Leviticus 23:11

KJV

And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall wave {H5130} the sheaf {H6016} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, to be accepted {H7522} for you: on the morrow {H4283} after the sabbath {H7676} the priest {H3548} shall wave {H5130} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to wave the sheaf before ADONAI, so that you will be accepted; the cohen is to wave it on the day after the Shabbat.

Berean Standard Bible

And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.

American Standard Version

and he shall wave the sheaf before Jehovah, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:11 describes a crucial element of the Feast of Firstfruits, an annual sacred observance in Israel's liturgical calendar. This verse mandates that the priest perform a specific ritual: waving a sheaf of the first barley harvest before the LORD. This act was designed to secure divine acceptance and blessing for the community, particularly for their agricultural endeavors. The precise timing, "on the morrow after the sabbath," places this ceremony within the week of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, thereby consecrating the initial produce of the land and anticipating the bounty of the full harvest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 serves as a divine blueprint, meticulously detailing the LORD's appointed feasts, or `mo'adim` (set times), which structure Israel's liturgical year and progressively unveil God's redemptive plan. The instructions for the Feast of Firstfruits, found in [Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits"), are strategically positioned immediately after the directives for the foundational [Passover](/leviticus/23-5 "Leviticus 23:5 - The Passover") and the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/leviticus/23-6-8 "Leviticus 23:6-8 - The Feast of Unleavened Bread"). This deliberate sequence underscores the profound connection between Israel's historical deliverance from Egypt and their future entry into the Promised Land, where agricultural blessings would be a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness. The Feast of Firstfruits also acts as a vital bridge to the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), which is explicitly commanded to be celebrated "seven full weeks" after the waving of this initial sheaf, as detailed in [Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15-16 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)"). This progression highlights the unfolding nature of God's provision and the dynamic development of His covenant relationship with Israel through their sacred agricultural cycle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, with its very existence and prosperity inextricably linked to the land's fertility and God's sovereign provision of rain and favorable seasons. The barley harvest, ripening in the early spring, was the very first crop to be gathered, making the Feast of Firstfruits a celebration of this initial, vital bounty. This ritual, performed "on the morrow after the sabbath" (traditionally interpreted by rabbinic Judaism as the day after the first annual Sabbath of Unleavened Bread, Nisan 16), officially inaugurated the harvest season. By presenting the first sheaf to the LORD, the Israelites were not merely performing a custom; they were making a profound theological statement, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty over all creation and their very sustenance. This act was far more than simple thanksgiving; it was a proactive plea for the blessing and consecration of the entire forthcoming harvest, demonstrating their unwavering trust in God's continued faithfulness and generosity. The practice of offering firstfruits was known in the broader ancient Near East, but in Israel, it was uniquely integrated into their covenant with Yahweh, emphasizing His ultimate ownership of the land and its produce, as articulated in passages like [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - First of the Firstfruits").

