Deuteronomy 16:9

KJV

Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from [such time as] thou beginnest [to put] the sickle to the corn.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seven {H7651} weeks {H7620} shalt thou number {H5608} unto thee: begin {H2490} to number {H5608} the seven {H7651} weeks {H7620} from such time as thou beginnest {H2490} to put the sickle {H2770} to the corn {H7054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to count seven weeks; you are to begin counting seven weeks from the time you first put your sickle to the standing grain.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to count off seven weeks from the time you first put the sickle to the standing grain.

American Standard Version

Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: from the time thou beginnest to put the sickle to the standing grain shalt thou begin to number seven weeks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:9 provides the foundational instruction for calculating the timing of the Feast of Weeks, known as Shavuot in Hebrew and later as Pentecost in Greek. This verse mandates a precise counting of seven full weeks, or forty-nine days, beginning from the moment the first sickle is put to the standing grain, specifically the barley harvest. This agricultural marker establishes the commencement of a divinely ordained period of anticipation and thanksgiving, culminating in a major pilgrimage festival that celebrated God's provision and, by tradition, commemorated the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16 is dedicated to outlining the observance of Israel's three major annual pilgrimage festivals, which required all male Israelites to appear before the Lord at the central sanctuary. The chapter begins with detailed instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1 "Deuteronomy 16:1-8 - Passover and Unleavened Bread")), emphasizing remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. Immediately following this, verses 9-12 focus on the Feast of Weeks. This placement highlights a theological progression from liberation (Passover) to provision and covenant (Weeks), before moving to the Feast of Booths ([Deuteronomy 16:13-17](/deuteronomy/16-13 "Deuteronomy 16:13-17 - Feast of Booths")), which celebrated God's dwelling among His people and the final ingathering of the harvest. The instructions for each feast include specific timing, offerings, and an emphasis on rejoicing and inclusivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, and its calendar and religious life were deeply intertwined with the agricultural cycles of the land. The "corn" mentioned in this verse refers specifically to barley, which was the first grain to ripen and be harvested in the spring, typically in April. This initial harvest was followed by the wheat harvest several weeks later. The command to begin counting from "such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn" provided a clear, observable, and universally understood agricultural marker for the entire nation. The pilgrimage feasts were not merely religious rituals but vital communal gatherings that reinforced national identity, celebrated God's faithfulness in providing sustenance, and served as a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, often involving travel to a central sanctuary like Jerusalem once it was established.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 16:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, reminding Israel that their sustenance comes directly from God's hand, not merely their own labor. The precise timing and counting emphasize **Obedience and Order**, demonstrating that Israel's worship and daily life were to be lived in structured submission to God's commands. The integration of agricultural activity with religious observance highlights the **Holistic Nature of Faith**, where there is no sacred-secular divide; all aspects of life are to be lived before God. Furthermore, the anticipation built by the "seven weeks" of counting reinforces the theme of **Anticipation and Preparation**, leading to a joyful celebration of **Thanksgiving and Gratitude** for God's bounty, echoing the broader call to remember God's faithfulness found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seven weeks (שָׁבֻעֹת, _shavu'ot'_):** This term literally means "sevens" or "weeks," signifying a period of seven complete weeks, totaling forty-nine days. This period directly leads to the fiftieth day, which is why the Greek name for the festival, "Pentecost," meaning "fiftieth," became common. The emphasis on "seven" reflects a pattern of completion and divine order found throughout biblical numerology.
* **Number unto thee (תִּסְפָּר־לָךְ, _tispār-lāḵ'_):** The verb "number" (סָפַר, _sāpar_) implies a precise, deliberate counting. The reflexive pronoun "unto thee" or "for yourself" emphasizes the personal responsibility and active participation of each Israelite in this act of counting. It was not a passive observation but an engaged, mindful progression through time, connecting their daily lives to the sacred calendar.
* **Sickle to the corn (חֶרְמֵשׁ בַּקָּמָה, _ḥermēš baqqāmâ'_):** "Sickle" (חֶרְמֵשׁ, _ḥermēš_) is the agricultural tool used for harvesting grain, and "corn" (קָמָה, _qāmâ_) refers to standing grain, specifically barley in this context, as it was the first grain harvested in the spring. This phrase provides the precise, unambiguous starting point for the count, tying the religious calendar directly to the observable rhythm of the agricultural year. It signifies the commencement of the harvest season.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee:"** This initial clause issues a direct command for a specific period of counting. The "seven weeks" (49 days) establishes the duration leading up to the Feast of Weeks. The phrase "shalt thou number unto thee" highlights the personal and communal responsibility of the Israelites to diligently observe this count, making it an active, conscious act of anticipation and preparation for the festival. It underscores the importance of marking time in accordance with God's divine calendar.
* **"begin to number the seven weeks from [such time as] thou beginnest [to put] the sickle to the corn."** This second clause provides the precise trigger for initiating the count. The starting point is not an arbitrary date but a specific agricultural event: the very first moment the sickle is used to cut the standing barley grain. This anchors the religious festival firmly within the rhythms of daily life and God's provision in the land, ensuring that the celebration of the harvest's completion was directly linked to its commencement. It prevented ambiguity and ensured national uniformity in observance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:9 employs several literary devices to convey its instruction. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "the sickle to the corn" stands in for the entire act of beginning the barley harvest. This specific action serves as a precise, observable proxy for a larger agricultural event, making the instruction clear and actionable. The verse also exhibits a **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of Deuteronomy, which functions as Moses' final sermon to Israel. The direct command "shalt thou number" emphasizes instruction and obedience. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** embedded in the counting itself; the progression of seven weeks symbolizes the journey from the initial liberation (Passover) and the firstfruits of the barley harvest to the full provision of the wheat harvest and, traditionally, the giving of the Law at Sinai. This counting transforms a mere passage of time into a period of spiritual anticipation and growth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:9 intricately weaves together themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the sacredness of time. The command to count the weeks demonstrates God's desire for His people to be mindful and deliberate in their worship, connecting their daily agricultural labor with their spiritual devotion. This integration underscores that all of life, including the mundane tasks of farming, is to be lived in recognition of God's sustaining hand. The counting period also served as a time of anticipation, building towards a joyful celebration of God's faithfulness in providing the harvest, thereby reinforcing the covenant relationship. It teaches that true gratitude involves both active participation and patient waiting for God's appointed time.

