613 Laws of Old Testament

Creation date: 10-Dec-2021

Known as the Mitzvot

Last updated: 28-Dec-2021

An Informative Good Reference List for the Christian  
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Drafting

Sections

1 Preface 2 Reverence for the 613 Laws?
2 Why was the 613 Laws List Created? 4 Problems with the 613 Law List
3 Is There Value in the List? Yes 6 613 Laws Notes by this Author
  Category grouping of the Laws:    
6.1 Our Relationship with God 6.2 The Law
6.3 Signs and Symbols 6.4 Prayer and Blessing
6.5 Love and Brotherhood 6.6 The Poor and Unfortunate
6.7 Treatment of the Gentiles 6.8 Marriage, Divorce and Family
6.9 Forbidden Sexual Relations 6.10 Times and Seasons
6.11 Dietary Laws 6.12 Business Practices
6.13 Employees, Servants and Slaves 6.14 Vows, Oaths and Swearing
6.15 Sabbatical and Jubilee Years 6.16 Court and Judicial Procedure
6.17 Injuries and Damages 6.18 Property and Property Rights
6.19 Criminal Laws 6.20 Punishment and Restitution
6.21 Prophecy 6.22 Idolatry, Idolaters & Idolatrous Practices
6.23 Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 6.24 Clothing
6.25 The Firstborn 6.26 High Priest, Priests and Levites
6.27 Tithes, Taxes and T'rumah 6.28 The Temple, the Sanctuary and Sacred Objects
6.29 Sacrifices and Offerings 6.30 Ritual Purity and Impurity
6.31 Lepers and Leprosy 6.32 The King
6.33 Nazarites 6.34 Wars

Preface

There are many Biblical Scholars that are Christian and also Jewish who sometimes reference a list of 613 Laws as being important to know and understand.  Unfortunately, there are problems with the creation and interpretation of the 613 laws as discussed in this topic.

The 613 Laws are believed to be based on historical writing by Simalai in the 3rd Century CE.  There is also a newer list made and grouped later by Maimonides in the 12 Century CE. 

It is clear that the requirements of God, that can be called laws for serving and worshipping God:  The laws began to be known after the Garden Of Eden, where the scriptural history will show that some of the laws, and not all, were:

  1. Known by Cain brought the wrong offering to God, where the scriptures do not tell how Able knew the correct offering.
  2. Known by Noah knew what were clean and unclean animals as it required pairs of two and pairs of seven to be brought unto the Ark of Noah
  3. Written down by Moses in the first five books of the Bible, which contained requirements for the living and worship of God., The laws in these books are known today as the Mosaic Laws, because they were written by Moses.
  4. Known by a faithful Jewish person would also be reading and hearing the reading of the Torah and also the Tanakh, where the requirements of God, "laws" would be commonly known. 

It is important as a Christian that we are no longer fully under all of the laws of the Old Testament period that were written down by Moses, but there are are laws that are still relevant and to be followed.

An excerpt from the "Are we under the Mosaic Laws?  No" topic. 

The purpose of the Mosaic Laws, in the Old Testament, had seven major objectives:

  Purpose
1 For Israel to receive protection, guidance and blessing from God.   Deuteronomy 28:1-28
2 Point to the future Messiah through the laws, mandatory feasts and so much more.
3 To separate Israel from all the other peoples in the world as a priestly nation.  Exodus 19:5-6
4 To expose mankind on how retched and incapable of following the law.  Galatians 3:24
5 To actually make us sin more.  Romans 5:20 and Romans 7:13
6 To point to mankind's absolute requirement to have a Savior.   John 3:17 and many others
7 Finally, to prove that Jesus Christ made us dead to the law.  Galatians 2:19, Galatians 3:24-25 and Romans 6:14

The Mosaic Laws are the laws which Israel were mandated to follow, given by God to Moses.  The nation of Israel's protection, guidance and blessings were contingent upon their obedience to the laws.  Deuteronomy 28:1-68 outline many of the blessings.

Reverence for the 613 Laws?

The Bible is to have reverence by everyone who has lived and will live because it God's Word.  That does not mean the physical book has reverence, but the content.  A document that has scriptural references or scriptural verses, is not the same as the Bible itself.  This website is not to be revered just because it contains scriptural passages.

Therefore, we should not have reverence for the documental aspect of the 613 Laws, as they are a collection with interpretations of scriptural passages.  The 613 Laws list is not the Bible, but a collections of scriptural verses, which does have good relevant information for our time.  The difference is Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law which makes portions of the Old Law no longer relevant.   

At the time when Jesus Christ walked in Israel, there were members of the Pharisees who quoted some aspects of the Law to try to discredit Jesus Christ.  The scriptures never record a person from the Pharisees, stating "It is written in Law #34 that ...", where this author is not trying to be humorous but it is funny.  As an example, in Mark 12:19, the Pharisees state "Moses wrote for us".  

The Pharisees were described in the scriptures as experts in the law.  They could be equated to a modern-day attorney who specializes in a specific area.  The Pharisees would not have referred to the laws of God by a number reference.

Mark 12:19 Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.

There are faithful Jewish people, since the writing down of the collection of 613 Laws, who will reference the 613 Law List.  Some Christians, because of the perceived reverence by faithful Jewish people along with respect for Jewish people, will think there is something special about the 613 Laws list.  The 613 Laws list is nothing more than a list.

Why was the 613 Laws List Created?

Towards the end of the 1st Century CE, the Council of Jamnia was held to formalize the Old Testament Cannon.  There was many problems for the Jewish people at that time in history:

  1. The destruction of the Jerusalem and the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. 
  2. Jewish people were relocating after the destruction of Jerusalem.
  3. There was many Jewish people recognizing Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
  4. A Jewish person had no place to perform required animal sacrifices for remission of sins without a Temple.  The Temple had at times been destroyed in the past, as noted in the scriptures, so this was viewed as something that would possibly be eventually rectified.

An interesting article from Jeremy Norman's website gives more information about the period of time around the Council of Jamnia.  If the link is missing, click here.

There was most likely a list of laws being summarized from the Torah for possible use at the Council of Jamnia and afterwards to look for options other than animal sacrifices.  It may be possible that Simalai, in the 3rd Century CE, used existing writings from the 1st Century CE, and afterwards, to simply rewrite or create the proposed 613 Laws based on the Torah scriptural verses containing laws.

Problems with the 613 Laws List

When searching and reading the 613 Laws List, there are different versions with notes and groupings.  When there is a list with an explanation, the interpretation is sometimes weak or incorrect with comments that make the context to deal only with people of Jewish faith.

A list of some problems:

  1. The interpretations of the 613 Laws from different lists will sometimes have different descriptions of the Laws.
  2. When the laws are grouped in categories, the grouping is not necessarily consistent with context of the scriptural passage it was taken from in the scriptures.
  3. Sometimes there is a law written with changes made to indicate it is about a person of Jewish faith, when the scriptural passage did not indicate that intention.
  4. When the 613 Laws list were created, the identification of chapters and verses in the Old Testament was not universal or in use.  At some point there was chapter and verse references added to the 613 Laws list that are most likely the intended reference verses, which are sometimes very incorrect.

Is There Value in the List? Yes

There is value in reading the 613 Laws list for the Christian as everything in the scriptures is important for guidance, encouragement and hope which all point to our need for a Savior.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

613 Laws Notes by this Author

The following parts of this topic are the 613 Laws in categories.   The source is from several published lists, such as the one found on http://www.hisglory.us.  In case the link is removed, see 613 laws of the Old Testament document link.  Another link has a slightly different numbering of the list, where there tends not to consistency in the numbering with the first list.  In case the link is removed, here is the laws portion in PDF.

Some notes on reading the list:

  1. There are some very minor differences between the Jewish Tanakh and the Christian's Old Testament, which will render some scriptural references given on some 613 lists incorrect.
  2. The laws that are in the Ten Commandments have a green background
  3. The laws that are not required of the Christian, or the punishment is no longer enforceable, are highlighted in gray.
  4. When a law written by Simalai has
    (a) problems in terms of modern-day understanding,
    (b) is changed from the scriptural context for some purpose to apply only to Jewish people,
    (c) when something is left off from the scriptural passage,
    (d) when it is redundant because there is duplicate splitting of one scriptural verse,
    (e) it is very incorrect
    then the "law item written by Simalai" is changed by this author and it will be highlighted in light yellow.
  5. When there is a law written that doesn't match the scriptural verse then the law will be highlighted in red
  6. There are laws created by Simalai that have nothing to do with the scriptural reference.
  7. There is overlapping and redundancy of laws written by Simalai.
  8. There is misinterpretations of the laws written by Simalai.
  9. There are a few incorrect scriptural references by Simalai
  10. There are misinterpretation of the scriptures.  An example is #64 in the list 613 laws of the Old Testament
    #64. That a eunuch shall not marry a daughter of Israel (Deut. 23:2) when Deut 23:2 reads: "No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation."

This author has corrected the problem entries in Simalai 613 Laws list.  The original list has two links above, and it is important not to continue to publish problem entries that refer to scriptural reference that do not match what God intended.  There are additional notes given by this author in the right most column, and where necessary the the law definition given by Simalai might be shorten to fit in the table listing.

Our Relationship with God

All ten laws in this category are relevant for the Christian.

  The Law Scriptural References Additional Notes by author
1 To know that God exists  Ex. 20:2; Deut. 5:6 Israel brought out of Egypt
2 Do not have any have any other gods before me Ex.20:3 2nd Commandment
3 Not to blaspheme God or the Ruler of your people Ex. 22:27-28  and Lev 24:16 Blasphemer of God put to death
4 To hold God's name in highest regard. Lev. 22:32 related to the 3rd Commandment
5 Not to profane Gods Holy Name Lev. 22:32 related to the 3rd Commandment
6 To know that God is One, a complete Unity  Deut. 6:4 God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
7 To love God  Deut. 6:5 Matthew 22:37
8 To fear Him reverently  Deut. 6:13; 10:20  
9 Not to put the word of God to the test  Deut. 6:16  
10 To imitate His good and upright ways Deut. 28:9 related to the 3rd Commandment

The Law

The Laws 11 through 15 are still relevant for the Christian.

  The Law Scriptural References Additional Notes by author
11 To honor the old and the wise Lev. 19:32  
12 To learn Torah and to teach it Deut. 6:7 Teaching your children how to live
13 Fear, serve, hold fast, take oaths in the Lord Deut. 10:20  
14 Not to add to the commandments of the Torah Deut.13:1 Revelation 22:18-19 & Proverbs 30:6
15 Not to take away from the commandments of the Torah Deut.13:1 - doesn't match the law Revelation 22:18-19 & Proverbs 30:6
16 That every person shall write a scroll of the Torah for himself Deut.31:19 Meditate on God's Word. Psalm 49:3

Proverbs 30:6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
Revelation 22:18-19 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

Signs and Symbols

None of these laws in this category are required for the Christian.

  Sign and Symbols Scriptural References Additional Notes by author
17 To circumcise the male offspring Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3 Done on the 8th day
18 To put fringes on the corners of clothing Num. 15:38  - doesn't match Specifics about clothing that is worn
19 To bind God's Word on the head Deut. 6:8  
20 To bind God's Word on the arm Deut. 6:8  
21 Affix mezuzah to the door posts/gates of your house Deut. 6:9  

Prayer and Blessing

The only relevant law is #25 which is not to create images for worship, which is related to the 2nd Commandment in the 10 Commandments.  Many Christians mistakenly violate the 2nd Commandment when making objects and paintings of Jesus Christ that are be revered as Holy.  See the topic Pictures of Jesus for more information.

