Numbers 15:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.

Complete Jewish Bible:

From your first dough you will give ADONAI a portion as a gift through all your generations.

Berean Standard Bible:

Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your dough.

American Standard Version:

Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto Jehovah a heave-offering throughout your generations.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Of the first^{H7225} of your dough^{H6182} ye shall give^{H5414} unto the LORD^{H3068} an heave offering^{H8641} in your generations^{H1755}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 15:21

Numbers 15:21 is part of a larger section in the book of Numbers that deals with offerings and sacrifices to God. The verse specifically addresses the Israelites, instructing them to give an offering, called a "heave offering" (terumah in Hebrew), from the first portion of their dough. This was a type of grain offering, and the act of giving the first of their produce to God symbolized their recognition of His provision and their dependence on Him for their sustenance.

The historical context of this verse is the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land. During this period, God was establishing the religious and social laws that would define the Israelite community. The theme of the verse is the sanctification of the firstfruits to God, which is a recurring concept in the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including the harvest and daily bread.

The heave offering was a voluntary contribution above and beyond the mandatory offerings prescribed in the Law of Moses. It was a way for the Israelites to express gratitude and to ensure that the priests, who had no inheritance of land, were also provided for. By dedicating the first of their dough to the Lord, the people were reminded that their material prosperity was a blessing from God and that they were to honor Him with their abundance. This practice also served to reinforce the holiness of the people and their offerings, as they were set apart for God's service.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7225
   There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֵאשִׁית
   Transliteration: rêʼshîyth
   Pronunciation: ray-sheeth'
   Description: from the same as רֹאשׁ; the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit); beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6182
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֲרִיסָה
   Transliteration: ʻărîyçâh
   Pronunciation: ar-ee-saw'
   Description: from an unused root meaning to comminute; meal; dough.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8641
   There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תְּרוּמָה
   Transliteration: tᵉrûwmâh
   Pronunciation: ter-oo-maw'
   Description: or תְּרֻמָה; (Deuteronomy 12:11), from רוּם; a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute; gift, heave offering (shoulder), oblation, offered(-ing).
   
6. Strong's Number: H1755
   There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דּוֹר
   Transliteration: dôwr
   Pronunciation: dore
   Description: or (shortened) דֹּר; from דּוּר; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling; age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity.