Leviticus 2:12

KJV

As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for the oblation {H7133} of the firstfruits {H7225}, ye shall offer {H7126} them unto the LORD {H3068}: but they shall not be burnt {H5927} on the altar {H4196} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As an offering of firstfruits you may bring these to ADONAI, but they are not to be brought up onto the altar to make a fragrant aroma.

Berean Standard Bible

You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma.

American Standard Version

As an oblation of first-fruits ye shall offer them unto Jehovah: but they shall not come up for a sweet savor on the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:12 provides precise divine instructions concerning the handling of firstfruits within the broader category of grain offerings. This verse specifically prohibits the burning of firstfruits upon the altar as a "sweet savour," thereby distinguishing them from other sacrifices that were entirely consumed by fire. This unique directive underscores the distinct ceremonial purpose of firstfruits, which were primarily presented to the Lord as an acknowledgment of His bountiful provision and then designated for the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood, rather than serving as an offering for atonement or complete fiery dedication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 2 meticulously outlines the regulations for the *minchah*, or grain offering, a voluntary sacrifice typically consisting of fine flour, unleavened bread, or roasted grain. Unlike the burnt offering ([the `olah`](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")), which was entirely consumed by fire and served an atoning purpose, the grain offering primarily expressed devotion, thanksgiving, and a desire for fellowship with God, often complementing other blood sacrifices. Immediately preceding [Leviticus 2:12](/leviticus/2-12 "Leviticus 2:12 - The Firstfruits Offering Prohibition"), [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven and Honey") issues a strict prohibition against including leaven or honey in any grain offering presented by fire on the altar, stating that they are "an offering made by fire unto the LORD." This preceding verse is crucial for understanding the specific prohibition in [Leviticus 2:12](/leviticus/2-12 "Leviticus 2:12 - Firstfruits Not Burnt on Altar"), as firstfruits, in their natural state, could contain elements (like natural sugars in fruits or grains that could ferment) that would violate the general rule for offerings consumed by fire. Thus, the verse clarifies the unique treatment of firstfruits within the broader *minchah* regulations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the annual harvest was intrinsically linked to survival and prosperity. The concept of "firstfruits" (*bikurim* or *re'shith*) was deeply embedded in their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It referred to the earliest and finest produce of the harvest—whether from grains, fruits, or other agricultural yields—which was to be dedicated to the LORD. This practice served as a profound acknowledgment of God's sovereign ownership of the land and His unwavering faithfulness in providing sustenance. The act of offering the firstfruits was a vital expression of faith, gratitude, and dependence, demonstrating the Israelites' trust that God would bring the full harvest to completion. Unlike many other offerings, firstfruits were not typically burnt on the altar but were presented to the Lord and subsequently allocated for the sustenance of the priests, as detailed in passages such as [Numbers 18:12-13](/numbers/18-12-13 "Numbers 18:12-13 - Priestly Portion of Firstfruits") and elaborated upon in [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - The Ceremony of Firstfruits"). This practice was fundamental to the tribal support system for the Levitical priesthood, who possessed no land inheritance of their own.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 2:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing the meticulous standards God requires for worship and the distinct categories of offerings. The prohibition against burning firstfruits highlights that not all holy offerings were treated identically, underscoring the precise nature of ritual purity. It also reinforces the theme of **Divine Provision and Human Dependence**, as the firstfruits offering itself is a tangible expression of gratitude for God's blessing and a recognition that all sustenance comes from Him. This practice fosters a spirit of **Gratitude and Trust**, as the Israelites offered the initial portion of their harvest before the full yield was secured, demonstrating their faith in God's continued faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **Support for the Priesthood**, as the firstfruits, though presented to the Lord, were ultimately designated for the priests, ensuring their livelihood and enabling their dedicated service in the tabernacle, a principle reinforced in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties and Portions of Priests and Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oblation (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** (H7133) Derived from a root meaning "to approach" or "bring near," *qorbân* refers to "something brought near the altar," specifically a sacrificial present or offering. While the KJV uses "oblation," the term *qorbân* is a general designation for any offering brought to God, emphasizing the act of drawing near to Him through a gift. In this context, it specifies the *type* of offering being discussed—a gift of firstfruits.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** (H7225) This term denotes "the first, in place, time, order or rank," and specifically refers to "a firstfruit." It signifies the initial and best portion of the harvest, consecrated to God before the main harvest was gathered. The offering of *rêʼshîyth* was a tangible expression of the Israelites' covenant loyalty, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of all blessing and provision.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _rêyach nîychôwach'_):** (H7381 and H5207) This compound phrase literally translates to "odor of rest" or "pleasing aroma." *Rêyach* means "odor" or "savour," while *nîychôwach* means "restful" or "pleasant," abstractly signifying "delight." It is a technical term frequently used in Leviticus to describe the aroma of offerings that were fully consumed by fire on the altar, signifying God's acceptance, pleasure, and satisfaction with the sacrifice. Its explicit exclusion from the instructions for firstfruits in this verse highlights that the *rêʼshîyth* had a different ceremonial purpose and were not intended to serve as a burnt offering that ascended to God as a symbol of complete dedication or atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for the oblation of the firstfruits":** This introductory clause precisely identifies the specific type of offering under consideration: the *qorbân* (offering) when it consists of *rêʼshîyth* (firstfruits). It immediately sets this particular form of grain offering apart for distinct instructions, indicating its unique nature and significance within the broader Mosaic sacrificial system. The emphasis is on the initial, consecrated portion of the harvest.
* **"ye shall offer them unto the LORD":** This command unequivocally states the divine recipient of the firstfruits offering. Like all legitimate sacrifices, the firstfruits were to be presented directly to Yahweh (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*), acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and ownership over the land and all its produce. The act of offering was thus an act of worship, submission, and covenant faithfulness.
* **"but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour":** This is the pivotal prohibition of the verse. Unlike many other offerings, particularly burnt offerings, the firstfruits were explicitly forbidden from being consumed by fire on the altar (*mizbêach*, H4196) in a manner that produced a "sweet savour" (*rêyach nîychôwach*, H7381, H5207) pleasing to God. This exclusion signifies that their purpose was not atonement or complete dedication through fiery consumption, but rather a distinct presentation of gratitude and a portion designated for the priests' sustenance, as implied by the general rules for firstfruits and the prohibition against leaven and honey in burnt grain offerings in [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven and Honey").