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:11 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, particularly the sustenance derived from the land. The act of offering firstfruits reinforces the concept of **Consecration and Holiness**, teaching Israel that the initial portion, when dedicated to God, sanctifies the whole, thereby rendering the entire harvest permissible and blessed for consumption. This ritual also powerfully illustrates the principle of **Dependence and Trust**, as the Israelites, by offering the firstfruits, expressed their reliance on God for the full harvest yet to come, rather than trusting in their own labor or the land's inherent fertility. Furthermore, the precise timing of this feast within the broader cycle of annual festivals highlights the theme of **God's Redemptive Calendar**, demonstrating how agricultural cycles are interwoven with Israel's history of salvation and God's ongoing plan for His people, foreshadowing future divine acts of provision and salvation. The requirement for the offering "to be accepted for you" underscores the theme of **Divine Acceptance and Favor**, revealing that God's blessing is contingent upon obedient worship and acknowledging His rightful place in their lives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wave (Hebrew, _nûwph'_):** (H5130) This primitive root means "to quiver (i.e. vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro)." In the context of ritual, it describes a specific motion of moving an offering back and forth or up and down before the LORD. This "wave offering" (often seen with parts of peace offerings, as in [Leviticus 7:30](/leviticus/7-30 "Leviticus 7:30 - The Wave Offering")) was not merely a presentation but a dynamic act of dedication, symbolizing the offering's presentation to God, acknowledging His ownership and sovereignty, and its subsequent return to the priest or offerer as a consecrated gift from God. Here, it signifies the presentation of the first portion of the harvest to God for His acceptance and blessing upon the whole.
* **Sheaf (Hebrew, _ʻômer'_):** (H6016) This term refers to "a heap, i.e. a sheaf," and also an "omer" as a dry measure. In this verse, it specifically denotes a bundle of freshly cut grain, representing the initial yield of the barley harvest. An `omer` was a small, specific measure (approximately 2.2 liters or 3.6 pounds). By waving this single, initial bundle, the Israelites were symbolically dedicating the totality of their future harvest to the LORD, recognizing that the first portion consecrated the entire yield.
* **Accepted (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** (H7522) Derived from a root meaning "to delight," this word conveys the idea of "delight (especially as shown)," "favour," or "good pleasure." The phrase "to be accepted for you" indicates that the ritual was not a mere formality but a divinely ordained means by which God's gracious approval and blessing were secured for the people and their livelihood. It underscores the covenantal relationship where acts of obedience, like this offering, elicited God's favorable response, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD,"**: This foundational clause establishes both the core action and its divine recipient. The designated priest, acting as an intermediary for the community, performs the ritual motion of waving the `omer` (sheaf) of barley. The phrase "before the LORD" signifies that this is a direct act of worship and presentation to God Himself, emphasizing His omnipresence, authority, and the sacred nature of the offering.
* **"to be accepted for you:"**: This crucial phrase reveals the profound purpose and efficacy of the ritual. The waving of the sheaf is not an end in itself but a means by which divine favor (`râtsôwn`) is secured for the entire community of Israel. It means that through this act of consecration of the firstfruits, God graciously receives and approves of the people's offering and, by extension, extends His blessing and sanctification over the entirety of their upcoming harvest, ensuring its purity, abundance, and their right to partake of it.
* **"on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it."**: This final clause provides critical details regarding the precise timing and the specific individual responsible for performing the ritual. "The morrow after the sabbath" refers to the day following the weekly Sabbath that occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (traditionally Nisan 16). This specific timing, occurring within the Passover week, is profoundly significant, linking the agricultural offering to Israel's foundational redemptive events. The repetition of "the priest shall wave it" at the end of the verse serves to reinforce the exact, divinely ordained nature of the ritual and unequivocally designates the exclusive role of the Aaronic priesthood in its execution, highlighting the importance of proper liturgical order.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:11 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The verse is fundamentally expressed in **Ritual Language**, providing precise, prescriptive instructions for a sacred ceremony. Key verbs like "wave" and nouns like "sheaf" are not merely descriptive but carry deep cultic and theological weight within Israelite worship. The act itself is a powerful form of **Symbolism**, where the small, initial "sheaf" of barley profoundly represents the entire, much larger harvest that is yet to be gathered. By consecrating this first portion, the whole is symbolically dedicated and blessed, embodying the principle of **Synecdoche**, where a part stands for the whole. Furthermore, the highly specific timing, "on the morrow after the sabbath," introduces strong **Typology**, hinting at a future, greater fulfillment beyond the immediate agricultural context—a hallmark of prophetic foreshadowing found throughout the Old Testament. The repetition of the core action and actor, "the priest shall wave it," at the end of the verse serves as an emphatic **Emphasis**, underscoring the critical importance of the action and the indispensable role of the priesthood in ensuring the community's acceptance before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Feast of Firstfruits, as commanded in Leviticus 23:11, encapsulates profound theological truths about God's absolute sovereignty, His gracious provision, and the foundational principle of consecration. It served as a vital annual reminder to Israel, and by extension to believers today, that all blessings, especially their very sustenance and prosperity, originate solely from God. By offering the first and best of their harvest, the Israelites acknowledged God's ultimate ownership of the land and its produce, expressing their absolute dependence on Him for the full harvest yet to come. This act of giving the "firstfruits" was far more than a mere ritualistic obligation; it was a tangible demonstration of their faith and trust, and a divinely ordained means of securing God's favor and acceptance. It established a foundational principle for all of life: honoring God with the initial and finest of one's produce, resources, or abilities ensures His blessing and sanctification upon the remainder, signifying that God holds preeminence and priority in every aspect of existence.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with your wealth")
* [Romans 11:16](/romans/11-16 "Romans 11:16 - The Root and the Branches")
* [James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - God's Good Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:11, though deeply rooted in ancient Israel's agricultural and liturgical practices, offers timeless and transformative spiritual principles for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a profound and abiding sense of gratitude and dependence on God as the ultimate source of all our provision—whether it be material resources, spiritual gifts, relational blessings, or even the very breath we breathe. The principle of firstfruits challenges us to actively give God our "first and best" in every conceivable area of our lives, rather than offering Him mere leftovers or what remains after our own desires are met. This encompasses our time, our unique talents, our financial resources, and even our initial thoughts and plans, all offered as an act of worship, trust, and humble acknowledgment of His supreme lordship. By intentionally prioritizing God and dedicating the "first" to Him, we express our unwavering faith that He is utterly faithful to provide for our every need and to bless the entirety of our lives. This ancient ritual serves as a poignant reminder that true security and abundance are found not in accumulated possessions or self-reliance, but in a vibrant, trusting relationship with our divine Provider, who graciously accepts and abundantly blesses those who honor Him above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently holding back your "first and best" from God, perhaps giving Him only your leftovers or what is convenient?**
* **How does the concept of God's "acceptance" through an offering, as seen in this verse, challenge or deepen your understanding of grace and human responsibility in your walk with God?**
* **Considering the spirit of the firstfruits offering, what practical, tangible steps can you take this week to demonstrate your active trust in God as your ultimate Provider and Lord?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "morrow after the sabbath" timing for this offering?**