  Prayer and Blessing Scriptural References Additional Notes
22 To serve the Lord your God with prayer Ex. 23:25; Deut. 6:13  
23 To read the Shema [lit:The Hearing] in the morning & at night Deut. 6:7 Really Deuteronomy 6:4
24 To recite grace after meals Deut. 8:10  
25 Not to lay down a stone for worship Lev. 26:1 related to 2nd Commandment

Love and Brotherhood

This section has many misinterpretations on the scriptural passage.  As stated above, this author has corrected "the Law" because a casual reading of the explanation by a reader might lead to a wrong belief.  The three laws 26, 33 and 34 are not relevant because they are too narrow in scope.

  The Law Scriptural References Additional Notes
26 To love all human beings who are of the covenant Lev. 19:18 - too narrow Christians have new law John 13:34
27 Not to stand by idly when a human life is in danger Lev. 19:16 Really do not slander and protect life
28 Not to wrong any one in speech Lev. 25:17 No bad business deals
29 Not to carry tales Lev. 19:16 Splitting of #27
30 Not to cherish hatred in one's heart Lev. 19:17  
31 Not to take revenge Lev. 19:18  
32 Not to bear a grudge Lev. 19:18  
33 Not to put any Jew to shame Lev. 19:17 - doesn't match the law Christian not to shame anyone
34 Not to curse any other Israelite Lev. 19:14 - doesn't match the law No Evil against physically handicapped
35 Aid the simple-minded so that they do not stumble or sin Lev.19:14 Aid the mentally handicapped
36 To rebuke the sinner Lev. 19:17 Positively help the sinner
37 Relieve a neighbor of burdens and help to unload his beast Ex.23:5 Help neighbor with their possessions
38 To assist in replacing the load upon a neighbor's beast Deut.22:4 Protect neighbor's property
39 Aid a beast that has fallen down underneath a burden Deut. 22:4 Protect neighbor's property
 
John 13:34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

The Poor and Unfortunate

Only 40, 51 & 52 are relevant for the Christian.

  The Law Scriptural References Additional Notes
40 Not to afflict an orphan or a widow  Ex. 22:21.   Really Exodus 22:22  
41 Not to reap the entire field Lev. 19:9; Lev. 23:22  
42 Leave the un-reaped corners of the field for the poor Lev. 19:9  
43 Not to gather gleanings the ears that are on ground Lev. 19:9  
44 To leave the gleanings for the poor Lev. 19:9  
45 Not to gather ol'loth, the imperfect clusters, of the vineyard Lev. 19:10  
46 To leave the imperfect clusters, of the vineyard for the poor Lev. 19:10; Deut. 24:21  
47 Not to gather the single grapes that have fallen to the ground Lev. 19:10  
48 To leave the single grapes of the vineyard for the poor Lev. 19:10  
49 Not to return to take a forgotten sheaf Deut. 24:19-20  
50 To leave the forgotten sheaves for the poor Deut. 24:19-20  
51 Not to refrain from helping a poor man Deut. 15:7  
52 To give charity according to one's means Deut. 15:11  

The Treatment of Gentiles

Laws 56 and 57 are not relevant for the Christian.

  Treatment of the Gentiles Scriptural References Additional Notes
53 To love the stranger Deut. 10:19  
54 Not to wrong the stranger in speech Ex. 22:20  
55 Not to wrong the stranger in buying or selling Ex. 22:20.  
56 Not to intermarry with gentiles Deut. 7:3  
57 To exact the debt of an alien Deut. 15:3 Deals with forgiveness after 7 years
58 To lend to an alien at interest Deut. 23:21.   Really Deut 23:20 Deals with Israel and Others

Marriage, Divorce and Family

Only laws 59, 62 and 63 are relevant.  Laws 69 and 73 are not relevant but marked in red because the scriptural verse interpretation is incorrect.

  Marriage, Divorce and Family Scriptural References Additional Notes
59 To honor father and mother Exodus 20:12 5th Commandment
60 Not to smite a father or a mother or you surely put to death. Exodus 21:15  
61 Not to curse a father or mother or you surely put to death. Exodus 21:17  
62 To respect your father, mother and Sabbaths Leviticus 19:3  
63 To be fruitful and multiply  Gen. 1:28  
64 A bastard prohibited unto 10th generation to enter assembly Deut. 23:2  
65 That a bastard shall not marry the daughter of a Jew Deut.23:3  
66 Ammonite or Moabite shall never marry the daughter of an Israelite  Deut. 23:4  
67 Not to exclude a descendant of Esau up until 3rd generation. Deut. 23:8-9  
68 Not to exclude an Egyptian up until 3rd generation. Deut. 23:8-9  
69 No harlot, no intercourse unless there deed of marriage Deut 23:18 - Doesn't match Pertains to managing prostitution
70 To take a wife by the sacrament of marriage Deut.24:1  
71 Newly married husband free for one year to rejoice wife Deut. 24:5 No military service during 1st year
72 Bridegroom exempt for year from all military service Deut. 24:5 No military service during 1st year
73 Not to withhold food, clothing or conjugal rights from a wife Ex. 21:10 Not in context of Ex 21:7-10
74 Woman suspected of adultery dealt as prescribed in the Torah Num. 5:30  
75 Man who defames his wife's honor, live with her all his lifetime  Deut. 22:19 See Deut 22:13-19
76 Man cannot divorce his wife concerning false virginity report Deut. 22:19 See Deut 22:13-19
77 To divorce by a formal written document  Deut. 24:1 See Deut 24:1-4
78 That one who divorced his wife shall not remarry her Deut. 24:4  
79 Widow be married deceased husband's brother Deut. 25:5  
80 To marry the widow of a brother who has died childless Deut.25:5  
81 Widow released by brother-in-law, if he refuses to marry her Deut. 25:7-9 See Book of Ruth for beautiful story

Forbidden Sexual Relations

Laws 87, 100, 101 and 106 are not relevant for the Christian when a man's wife has died and the man is remarrying.  Law 106 is marked in red because Leviticus 22:24 is not about the law stated.  There is more information following the list of 82 through 106, concerning people in the Old Testament who violated some of these laws before they were written down by Moses in the Torah.

  Forbidden Sexual Relations Scriptural References Additional Notes
82 Not to indulge in any form of sexuality with relatives Lev.18:6  
83 Not to commit incest with one's mother Lev. 18:7  
84 Not to commit sodomy with one's father Lev. 18:7  
85 Not to commit incest with one's father's wife Lev. 18:8  
86 Not to commit incest with one's sister Lev. 18:9  
87 Not to commit incest with one's father's wife's daughter Lev.18:9 Abram married Father's daughter
88 Not to commit incest with one's son's daughter Lev. 18:10  
89 Not to commit incest with one's daughter's daughter Lev.18:10  
90 Not to commit incest with one's daughter  Inferred by all areas of Torah  
91 Not to commit incest with one's father's sister Lev. 18:12  
92 Not to commit incest with one's mother's sister Lev. 18:13  
93 Not to commit incest with one's father's / brother's wife Lev.18:14  
94 Not to commit sodomy with one's father's brother Lev. 18:14  
95 Not to commit incest with one's son's wife Lev. 18:15  
96 Not to commit incest with one's brother's wife Lev. 18:16  
97 Not to commit incest with one's wife's daughter Lev. 18:17  
98 Not to commit incest with the daughter of one's wife's son Lev.18:17  
99 Not to commit incest with the daughter of one's wife's daughter Lev. 18:17  
100 Not to commit incest with one's wife's sister Lev. 18:18 Jacob married sisters Leah and Rachel
101 Not to have intercourse with a woman, in her menstrual period Lev. 18:19  
102 Not to have intercourse with another man's wife Lev. 18:20  
103 Not to commit sodomy with a male Lev. 18:22  
104 Not to have intercourse with a beast Lev. 18:23  
105 That a woman shall not have intercourse with a beast Lev.18:23  
106 Not to castrate man, nor a domestic or wild beast Lev. 22:24 Not what the scripture states.

Moses wrote the Torah and there were laws written that were not fully known by the people living before the lifetime of Moses.  The two marked problem entries in the 163 Laws in the section of "Forbidden Sexual Relations" are not problems when they occurred before the writing of the Torah by Moses.

According to some Biblical Scholars, such as Chuck Missler, the title of Sister could be given to a wife as position of greater honor.  In the times of the Old Testament, it was possible for some cultures to have a man killed so that another man could obtain the killed man's wife.  When the man identifies a woman as his sister, when she was a wife, then this would have the potential of stopping the murder of the man as the murder would not defame the woman's emotions of killing her brother.

It was common in many cultures in the times before Moses, for cultures to have a man be married to several wives, which may include wives that are sisters or wives that are relatives to one another.  The importance of having

was vitally important for survival.  Having multiple children was also seen as a form of providing for caring of parents in the fragile final years of life.  Some historians state that a woman without a husband in life would eventually be subjected to slavery or prostitution to take care of herself, which is why there was laws in the Torah for the protection of widows, the poor and anyone without means to provide for themselves.

In most of the modern-world of today, there is no need for having multiple wives, polygamy, where by the time Moses wrote the Torah, the nation of Israel was large enough to provide brides and care for women.  The New Testament also does not condone polygamy as evidenced in many scriptures such as 1 Timothy 3:12 and Ephesians 5:33.

Genesis 20:11-12 11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. 12 But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
Genesis 17:5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
Genesis 17:15 Then God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
Jacob's wives:
Genesis 29:25
Genesis 29:28
25 So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me? ... 28 Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also.
1 Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Times and Seasons

None of the laws in this category are relevant for the Christian.

  Times and Seasons Scriptural References Additional Notes
107 New month as holy, months/years calc. by Supreme Court Ex. 12:2 Not what verse is about.
108 Not to travel on Sabbath outside the limits of one's residence Ex. 16:29  
109 To sanctify the Sabbath Ex. 20:8  
110 Not to do work on Sabbath Ex. 20:10  
111 To rest on Sabbath Ex. 23:12; 34:21  
112 To celebrate the festivals Ex.23:14  
113 To rejoice on the festivals Deut. 16:14  
114 To appear in the Sanctuary on the festivals Deut. 16:16  
115 To remove leaven on the Eve of Passover Ex. 12:15  
116 To rest on the first day of Passover Ex. 12:16; Lev. 23:7  
117 Not to do work on the first day of Passover Ex. 12:16; Lev.23:6-7  
118 To rest on the seventh day of Passover Ex. 12:16; Lev. 23:8  
119 Not to do work on the seventh day of Passover Ex. 12:16;Lev. 23:8  
120 To eat unleavened bread on the first night of Passover Ex. 12:18  
121 That no leaven be in the Israelite's possession during Passover Ex. 12:19  
122 Not to eat any food containing leaven on Passover Ex.12:20  
123 Not to eat leaven on Passover Ex. 13:3  
124 That leaven shall not be seen in home during Passover Ex. 13:7  
125 Discuss the departure from Egypt on the first night of Passover Ex. 13:8  
126 Not to eat leaven after mid-day on the fourteenth of Nissan  Deut.16:3 Not what verse is about.
127 Count forty-nine days from the time of the cutting of the Omer Lev. 23:15  
128 To rest on Pentecost  Lev. 23:21  
129 Not to do work on the feast of Pentecost Lev. 23:21  
130 To rest on Rosh Hashanah [i.e the feast of Trumpets]  Lev. 23:24   
131 Not to do work on Rosh Hashanah Lev. 23:25  
132 To hear the sound of the Trumpet  Num.29:1  
133 To fast on Yom Kippur i.e the day of Atonement  Lev. 23:27  
134 Not to eat or drink on Yom Kippur  Lev. 23:29  Not what verse is about.
135 Not to do work on Yom Kippur Lev. 23:31  
136 To rest on the Yom Kippur Lev. 23:32  
137 Rest on the first day of the feast of Tabernacles or Booths Lev. 23:35  
138 Not to do work on the first day of the feast of Tabernacles.  Lev.23:35  
139 To rest on the eighth day of the feast of Tabernacles Lev.23:36  
140 Not to do work on the eighth day of the feast of Tabernacles Lev. 23:36  
141 Take during Sukkot a palm branch and the other three plants Lev. 23:40 Not what verse is about.
142 To dwell in booths seven days during Sukkot Lev. 23:42  