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its precise and authoritative instructions. The most prominent is **Distinction**, as the verse explicitly differentiates the firstfruits offering from other sacrifices that were consumed by fire on the altar to produce a "sweet savour." This creates a clear boundary, highlighting the unique ceremonial treatment mandated for *rêʼshîyth*. There is also a strong element of **Prohibition**, underscored by the definitive negative command "shall not be burnt," which conveys the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this divine instruction. This prohibition implicitly points to the **Symbolism** inherent in the firstfruits themselves, which represented God's ownership, the Israelites' dependence, and the promise of future blessing, rather than a sacrifice for expiation or complete fiery dedication. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Legal Precedent**, establishing a specific and enduring rule for ritual practice within the Mosaic Law, ensuring proper purity, order, and adherence to God's detailed requirements for worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:12, by meticulously distinguishing the firstfruits offering from other burnt sacrifices, profoundly reinforces the intricate and purposeful nature of God's commands for worship and the diverse theological meanings embedded within various offerings. It underscores the vital theological principle that not all offerings carried the same significance or were handled identically in the divine economy. The firstfruits, while undeniably a holy offering presented directly to the Lord, were primarily an acknowledgment of divine provision, an expression of gratitude, and a designated means of supporting the Levitical priesthood, rather than a burnt offering intended for atonement or complete dedication through fire. This precise distinction highlights God's desire for specific, ordered worship that reflects the unique significance of each act of devotion. The underlying themes of God's absolute ownership of all creation, humanity's utter dependence on His grace, and the importance of offering the "first and best" are paramount.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The First of the Firstfruits") - "The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God."
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with Your Firstfruits") - "Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."
* [Nehemiah 10:35-37](/nehemiah/10-35-37 "Nehemiah 10:35-37 - Covenant to Bring Firstfruits and Offerings") - Details the renewed commitment of the Israelites to bring their firstfruits and other offerings to the temple, ensuring the support of the priests and Levites.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of firstfruits belongs to the Old Covenant's ceremonial law, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 2:12 resonate deeply with believers in every age. The command to offer the "firstfruits" challenges us to critically examine our posture of giving and our profound dependence on God. It serves as a timeless invitation to prioritize God in every facet of our lives—our time, our unique talents, our material possessions, and our financial resources—by intentionally offering Him the "first and best," rather than merely what is left over after our own desires are satisfied. This act of offering our "firstfruits" is a tangible demonstration of profound trust in His continued provision and an acknowledgment of His ultimate sovereignty over all we possess. It cultivates a heart rooted in genuine gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a gracious gift from His hand, and fosters a spirit of boundless generosity that flows naturally from a deep and transformative understanding of His immeasurable grace and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I truly offering God the "first and best," rather than merely the remnants of my time, energy, or resources?**
* **How does the ancient concept of "firstfruits" challenge my contemporary understanding of stewardship and my dependence on God's ongoing provision?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take this week to cultivate a heart of deeper gratitude and unwavering trust in God's provision, thereby mirroring the foundational spirit of the firstfruits offering?**

