Leviticus 23:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, When ye be come {H935} into the land {H776} which I give {H5414} unto you, and shall reap {H7114} the harvest {H7105} thereof, then ye shall bring {H935} a sheaf {H6016} of the firstfruits {H7225} of your harvest {H7105} unto the priest {H3548}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'After you enter the land I am giving you and harvest its ripe crops, you are to bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the cohen.

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:10 introduces a foundational divine command for the Israelites: upon entering and cultivating the Promised Land, they were to bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of their harvest to the priest. This instruction established the Feast of Firstfruits as a vital annual observance, designed to instill in the people a profound recognition of God's sovereign ownership over the land and its produce, fostering deep dependence, gratitude, and trust in His ongoing provision, while also sanctifying the entirety of their agricultural bounty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 23 meticulously outlines the `mo'edim` (מוֹעֲדִים), the "appointed times" or "feasts of the LORD," which formed the core of Israel's sacred calendar. These festivals were not merely historical commemorations but served as profound pedagogical tools and prophetic shadows, revealing deeper spiritual truths. The Feast of Firstfruits, specifically addressed in [Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits"), is strategically positioned immediately after the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Leviticus 23:6-8](/leviticus/23-6-8 "Leviticus 23:6-8 - The Feast of Unleavened Bread")) and before the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) ([Leviticus 23:15-22](/leviticus/23-15-22 "Leviticus 23:15-22 - The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)")). This placement highlights its significance as the inaugural harvest festival, marking the commencement of the barley harvest and serving as a tangible pledge for the full ingathering that would follow. The command in verse 10 is inherently forward-looking, anticipating Israel's settlement in Canaan and their divinely ordained transition from a nomadic existence to an agrarian society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine directive in [Leviticus 23:10](/leviticus/23-10 "Leviticus 23:10 - The Feast of Firstfruits") was delivered to the Israelites while they were still journeying through the wilderness, preparing them for their future life in the land God had promised to bestow upon them, often described as [a land flowing with milk and honey](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"). Upon their entry into Canaan, their sustenance would shift from miraculous manna to dependence on agricultural cycles and rainfall. In the broader ancient Near East, harvest festivals were ubiquitous, frequently intertwined with pagan deities believed to control fertility and crop yields. By instituting the Feast of Firstfruits, Yahweh emphatically distinguished His people's worship, asserting Himself as the sole provider of their sustenance and the true sovereign over the land, in stark contrast to false gods like Baal. This practice ensured that Israel's agricultural prosperity would be inextricably linked to their covenant relationship with God and their faithful obedience to His commands, as powerfully articulated in passages such as [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10-12 "Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Provision**, emphasizing that all blessings, especially the bounty of the land, originate from Him. This command reinforces the concept of **Covenant Relationship**, where Israel's prosperity and well-being are directly tied to their obedience and acknowledgment of God's Lordship. The practice of offering firstfruits also highlights the theme of **Holiness and Sanctification**, as the dedication of the initial portion renders the entire harvest holy and acceptable to God. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **Messianic Hope** and **Resurrection**, pointing to a future spiritual harvest, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers"). The command also underscores the **Importance of Gratitude and Trust**, requiring the Israelites to express their thanks and dependence before the full harvest was secured.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheaf (Hebrew, _ʻômer'_):** This term (H6016, עֹמֶר) refers to a heap or, more specifically in this context, a small bundle of freshly cut grain. It also denotes an omer, a dry measure. The bringing of a single "sheaf" signifies the very first, tangible portion of the harvest, representing the initial yield from the fields. It is a concrete, physical token of the larger bounty to come, demonstrating that even the earliest and smallest part belongs to God.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** The word `rêʼshîyth` (H7225, רֵאשִׁית) signifies "the first" in place, time, order, or rank. Specifically, it refers to a "firstfruit," embodying the beginning, chief, or principal thing. It is not merely the chronological first, but often implies the preeminent, choicest, or most excellent part. The offering of the `rêʼshîyth` was a fundamental principle in Israelite worship, signifying God's priority and supreme worth. By dedicating the "firstfruits," the Israelites acknowledged God's ownership of the entire harvest and sanctified the whole, trusting that He would bless the remainder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them":** This opening phrase unequivocally establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the command. It is a direct, solemn instruction from the LORD to His covenant people, delivered through Moses, emphasizing its paramount importance and binding nature for the entire community of Israel.
* **"When ye be come into the land which I give unto you":** This clause sets a crucial precondition for the observance and highlights God's gracious initiative. The command is not for the wilderness wandering but for the future, settled life in Canaan. The land is explicitly stated as a divine gift ("which I give unto you"), reinforcing God's absolute sovereignty and the foundational basis of Israel's inheritance.
* **"and shall reap the harvest thereof":** This specifies the precise occasion for the offering – the act of harvesting. It presupposes an agricultural lifestyle and God's blessing of fertility that would yield a harvest. The command is practical, tied directly to the economic and sustenance activities of the people, making it relevant to their daily lives and labor.
* **"then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest":** This is the core imperative of the verse. The action is mandatory ("ye shall bring"), indicating a non-negotiable obligation. The object is highly specific ("a sheaf of the firstfruits"), emphasizing both the initial and the choicest portion of the harvest. The designated recipient is the "priest," who acts as God's authorized representative, facilitating the proper presentation of the offering before the LORD, as further detailed in [Leviticus 23:11](/leviticus/23-11 "Leviticus 23:11 - The Wave Offering of the Sheaf").