Answer: The timing "on the morrow after the sabbath" is profoundly significant within Israel's sacred calendar. It refers to the day after the weekly Sabbath that fell during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which, according to traditional Jewish interpretation, would be Nisan 16. This precise placement means the Feast of Firstfruits occurs directly within the Passover week, thereby linking the agricultural blessing and the commencement of the harvest season directly to Israel's foundational redemption from slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, this day marks the beginning of the counting of 50 days (seven full weeks) until the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, as meticulously outlined in [Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15-16 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - Counting to Pentecost"). This meticulous timing underscores the divine order and the intricate interconnectedness of God's redemptive and providential calendar for His covenant people.

**Why was it necessary for the sheaf "to be accepted for you"?**

Answer: The phrase "to be accepted for you" (Hebrew: `râtsôwn`, meaning "favor," "pleasure," or "good will") highlights the gracious and covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel. The waving of the sheaf was not merely a symbolic act but a divinely ordained means by which the people secured divine favor and approval. It signified that God graciously received their offering and, by extension, extended His blessing and consecration over their entire upcoming harvest. This divine acceptance was absolutely crucial because it assured the people that their livelihood and the fruit of their labors were sanctified by God, and they could therefore partake of the rest of the harvest with His blessing, trusting in His continued provision and good will. It profoundly underscored that human prosperity and well-being were ultimately contingent on divine favor, mediated through obedient and consecrated worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Firstfruits, with its precise timing and ritualistic significance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "morrow after the sabbath" during Passover week, the very day the first sheaf was waved before the LORD, precisely foreshadows the timing of Jesus' glorious resurrection. Just as the first sheaf of barley represented the initial fruit of the harvest, guaranteeing a greater harvest to follow, so too is Jesus Christ declared to be "the firstfruits of those who are asleep" in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits from the Dead"). His resurrection on the third day, Sunday (the "morrow after the sabbath"), following His crucifixion during Passover, is the initial, decisive, and victorious triumph over death, guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. The acceptance of the wave sheaf "for you" in Leviticus 23:11 powerfully prefigures Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection, which secures our complete acceptance and justification before God, as beautifully articulated in [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification"). He is the consecrated first portion, the divine guarantee that the full harvest of believers will also be raised to eternal life, making Him the ultimate assurance of our future glorification and the promised new creation, as the [Spirit is the firstfruits of our inheritance](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - Groaning for Redemption").

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 29:24

And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Leviticus 9:21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

Leviticus 10:14

And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for [they be] thy due, and thy sons' due, [which] are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.