The verses of Exodus 12:1-2 are about the celebration of exodus from Egypt's slavery, which is also the gift God gives us through Jesus Christ

Exodus 12:1-2 1 Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year for you.

The mandatory requirements in the "Times and Seasons" were to handle:

  1. The sins of each person,
  2. The sins of the Nation of Israel,
  3. To celebrate the victories of God for Israel, especially the exodus from Egypt,
  4. To point to the need of a Messiah,
  5. To point to the victory that the Messiah would have over sin.

The "Times and Seasons" requirements do not pertain to the Christian as:

  1. Jesus Christ made the payment for the sins of the world.  Nothing else can be done by any of us to pay for our sins.
  2. We have been freed from the power of sin to be able to dominate our lives.  Sin is a choice for the Christian, but the non-Christian has no power of God to overcome the desire.

See the topic on "Are we under the Mosaic Laws?  No" for more information.  Colossians 2:14-16 confirms the requirements for the Christian to maintain Mosaic Holidays, Sabbaths and other Feast days were no longer required.

Colossians 2:14-16 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

Dietary Laws

None of these laws in this category are required for the Christian, but it is been suggested in some medical research not to consume blood unless it is cooked.

  Dietary Laws Scriptural References Additional Notes
143 Examine marks in cattle, to distinguish the clean from unclean. Lev. 11:2 Not what verse is about.
144 Not to eat the flesh of unclean beasts  Lev. 11:4  
145 Examine marks in fishes, to distinguish clean from unclean Lev. 11:9  
146 Not to eat unclean fish  Lev. 11:11  
147 Examine marks in fowl, distinguish clean from unclean Deut. 14:11  
148 Not to eat unclean fowl  Lev. 11:13  
149 Examine marks in locusts, distinguish clean from unclean Lev. 11:21 Not what verse states explicitly
150 Not to eat a worm found in fruit  Lev. 11:41  
151 Not to eat of things that creep upon the earth Lev. 11:41-42  
152 Not to eat any vermin of the earth Lev. 11:44  
153 Not to eat things that swarm in the water Lev. 11:43 and 46  
154 Not to eat of winged insects Deut. 14:19  
155 Not to eat the flesh of a beast that is torn Ex.22:30 - not what verse states Verse is about animal mothers
156 Not to eat the flesh of a beast that died of itself Deut. 14:21  
157 Slay cattle, deer & fowl according to law if flesh to be eaten Deut. 12:21  
158 Not to eat a limb removed from a living beast Deut. 12:23  
159 Not to slaughter an animal and its young on the same day Lev.22:28  
160 Not to take the mother-bird with the young Deut. 22:6  
161 To set the mother-bird free when taking the nest Deut.22:6-7  
162 Not to eat the flesh of ox that was condemned to be stoned Ex. 21:28 - not what verse states Owner not condemned for ox actions
163 Not to boil meat with milk Ex. 23:19  
164 Not to eat flesh with milk Ex. 34:26  
165 Not to eat the of the thigh-vein which shrank Gen. 32:33 Really Gen 32:32
166 Not to eat the fat of the offering Lev. 7:23  
167 Not to eat blood Lev. 7:26 Optional for Christian
168 To cover the blood of undomesticated animals, deer / etc., and of fowl that have been killed Lev. 17:13  
169 Not eat/drink like glutton/drunkard, not rebel against parents Lev. 19:26; Deut. 21:20   not what verses states

Business Practices

Most of these laws are still valid.  Law 171 is the only one not valid, but #180 should be understood not to take the "security deposit" in a modern-day context from a window who cannot pay back something that is owed.  The overall context of the others laws in this group along with #18 is laws in many countries give the option for a borrower to declare bankruptcy or court protection to reorganize debt.   God in the times of the Old Testament was taking care of both the borrower and lender in terms of doing righteously to have God's blessings.

