What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:38?

These offerings are in addition

Leviticus 23 has just cataloged the annual feasts. Now verse 38 clarifies that every festival sacrifice comes on top of the regular rhythm of worship. Numbers 29:39 echoes the same thought, stressing that feast‐day offerings never replace anything else.

• God layers worship—daily (Numbers 28:3-4), weekly, monthly, and yearly.

• Special seasons enhance ordinary devotion; they don’t substitute for it (Psalm 96:8).

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to the offerings for the LORD’s Sabbaths

Each Sabbath already had its own two-lamb burnt offering with grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:9-10). Exodus 20:8 commands remembrance of the day; Leviticus 23:3 calls it “a sacred assembly.” The feast sacrifices therefore arrive alongside the weekly Sabbath sacrifices, underscoring that regular, rest-filled worship still matters on high days.

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and in addition to your gifts

“Gifts” points to voluntary contributions for the sanctuary’s upkeep and ministry (Exodus 25:2; Deuteronomy 12:6). Even when national celebrations demand extra animals and grain, the personal privilege of giving remains. Worship includes both communal observances and private generosity (Proverbs 3:9).

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to all your vow offerings

Vow offerings fulfill promises made to God (Leviticus 7:16; Numbers 30:2). Psalm 66:13 describes bringing sacrifices after deliverance “to fulfill my vows.” Leviticus 23:38 reminds Israel not to let festival excitement crowd out vows; integrity in keeping one’s word is still required (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).

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and to all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD

Freewill offerings rise from spontaneous gratitude (Deuteronomy 16:10; Psalm 54:6). They are neither scheduled nor compelled, yet God values them highly (Ezra 3:5). Even during obligatory feasts, heartfelt voluntary worship must flourish.

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summary

Leviticus 23:38 safeguards fullness in worship. The annual feasts add joyous layers, but they are never intended to replace weekly Sabbaths, regular gifts, kept vows, or spontaneous freewill offerings. God delights in both structured obedience and heartfelt generosity, calling His people to honor Him in every rhythm of life.