Leviticus 19:23

KJV

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when ye shall come {H935} into the land {H776}, and shall have planted {H5193} all manner of trees {H6086} for food {H3978}, then ye shall count {H6188} the fruit {H6529} thereof as uncircumcised {H6188}{H6190}: three {H7969} years {H8141} shall it be as uncircumcised {H6189} unto you: it shall not be eaten {H398} of.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'When you enter the land and plant various kinds of fruit trees, you are to regard its fruit as forbidden - for three years it will be forbidden to you and not eaten.

Berean Standard Bible

When you enter the land and plant any kind of tree for food, you shall regard the fruit as forbidden. For three years it will be forbidden to you and must not be eaten.

American Standard Version

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as their uncircumcision: three years shall they be as uncircumcised unto you; it shall not be eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:23 establishes a foundational agricultural statute for the Israelites upon their entry into the Promised Land, decreeing that the fruit from newly planted trees must be considered "uncircumcised" and thus inedible for the first three years. This ordinance, an integral part of the broader Holiness Code, served to deeply embed principles of divine ownership, patient stewardship, and the sanctification of firstfruits, thereby compelling Israel to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty over the land and its abundant produce before partaking of its bounty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of the "Holiness Code," spanning [Leviticus 17-26](/leviticus/17 "Leviticus 17-26 - The Holiness Code"), a comprehensive legal and ethical framework designed to distinguish Israel as a holy nation consecrated to Yahweh. Specifically, [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - Diverse Laws and Exhortations") is a rich mosaic of instructions covering a wide spectrum of social, ethical, and ritual obligations, often encapsulated by the overarching command, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" found in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy"). Directly preceding this agricultural law are various injunctions concerning respect for parents, Sabbath observance, and prohibitions against idolatry and theft. The progression of the law continues in [Leviticus 19:24-25](/leviticus/19-24-25 "Leviticus 19:24-25 - The Fourth and Fifth Year Fruit"), which mandates that the fruit of the fourth year be consecrated as a praise offering to the Lord, with consumption permitted only from the fifth year onward. This structured approach to land use emphasizes a deliberate integration of worship, patience, and divine recognition into the very rhythm of daily life and agricultural practice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in [Leviticus 19:23](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23 - Uncircumcised Fruit") was issued to the Israelites as they stood poised to enter and settle the fertile land of Canaan, a territory unequivocally promised to them by God as recorded in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abram"). In the ancient Near East, agricultural practices and land ownership were profoundly interwoven with religious beliefs and rituals. Unlike the surrounding pagan cultures, who often immediately exploited the land for their own gain, Israel was called to recognize Yahweh as the ultimate owner and provider, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God"). The potent metaphor of "uncircumcised" fruit, drawing upon the familiar and central practice of male circumcision, conveyed a profound sense of impurity, unfitness for sacred use, or being set apart from common consumption until a period of consecration had passed. Beyond its spiritual significance, this waiting period also offered practical benefits, allowing young fruit trees to establish deeper, more robust root systems and to produce healthier, more abundant yields in subsequent years, thereby reflecting a wise, sustainable, and provident approach to stewardship that honored both the Creator and His creation.
* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 19:23](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23 - Uncircumcised Fruit") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Holiness Code and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the land and its produce belong to God, and Israel's access to its bounty is a privilege, not an inherent right. This underpins the call to **Holiness and Consecration**, where even agricultural practices become a means of setting Israel apart as a people dedicated to Yahweh. The three-year waiting period instills **Patience and Trust in God's Timing**, challenging the human impulse for immediate gratification and fostering a reliance on divine provision. Furthermore, it highlights **Responsible Stewardship**, promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the land and its inhabitants in the long term. Finally, the subsequent command for the fourth year's fruit to be offered to the Lord introduces the theme of **Firstfruits and Gratitude**, teaching Israel to honor God with the initial and best of their produce, acknowledging His blessing before personal consumption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻorlâh'_ H6190 & _ʻârêl'_ H6189):** The KJV text uses "uncircumcised" twice. The first instance, "count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised," involves the verb `H6188` (to count as uncircumcised) and the noun `H6190` (_ʻorlâh'_), which literally refers to the "foreskin" or "uncircumcision." The second instance, "three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you," uses the adjective `H6189` (_ʻârêl'_), meaning "uncircumcised" or "exposed." When applied to fruit, this word carries a profound metaphorical meaning, signifying something that is "unclean," "unfit," "forbidden," or "unconsecrated" for consumption. Just as an uncircumcised person was considered outside the covenant community in certain respects, so too was this fruit deemed unfit for use, especially for holy purposes, during the initial period. It emphasizes a state of being "unfit for use" or "unconsecrated" in the eyes of God, highlighting the necessity for a period of sanctification before partaking.
* **Planted (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ'_ H5193):** This primitive root verb signifies the act of setting a plant or tree into the ground for growth, properly meaning "to strike in, i.e. fix." Its inclusion in the verse underscores the human effort involved in cultivating the land and establishing an agrarian society. However, this act of human labor is immediately followed by a divine restriction, serving as a powerful reminder to the Israelites that even their diligent work and its resulting fruits are ultimately subject to God's supreme authority, timing, and specific commands. It establishes the immediate context for the divine injunction that follows, setting the stage for the interplay between human endeavor and divine sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food":** This opening clause establishes the specific context and premise for the law: Israel's imminent entry into the Promised Land, Canaan, and their subsequent transition into a settled, agrarian society. The phrase "all manner of trees for food" indicates a comprehensive application of the statute, encompassing every type of fruit-bearing tree that they would cultivate for sustenance.
* **"then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised":** This is the core command of the verse. The verb "count" (Hebrew, _ḥāšab_) implies a deliberate reckoning, assessment, or assignment of status. The fruit is not inherently "unclean" in a ritual sense, but it is to be *regarded* or *treated* as such, metaphorically "uncircumcised," and therefore set apart from common use. This act of "counting" or deeming emphasizes a conscious adherence to the divine injunction.
* **"three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.":** This final clause specifies both the precise duration of the prohibition and its strict consequence. For three full years, the fruit from newly planted trees is absolutely forbidden for consumption. The repetition of the term "uncircumcised" and the unequivocal prohibition "it shall not be eaten of" underscore the seriousness and importance of this divine injunction, emphasizing a mandated period of waiting, dedication, and consecration before the fruit becomes permissible for human consumption.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:23 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological and practical message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the application of "uncircumcised" (Hebrew, _ʻorlâh_ and _ʻârêl_) to fruit. This vivid metaphor draws a striking parallel between the uncircumcised human, who is outside the covenant's full benefits or considered common, and the fruit that is temporarily unfit for consumption. It transforms a physical state into a symbolic one, signifying impurity, commonness, or being set apart from sacred use. This powerful metaphor is reinforced by **Repetition**, as the phrase "three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you" reiterates the status and duration, emphasizing the strictness and non-negotiable nature of the command. Furthermore, the verse exemplifies **Didacticism**, as it is clearly designed not merely as an agricultural regulation but as a profound teaching tool for the Israelites, instilling crucial spiritual lessons about divine ownership, the virtue of patience, and the sanctification of their produce.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:23 transcends a mere agricultural statute, serving as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, humanity's role as stewards, and the principle of delayed gratification leading to sanctified abundance. It meticulously teaches Israel that the land and its produce ultimately belong to God, and their access to its bounty is a sacred privilege granted by Him. By mandating a three-year waiting period, the law cultivated a deep sense of patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing, actively curbing impulsive consumption and fostering a mindset of consecration. This practice instilled a profound respect for the land's sustainability and the crucial recognition that the "firstfruits" of their labor were to be honored and offered to God, rather than immediately consumed for personal gain. It establishes a divine pattern of setting apart the initial yield, not because it is inherently flawed, but because it is being dedicated to a higher purpose, anticipating a greater blessing that flows from obedience and reverence.

* [Leviticus 23:10](/leviticus/23-10 "Leviticus 23:10 - The Offering of Firstfruits")
* [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1-11 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient agricultural law of Leviticus 19:23 resonates with timeless spiritual truths that hold profound relevance for believers today. It directly challenges our contemporary impulse for instant gratification and immediate returns, calling us to cultivate a spirit of profound patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and unfolding plan. Just as the Israelites were required to wait for the newly planted trees to mature and for their fruit to be consecrated, we too are called to allow God's transformative work in our lives to develop organically, understanding that true spiritual maturity, lasting character formation, and genuine fruitfulness often necessitate periods of hidden growth, patient endurance, and waiting upon the Lord. This passage serves as a potent reminder that all we possess—our talents, our financial resources, our precious time, and indeed, our very lives—are ultimately sacred gifts entrusted to us by God, making us humble stewards rather than absolute owners. It powerfully encourages us to dedicate the "firstfruits," the very best, of all we have to Him, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and trusting implicitly that He will bless, multiply, and bring to fruition our efforts in His perfect season. This deliberate act of deferring immediate gratification and offering our prime resources to God transforms our labor and our lives into a profound act of worship, cultivating a mindset of deep dependence, profound gratitude, and joyful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to seek immediate gratification rather than patiently waiting for God's sovereign timing and transformative process?**
* **How does the biblical principle of "firstfruits" apply practically to my finances, my time, my talents, and my relationships? Am I truly dedicating the best of what I have to God?**
* **What does it mean to "count" or regard certain aspects of my life as "uncircumcised" or set apart for a period of sanctification and maturation before they are fully "eaten" or utilized for my own purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command the Israelites to wait three years before eating the fruit of newly planted trees?**

Answer: God commanded this three-year waiting period for a rich tapestry of interconnected reasons, encompassing both profound spiritual lessons and practical wisdom. Practically, it allowed young fruit trees to establish deep, strong root systems, mature properly, and consequently produce healthier, more abundant, and higher-quality fruit in subsequent years, demonstrating a wise and sustainable approach to long-term agriculture. Spiritually, this command served to instill fundamental principles of divine ownership and patient trust. By forbidding immediate consumption, God powerfully taught the Israelites that the land and its produce ultimately belonged to Him ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")) and that they were merely stewards, not absolute owners. It cultivated a spirit of delayed gratification, fostering a deep reliance on God's long-term provision rather than immediate, self-serving consumption. Furthermore, this unique practice distinguished Israel's agricultural and spiritual disciplines from those of surrounding pagan nations, emphasizing the sanctification of their harvest and the dedication of "firstfruits" to the Lord, as vividly illustrated by the subsequent command for the fourth year's fruit to be considered holy and offered to the Lord ([Leviticus 19:24](/leviticus/19-24 "Leviticus 19:24 - The Fourth Year's Fruit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:23, with its profound emphasis on delayed gratification, divine ownership, and the consecration of firstfruits, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual deepening in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the literal agricultural law was specific to ancient Israel, its underlying principles powerfully foreshadow the greater spiritual reality of God's redemptive plan. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "firstfruits" of the new creation, the first to rise triumphantly from the dead, thereby guaranteeing the resurrection of all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")). His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection represent the supreme act of consecration, where the perfect sacrifice was offered, not for a mere three years, but for all eternity, making us holy and eternally acceptable to God. Through Christ, believers are called to yield the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), which, much like the mature fruit of the fifth year, is the beautiful result of patient cultivation and divine grace, rather than immediate human striving. We are no longer under the shadow of the Old Covenant law but live in the glorious reality of Christ's finished work, where our lives, consecrated by His perfect sacrifice, become a living offering, bearing fruit that is truly holy and eternally pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The waiting period mandated by the law thus prophetically foreshadowed the spiritual maturity, patient endurance, and faithful discipleship required of those who follow Christ, knowing that our ultimate harvest and eternal reward are securely found in Him, who is the true vine from whom all genuine spiritual fruit flows ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")).

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

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Leviticus 22:27

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

Jeremiah 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

Jeremiah 6:10

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Leviticus 14:34

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

Leviticus 12:3

And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.