  Business Practices Scriptural References Additional Notes
170 Not to do wrong in buying or selling Lev. 25:14  
171 Not to make a loan to an Israelite on interest Lev. 25:37  
172 Not to borrow on interestas would cause lender to sin Deut. 23:20 - not what verse states  
173 Not to take part in usurious (Author abbreviated) Ex. 22:24  - not what verse states Really about not oppressing 
174 To lend to a poor person  Ex. 22:24 - See Ex. 22:21-24 Really about not oppressing 
175 Not to demand when the creditor knows cannot pay Ex.22:24 Bankruptcy laws, Reorganize debt
176 Not to take in pledge utensils used in preparing food Deut.24:6  - not what verse states  
177 Not to exact a pledge from a debtor by force (D Deut. 24:10 Christian to use legal means
178 Not to keep the pledge from owner at time he needs it Deut. 24:12 Dealing with cloaks
179 To return a pledge to its owner Deut. 24:13 Dealing with cloaks
180 Not to take a pledge from a widow Deut. 24:17  (see Author's explanation above.)
181 Not to commit fraud in measuring Lev. 19:35 No Corrupt business dealings
182 To ensure that scales and weights are correct Lev. 19:36 No Corrupt business dealings 
183 Not to possess inaccurate measures and weights  Deut.25:13-14 No Corrupt business dealings

Employees, Servants and Slaves

Most of the laws in this category are applying to either indentured servant and slavery, with some specifics of Jewish bondsman and slaves.  Slavery is abolished in most of the world, but still exists in African areas and Southeast Asian areas, with another horrible condition of the horrible treatment of women and children almost everywhere in the world.

In the scriptural context, because it was dealing with the nation of Israel, the process of being a slave is not necessarily in the same horrible conditions that existed in other places in the world, such as Rome.  Many people used the process of being an indentured as a viable and acceptable means of paying off debt, knowing they would be treated fairly and with humility because of God's laws on doing correctly. 

When doing more reading on the scriptural passages listed in this category, the reader becomes aware that God set laws that would:

  1. Free an indentured servant when the 7th year was reached.
  2. Free an indentured servant when the 49th year was reached.
  3. Gentile Slaves had many of the same rights as an Israelite indentured servant.
  4. Slaves and Servants could elect to become part of the family they worked for in a permanent role. 
  Employees, Servants and Slaves Scriptural References Additional Notes
184 Not to delay payment of a hired man's wages Lev. 19:13) Pay on date when agreed upon.
185 Hired laborer shall be permitted to eat produce he is reaping Deut. 23:25-26) Not applicable to modern-day
186 That the hired laborer shall not take more than he can eat Deut. 23:25)  
187 Hired laborer shall not eat produce that is not being harvested Deut. 23:26)  
188 To pay wages to the hired man at the due time Deut. 24:15)  
189 Deal judicially with Hebrew slave in accordance to laws Ex. 21:2-6) Slaves are no longer allowed
190 Not to compel the Hebrew servant to do the work of slave Lev.25:39) Slaves are no longer allowed
191 Not to sell a Hebrew servant as a slave Lev. 25:42) Slaves are no longer allowed
192 Not to treat a Hebrew servant rigorously Lev. 25:43  Slaves are no longer allowed
193 Not to permit a gentile to treat harshly a Hebrew bondman Lev. 25:53) Slaves are no longer allowed
194 Not to send away a Hebrew bondman servant empty handed Deut. 15:13) Slaves are no longer allowed
195 Bestow liberal gifts upon the Hebrew bondsman, at the end Deut. 15:14 - Really 15:12-14 Slaves are no longer allowed
196 To redeem a Hebrew maid-servant Ex. 21:8) Slaves are no longer allowed
197 Not to sell a Hebrew maid-servant to another person Ex. 21:8) Slaves are no longer allowed
198 To espouse a Hebrew maid-servant Ex. 21:8-9) Slaves are no longer allowed
199 To keep the Canaanite slave forever Lev. 25:46) Slaves are no longer allowed
200 Not to surrender a slave, who has fled to the land of Israel Deut. 23:16) Slaves are no longer allowed
201 Not to wrong such a slave Deut. 23:17) Slaves are no longer allowed
202 Not to muzzle working beast in produce so it can eat & enjoy Deut. 25:4)  

Excerpt from Historic Racism topic:

Africa Now Has the Highest Modern-Day Enslavement

The appalling disgusting truth is the world does not know that Slavery has not ended.  Africa has the highest number of modern-day slaveries.  According to publications as of 2018, there are an estimated 9 Million Africans in slavery.   More detailed information can be read and downloaded at the Global Slavery Index website.

Vows, Oaths and Swearing

All of the laws in this category are still valid.

  Vows, Oaths and Swearing Scriptural References Additional Notes
203 That a man should fulfill whatever he has uttered  Deut. 23:24 - not what text states Really Deut 23:23
204 Not to swear needlessly Ex. 20:7)  
205 Not to violate an oath or swear falsely  Lev. 19:12)  
206 Decide cases of annulment of vows, by the Torah Num. 30:2-17)  
207 Not to break a vow Num. 30:3 - why verse 3 only Should be Numbers 30:2-3
208 To swear by His name truly  Deut. 10:20)  
209 Not delay fulfilling vows or vowed free-will offerings  Deut. 23:22) Writer added on free-will

Sabbatical and Jubilee Years

None of the laws in this category are relevant for the Christian.

  The Sabbatical and Jubilee Years Scriptural References Additional Notes
210 To let the land lie fallow in the Sabbatical year Ex. 23:11; Lev.25:2 Really Ex. 23:10-11;Lev 25:2-13
211 To cease from tilling the land in the Sabbatical year  Ex. 23:11; Lev.25:2 Really Ex. 23:10-11;Lev 25:2-13
212 Not to till the ground in the Sabbatical year  Lev. 25:4  
213 Not to do any work on the trees in the Sabbatical year Lev.25:4  
214 Not to reap the aftermath that grows in the Sabbatical year Lev. 25:5  
215 Not to gather the fruit of the tree in the Sabbatical year Lev. 25:5  
216 To sound the Ram's horn in the Sabbatical year Lev. 25:9  
217 To release debts in the seventh year Deut. 15:2 Really Deut 15:1-2
218 Not demand return a loan after Sabbatical year has passed  Deut. 15:2 Really Deut 15:1-2
219 Not refrain from making loan to a poor man, because release loans in the Sabbatical year Deut. 15:9  
220 To assemble the people to hear the Torah at the close of the seventh year Deut. 31:12  
221 To count the years of the Jubilee by years and by cycles of seven years  Lev. 25:8  
222 To keep the Jubilee year holy by resting and letting the land lie fallow  Lev. 25:10 Really Lev. 25:10-12
223 Not to cultivate the soil nor do any work on the trees, in the Jubilee Year Lev. 25:11 Really Lev. 25:10-12
224 Not to reap the aftermath of the field that grew of itself in the Jubilee Year, in the same way as in other years (L Lev. 25:11 Really Lev. 25:10-12
225 Not to gather the fruit of the tree in the Jubilee Year, in the same way as in other years (L Lev. 25:11 Really Lev. 25:10-12
226 To grant redemption to the land in the Jubilee year (L Lev. 25:24  