### FAQ
**Why were firstfruits not burnt on the altar for a sweet savour, unlike other offerings?**

Answer: The explicit prohibition against burning firstfruits on the altar for a "sweet savour" (a pleasing aroma to God, typically associated with complete consumption by fire) stems from their unique ceremonial purpose and the intrinsic nature of the offering itself. Unlike burnt offerings ([the `olah`](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")), which were entirely consumed by fire as an act of atonement or complete dedication, firstfruits were primarily an acknowledgment of God's sovereign provision and ownership of the land. They were presented to the Lord as a sign of gratitude and then designated as a sacred portion for the sustenance of the priests, as clearly outlined in passages like [Numbers 18:12-13](/numbers/18-12-13 "Numbers 18:12-13 - Priestly Share of Firstfruits"). Furthermore, [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven and Honey") strictly forbids the inclusion of leaven or honey in any grain offering presented by fire on the altar. Natural firstfruits, such as fresh grain or fruit, might contain elements that could ferment or be considered "honey" (natural sugars), thus violating this general rule for offerings consumed by fire. Therefore, their distinct handling emphasized presentation and priestly support over fiery consumption, highlighting their unique place in the sacrificial system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament concept of firstfruits finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the firstfruits were the initial, consecrated, and best portion of the harvest, signifying the promise and guarantee of more to come, so too is Christ the "firstfruits" of a far greater spiritual harvest. [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection") powerfully declares Him "the firstfruits of those who are asleep," meaning His resurrection from the dead is not merely an isolated event, but the divine guarantee and perfect prototype of the future resurrection of all believers. His triumphant victory over death ensures that all who are united with Him by faith will also be raised to new, eternal life. Furthermore, Christ's perfectly obedient life and His atoning sacrifice on the cross represent the ultimate "firstfruit" offering to God—a truly pleasing aroma that perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and made complete propitiation for sin, unlike the Old Covenant offerings which could never ultimately take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ consecrated humanity, offering Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, thereby making us, His redeemed people, a kind of "firstfruits" to God and the Lamb ([James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - We Are Firstfruits of His Creation"); [Revelation 14:4](/revelation/14-4 "Revelation 14:4 - The Redeemed as Firstfruits")). He is the true and living firstfruits, inaugurating a new creation and securing the full harvest of salvation for all who believe.

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 23:19

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Leviticus 23:10

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:

Exodus 22:29

Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

Numbers 15:20

Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough [for] an heave offering: as [ye do] the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.

Genesis 23:10

And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, [even] of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,

Genesis 23:11

Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that [is] therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.

Genesis 23:17

And the field of Ephron, which [was] in Machpelah, which [was] before Mamre, the field, and the cave which [was] therein, and all the trees that [were] in the field, that [were] in all the borders round about, were made sure