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:10 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Command/Instruction** is the primary device, as the verse functions as a direct divine imperative, structuring a vital aspect of the religious and agricultural life of the Israelites. This prescriptive language underscores God's absolute authority and His detailed involvement in the covenant relationship with His people. **Symbolism** is profoundly evident; the "sheaf of the firstfruits" is not merely a bundle of grain but a potent symbol. It symbolizes God's ultimate ownership of all creation and the land He bestows, the people's complete dependence on Him for sustenance, and their heartfelt gratitude for His provision. Furthermore, the act of offering the firstfruits serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** device. It points forward to a greater spiritual reality, particularly the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who would become the ultimate "firstfruits" of those who sleep, thereby guaranteeing the future resurrection of all believers. The ritualistic nature of the command also exemplifies **Ritual as Pedagogy**, where the repeated action of bringing the firstfruits annually serves to deeply embed and reinforce theological truths about God's faithfulness, His provision, and the people's proper response of worship and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:10 encapsulates profound theological truths centered on God's absolute sovereignty, His unwavering provision, and the very nature of a covenant relationship. The command to bring the firstfruits unequivocally underscores that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, including the abundant bounty of the land. It challenges the people to acknowledge His supreme ownership over their lives, their labor, and their possessions, thereby fostering a deep spirit of gratitude and dependence. By requiring the "first and best," God established a timeless principle of giving that prioritizes Him above all else, thereby sanctifying the entire harvest and demonstrating a profound faith that He would faithfully ensure the remainder. This act was far more than a mere agricultural tax; it was a profound expression of worship, trust, and obedience, powerfully reinforcing the sacred covenant between Yahweh and Israel.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce")
* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring to the house of the LORD your God")
* [Deuteronomy 26:1](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1 - The Ceremony of Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific agricultural practice of bringing a physical sheaf to the priest is no longer observed in the New Covenant, the timeless principles embedded in [Leviticus 23:10](/leviticus/23-10 "Leviticus 23:10 - The Feast of Firstfruits") remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. This passage calls us to cultivate a heart of profound and consistent gratitude, recognizing with deep conviction that every good and perfect gift—our health, our talents, our financial resources, our opportunities, and even our very breath—comes directly from God, the ultimate and benevolent Giver. It challenges us to live out a practical and robust theology of stewardship, where we consciously prioritize God in all areas of our lives, offering our "first and best" rather than merely our leftovers or what we deem expendable. This applies not only to our financial resources but extends to our most precious commodities: our time, our energy, and our unique abilities. Giving our firstfruits is an act of radical faith, demonstrating our unwavering trust that God, who has faithfully provided in the past, will continue to provide abundantly for all our future needs. It cultivates a spirit of generosity that flows from a deep, abiding conviction of God's faithfulness and inexhaustible abundance, transforming our perspective from one of scarcity and anxiety to one of divine sufficiency and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of all provision fundamentally impact my daily life and my attitude towards my possessions and resources?**
* **In what specific areas of my life (e.g., time, talent, treasure, relationships) am I challenged to intentionally give God my "first and best" rather than what is left over or convenient?**
* **How does the enduring principle of "firstfruits" encourage me to trust God for future provision, even when resources seem scarce, circumstances are uncertain, or the path ahead is unclear?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "firstfruits" in the Bible?**

Answer: The "firstfruits" (Hebrew: `reshith`, H7225) in the Bible signify the initial, choicest, and most excellent portion of a harvest or increase. Theologically, it carries several profound layers of meaning. First, it acknowledges God's supreme ownership over all creation and His people's possessions, serving as a constant reminder that everything originates from Him. Second, it functions as an act of profound gratitude and worship, a tangible expression of dependence on God's ongoing and faithful provision. Third, offering the firstfruits sanctified the entire harvest, rendering the remainder of the produce acceptable and blessed by God. Fourth, it acted as a pledge or guarantee of the full harvest yet to come, symbolizing hope, assurance, and the certainty of God's future blessings. This principle extends beyond agricultural produce to include the firstborn of animals and humans ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")), and ultimately, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection.

**Was this offering a one-time event for the Israelites?**

Answer: No, the offering of the sheaf of firstfruits was not a one-time event but an annual observance, forming an integral part of the Feast of Firstfruits, one of the three pilgrimage festivals. It was commanded to be celebrated each year after the Israelites had successfully entered and settled in the land and began to reap their harvests. Specifically, [Leviticus 23:11](/leviticus/23-11 "Leviticus 23:11 - The Wave Offering") specifies that the sheaf was to be waved before the LORD "on the morrow after the sabbath," indicating a fixed annual timing within the Passover season, marking the very beginning of the barley harvest. This regular, annual practice consistently reinforced the foundational theological principles of God's unfailing provision and the people's perpetual dependence and gratitude, year after year, for generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Firstfruits, with its divine command to bring the initial sheaf of the harvest to the priest, finds its glorious and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the firstfruits offering in ancient Israel served as a pledge and definitive guarantee of the full harvest to follow, so too is Christ's resurrection the absolute and certain guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers. The Apostle Paul explicitly identifies Jesus as "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection"). His triumphant resurrection, which providentially occurred on the very day the firstfruits sheaf would have been waved before the Lord, signifies that He is the initial, perfect, and representative "sample" of the greater spiritual harvest—the bodily resurrection of all who are united to Him by faith. [1 Corinthians 15:23](/1_corinthians/15-23 "1 Corinthians 15:23 - Order of Resurrection") further clarifies this profound truth, stating, "But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ." Therefore, the ancient agricultural ritual points forward with prophetic precision to the living Christ, whose decisive victory over death assures believers of their own future bodily resurrection and eternal life, thereby transforming a temporal agricultural offering into an eternal spiritual reality of immeasurable hope.

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 34:26

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

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.

Numbers 28:26

Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks [be out], ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:

Deuteronomy 16:9

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.

James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Revelation 14:4

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

1 Corinthians 15:20

¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.