Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
Three
H7969
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
Three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
1 of 10
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
פְּעָמִ֖ים
times
H6471
פְּעָמִ֖ים
times
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
2 of 10
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
יֵֽרָאֶה֙
shall appear
H7200
יֵֽרָאֶה֙
shall appear
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פְּנֵ֖י
before
H6440
פְּנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:16Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:Exodus 34:23Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.