* [Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - Instructions for Counting the Omer")
* [Exodus 34:22](/exodus/34-22 "Exodus 34:22 - Feast of Weeks and Firstfruits")
* [Numbers 28:26](/numbers/28-26 "Numbers 28:26 - Offerings for the Feast of Weeks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:9 invites us to consider how we integrate our daily work and rhythms with our spiritual lives. Just as the Israelites were called to observe the precise timing of the harvest to determine their worship, we too are encouraged to recognize God's hand in every aspect of our existence, from our labor to our rest. The act of "numbering unto thee" speaks to the importance of intentionality and mindfulness in our walk with God. It's not enough to simply experience God's blessings; we are called to actively acknowledge them, to count them, and to respond with gratitude and celebration. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of patient anticipation, trusting God's timing and provision, knowing that every good gift comes from above. It reminds us that our faith should permeate our entire lives, transforming even the most ordinary activities into acts of worship and remembrance of God's unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the integration of agricultural work and religious observance in this verse challenge our modern tendency to separate the "sacred" from the "secular" in our lives?**
* **What does the command to "number unto thee" suggest about our personal responsibility in recognizing and responding to God's blessings and timing?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to more intentionally "put the sickle to the corn" – that is, begin a new season of obedience or spiritual discipline – in anticipation of God's provision?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and anticipation for God's ongoing faithfulness in our lives, mirroring the Israelites' counting of the weeks?**

### FAQ
**What does "corn" refer to in this verse, and why is its timing significant?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "corn" is an archaic term for grain in general. In the context of Deuteronomy 16:9, it specifically refers to barley, which was the first grain to ripen and be harvested in ancient Israel, typically in the early spring (April). Its timing is significant because it marks the precise agricultural starting point for counting the seven weeks leading up to the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot/Pentecost). This ensured a consistent and observable national calendar for the festival, directly linking the religious celebration to God's provision in the land's agricultural cycle.

**Why is it exactly "seven weeks" (49 days) that must be numbered?**

Answer: The command to number "seven weeks" (שָׁבֻעֹת, _shavu'ot_) results in a period of 49 days. The festival itself is celebrated on the 50th day, which is why it later became known as Pentecost (from the Greek word for "fiftieth"). This specific duration connects the Feast of Weeks to the Passover, as the counting begins during the Passover season. It also reflects the biblical emphasis on the number seven as representing completion and divine perfection, leading to a climactic celebration on the day after seven full "sevens." This period is also known as the "Counting of the Omer," referring to the barley sheaf offered on the second day of Unleavened Bread, from which the count begins ([Leviticus 23:15](/leviticus/23-15 "Leviticus 23:15 - Counting the Omer")).

**What is the spiritual significance of counting the days or weeks for a festival?**

Answer: The act of counting days or weeks for a festival, as commanded in Deuteronomy 16:9, carries significant spiritual weight. It fosters a sense of anticipation and preparation, building excitement and focus towards the upcoming celebration. It also instills discipline and mindfulness, reminding the people daily of God's faithfulness and the progression of His redemptive plan. This intentional marking of time transforms a simple passage of days into a sacred journey, deeply integrating their agricultural lives with their spiritual devotion and reminding them that God is sovereign over all time and seasons.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:9, with its instruction to count seven weeks from the first harvest, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the event of Pentecost. The Feast of Weeks, rooted in the agricultural firstfruits, foreshadowed the ultimate spiritual harvest ushered in by Christ. Just as the Israelites counted 49 days from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest, the early church experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit exactly fifty days after Christ's resurrection, on the day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). This spiritual harvest saw thousands converted, becoming the "firstfruits" of the church, empowered by the Spirit to proclaim the gospel ([Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Three Thousand Converted")). Moreover, while the Old Covenant Feast of Weeks was traditionally associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, the New Testament Pentecost marks the giving of the Spirit, who writes God's law not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Jesus himself is the ultimate "firstfruits" from the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), and the Spirit, given at Pentecost, is the "firstfruits" of our inheritance, guaranteeing our future redemption ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the ancient agricultural count culminates in the glorious spiritual reality of Christ's finished work and the indwelling of His Spirit, empowering His people for an ongoing harvest of souls.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:22

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Acts 2:1

¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

1 Corinthians 16:8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

Leviticus 23:15

¶ And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:

Leviticus 23:16

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 16:10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: