast 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, second person masculine singular
Root: חָגַג  
Sense: to hold a feast, hold a festival, make pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim-feast, celebrate, dance, stagger.
לִ֖י  to  Me 
Parse: Preposition, first person common singular
בַּשָּׁנָֽה  in  the  year 
Parse: Preposition-b, Article, Noun, feminine singular
Root: שָׁנָה  
Sense: year.