Court and Judicial Procedure

Many of the areas in this category apply when dealing with fairness and righteous actions in court and judicial procedures.  There are several of the laws that the writer of the 613 Laws has created some law:

  The Court and Judicial Procedure Scriptural References Additional Notes
227 To appoint judges and officers in every community Deut.16:18 All places need judges and officers
228 Not to appoint as a judge, a person who is not well versed in the laws of the Torah, even if he is expert in other branches of knowledge Deut.1:17 Not what the verse is stating, but the implication is valid for the Christian.
229 To adjudicate cases of purchase and sale Lev. 25:14 Not what the verse is stating.
230 To judge cases of liability of a paid depositary Ex. 22:9 Pay back double for those guilty
231 To adjudicate cases of loss for which a gratuitous borrower is liable Ex. 22:13-14 Deals with restitution that our current legal system does not always address
232 To adjudicate cases of inheritances Num. 27:8-11  
233 To judge cases of damage caused by an uncovered pit Ex.21:33-34 Responsibility of careless actions
234 To judge cases of injuries caused by beasts Ex. 21:35-36 Responsibility of careless actions
235 To adjudicate cases of damage caused by trespass of cattle Ex.22:4 Pay back double for those guilty
236 To adjudicate cases of damage caused by fire Ex. 22:5 Not what the verse is stating.
237 To adjudicate cases of damage caused by a gratuitous depositary Ex. 22:6-7  
238 To adjudicate other cases between a plaintiff and a defendant Ex.22:8 Determine if there is foul play
239 Not to curse a judge Ex. 22:27 Not what the verse is stating.
240 That one who possesses evidence shall testify in Court Lev.5:1 Penalty for not testifying
241 Not to testify falsely Ex. 20:13 Not what the verse is stating.  It is really Exodus 20:16 the 9th Commandment
242 That a witness, who has testified in a capital case, shall not lay down the law in that particular case Num. 35:30 Not what the verse states.  Death to a murder based on two witnesses.
243 That a transgressor shall not testify Ex. 23:1 Not what the verse states.  Not to spread false information.
244 That the court shall not accept the testimony of a close relative of the defendant in matters of capital punishment Deut. 24:16 Not what the verse states.  Do not execute dad for children and visa-versa.
245 Not to hear one of the parties to a suit in the absence of the other party Ex. 23:1  
246 To examine witnesses thoroughly  Deut. 13:15 Not what the verse is about
247 Not to decide a case on the evidence of a single witness Deut.19:15  
248 To give the decision according to the majority, when there is a difference of opinion among the members of the Sanhedrin as to matters of law Ex. 23:2 Not what the verse is about
249 Not to decide, in capital cases, according to the view of the majority, when those who are for condemnation exceed by one only, those who are for acquittal Ex. 23:2  
250 That, in capital cases, one who had argued for acquittal, shall not later on argue for condemnation Ex. 23:2  
251 To treat parties in a litigation with equal impartiality Lev. 19:15  
252 Not to render iniquitous decisions Lev. 19:15  
253 Not to favor a great man when trying a case Lev. 19:15  
254 Not to take a bribe  Ex. 23:8 A real problem in today's world.
255 Not to be afraid of a bad man, when trying a case Deut. 1:17 Not what the verse is about.  It is about judging impartially.
256 Not to be moved in trying a case, by the poverty of one of the parties Ex. 23:3; Lev. 19:15  
257 Not to pervert the judgment of strangers or orphans Deut.24:17 Not exactly what verse is stating but close.
258 Not to pervert the judgment of a sinner, a person poor in fulfillment of commandments Ex. 23:6  
259 Not to render a decision on one's personal opinion, but only on the evidence of two witnesses, who saw what actually occurred Ex. 23:7  
260 Not to execute one guilty of a capital offense, before he has stood his trial Num. 35:12 A law against lynching
261 To accept the rulings of every Supreme Court in Israel  Deut.17:11  
262 Not to rebel against the orders of the Court  Deut.17:11  

Injuries and Damages

There is really only Law 264 that applies to the Christian.  Deuteronomy 22:8 is about a roof of a house having a rail to stop someone from falling off.  The writer of the 613 laws extended the meaning in Law 264 to apply liability to not creating something that can cause hurt.

The laws 265 and 266 have the reference of Deuteronomy 25:12, which does not match the scripture context.  In fact the context is very different that requires listing for the reader.

Deuteronomy 25:11-12 11 If two men are fighting, and the wife of one steps in to rescue her husband from the one striking him, and she reaches out her hand and grabs his genitals, 12 you are to cut off her hand. You must show her no pity.

  Injuries and Damages Scriptural References Additional Notes
263 To make a parapet for your roof Deut. 22:8  
264 Not to leave something that might cause hurt Deut. 22:8  
265 To save the pursued even at the cost of the life of the pursuer Deut. 25:12 Not what the verse is stating
266 Not to spare a pursuer, but he is to be slain before he reaches the pursued and slays the latter, or uncovers his nakedness Deut. 25:12 Not what the verse is stating

Property and Property Rights

There are a few laws that are actually out of context of the scriptural passage but apply to the Christian.

  Property and Property Rights Scriptural References Additional Notes
267 Not to sell a field in the land of Israel in perpetuity Lev. 25:23  
268 Not to change the character of the open land, about the cities of the Levites or of their fields; not to sell it in perpetuity, but it may be redeemed at any time Lev. 25:34  
269 That houses sold within a walled city may be redeemed within a year Lev. 25:29  
270 Not to remove landmarks, property boundaries. Deut. 19:14  
271 Not to swear falsely in denial of another's property rights Lev.19:11 Not really the context
272 Not to deny falsely another's property rights Lev. 19:11 Not really the context
273 Never to settle in the land of Egypt Deut. 17:16  
274 Not to steal personal property Lev. 19:11 Not really the context
275 To restore that which one took by robbery Lev. 5:23 There is not a Lev 5:23
276 To return lost property Deut. 22:1  
277 Not to pretend not to have seen lost property, to avoid the obligation to return it Deut. 22:3  

Criminal Laws

There are only three Laws that can apply to the Christian in this group.  Note that Laws 282 and 283, as written by the writer of the 613 laws, is not correct.  The two scriptural references of the Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 are about not committing adultery, which no one and especially a Christian is to do.

  Criminal Laws Scriptural References Additional Notes
278 Not to slay an innocent person Ex. 20:13 The Sixth Commandment
279 Not to kidnap any person of Israel Ex. 20:13 Not what the verse states
280 Not to rob by violence Lev. 19:13  
281 Not to defraud Lev. 19:13  
282 Not to covet what belongs to another Ex. 20:14 Not what the verse states
The Seventh Commandment
283 Not to crave something that belongs to another Deut. 5:18 Not what the verse states
The Seventh Commandment
284 Not to indulge in evil thoughts and sights Num. 15:39 Not what the verse is stating

Punishment and Restitution

Most of these Laws in this category are not required of the Christian, albeit some that are not required would be good if they could be used today such as requiring the punishment always to be equal to the crime with financial restitution when possible.  It is unexplainable for someone who commits murder to not forfeit their life since they took the life of another, where in many cases after as little as a few years be released from prison.

  Punishment and Restitution Scriptural References Additional Notes
285 That the Court shall pass sentence of death by decapitation with the sword Ex. 21:20; Lev. 26:25 Not what the verses are stating
286 That the Court shall pass sentence of death by strangulation Lev.20:10 Not what the verse is stating
287 Court shall pass sentence of death by burning with fire Lev.20:14  
288 That the Court shall pass sentence of death by stoning Deut.22:24 It is regarding Adultery
289 To hang the dead body of one who has incurred that penalty Deut. 21:22  
290 That the dead body of an executed criminal shall not remain hanging on the tree overnight Deut. 21:23 This is Messianic
291 To inter the executed on the day of execution Deut. 21:23  
292 Not to accept ransom from a murderer Num. 35:31  
293 To exile one who committed accidental homicide Num. 35:25 Do not shield a murderer from justice
294 To establish six cities of refuge for those who committed accidental homicide.  Deut. 19:3  
295 Not to accept ransom from an accidental homicide, so as to relieve him from exile Num. 35:32  
296 To decapitate the heifer in the manner prescribed, in expiation of a murder on the road, the perpetrator of which remained undiscovered Deut. 21:4 Really Deut 21:1-9
297 Not to plow nor sow the rough valley in which a heifer's neck was broken Deut. 21:4 This is going way past what the verse is prescribing
298 To adjudge a thief to pay compensation or, in certain cases, suffer death Ex. 21:16; Ex. 21:37; Ex. 22:1 No Exodus 21:37.  
299 That he who inflicts a bodily injury shall pay monetary compensation Ex. 21:18-19  
300 To impose a penalty of fifty shekels upon the seducer of an unbetrothed virgin and enforce the other rules in connection with the case Ex. 22:15-16 Not what the verses are stating
301 That the violator (of an unbetrothed virgin) shall marry her Deut.22:28-29  
302 That one who has raped a damsel and has then in accordance with the law married her, may not divorce her Deut. 22:29  
303 Not to inflict punishment on the sabbath, because some punishments were inflicted by fire Ex. 35:3 Not what the verse is stating
304 To punish the wicked by the infliction of stripes Deut. 25:2  
305 Not to exceed the statutory number of stripes laid on one who has incurred that punishment, and by implication, not to strike anyone Deut. 25:3  
306 Not to spare the offender, in imposing the prescribed penalties on one who has caused damage Deut. 19:13  
307 To do unto false witnesses as they had purposed to do to the accused Deut. 19:19 It would be good if this were in use today as a great deterrent.
308 Not to punish anyone who has committed an offense under duress Deut. 22:26  

Prophecy

  Prophecy Scriptural References Additional Notes
309 To heed the call of every prophet in each generation, provided that he neither adds to, nor takes away from the Torah Deut.18:15 We do not have Prophets anymore
310 Not to prophesy falsely Deut. 18:20  
311 Not to refrain from putting a false prophet to death nor to be in fear of him Deut. 18:22  

Idolatry, Idolaters & Idolatrous Practices

 

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

 

Clothing

 

The Firstborn

 

High Priest, Priests and Levites

 

Tithes, Taxes and T'rumah

 

The Tample, the Sanctuary and Sacred Objects

 

Sacrifices and Offerings

 

Ritual Purity and Impurity

 

Lepers and Leprosy

 

The King

 

Nazarites

 

Wars

 

 

What to read next?

Marriage and the needs of the man and woman.  Going through a tough time in your relationship, read Divorce & Relational breakups.