Leviticus 23:12

KJV

And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall offer {H6213} that day {H3117} when ye wave {H5130} the sheaf {H6016} an he lamb {H3532} without blemish {H8549} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} for a burnt offering {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day that you wave the sheaf, you are to offer a male lamb without defect, in its first year, as a burnt offering for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

On the day you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a year-old lamb without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD,

American Standard Version

And in the day when ye wave the sheaf, ye shall offer a he-lamb without blemish a year old for a burnt-offering unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:12 delivers a precise divine mandate for the observance of the Feast of Firstfruits, stipulating the offering of a blemish-free, one-year-old male lamb as a burnt offering to the LORD. This instruction is an indispensable component of Israel's annual cycle of sacred feasts, underscoring fundamental principles such as acknowledging God's supreme sovereignty over the harvest, the intrinsic necessity of purity and perfection in worship, and the profound act of complete dedication and atonement through sacrificial giving. It profoundly reinforces the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where trust, obedience, and heartfelt gratitude are expressed through meticulously prescribed acts of worship and giving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Leviticus chapter 23, a pivotal section that meticulously details the LORD's appointed feasts, or *mo'adim* (Hebrew for "set times" or "appointed seasons"), which Israel was commanded to observe annually. Following the specific instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:4-8), verses 9-14 provide detailed directives for the Feast of Firstfruits. This celebration was to occur on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, marking the commencement of the barley harvest. The ceremonial act of waving a sheaf (*omer*) of the first barley harvest before the LORD (Leviticus 23:10-11) was a crucial dedication of the entire harvest to God. Leviticus 23:12 then precisely specifies the accompanying animal sacrifice—a "he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering"—which served to seal this foundational act of worship with a proper, atoning sacrifice, ensuring divine acceptance and blessing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Firstfruits was deeply interwoven with the agricultural rhythm of ancient Israel, a society intrinsically dependent on the land and its seasonal yields. The barley harvest, occurring in the spring, represented the first major grain harvest of the year. While offering "firstfruits" was a common practice in the ancient Near East, for Israel, it was uniquely infused with profound theological meaning. It transcended a mere pagan fertility rite, becoming a profound act of faith and absolute dependence on Yahweh, the singular provider of all good things. By offering the initial portion of their harvest, the Israelites demonstrated profound trust that God would bless and bring to completion the remainder of the harvest, rather than succumbing to fear of scarcity and hoarding. The stringent requirement for a "lamb without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamiym*) for a burnt offering was a consistent standard for all sacrifices in the Mosaic Law, reflecting the absolute holiness of God and the non-negotiable need for perfection in any offering presented before Him, as consistently detailed throughout the sacrificial regulations in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). This practice profoundly reinforced the understanding that genuine worship necessitated costly dedication and unblemished purity.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:12 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating that all blessings, especially the bounty of the land, originate from the LORD, demanding Israel's grateful acknowledgment through prescribed offerings. The requirement for a "lamb without blemish" highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute perfection and the corresponding need for unblemished offerings and pure hearts in those who approach Him. Furthermore, the "burnt offering" (Hebrew: *‘ōlāh*) underscores the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, illustrating that sin requires a substitutionary sacrifice for reconciliation with a holy God. This verse, therefore, serves as a microcosm of God's character and His pathway for humanity to draw near to Him, echoing the principles found in the foundational instructions for offerings in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") and the call to holiness throughout [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lamb (Hebrew, _kebes'_):** (H3532) This term refers specifically to a young male sheep, typically one just old enough to butt. In the context of Israelite sacrifice, the lamb, particularly a young one, often symbolized innocence, purity, and vulnerability. Its selection for the burnt offering signifies the offering of a valuable, unblemished animal, representing the best of the flock, suitable for complete dedication to the LORD.
* **without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** (H8549) This word denotes completeness, integrity, soundness, and perfection. When applied to sacrificial animals, it strictly means physically flawless—free from any deformity, disease, or injury. Theologically, this requirement underscores the absolute holiness and perfection of God, demanding an equally perfect offering. It symbolizes the unblemished nature required for any acceptable approach to a holy God, setting a high standard for worship and subtly foreshadowing a perfect future sacrifice.
* **burnt offering (Hebrew, _‘ôlâh'_):** (H5930) Literally meaning "that which goes up," the *‘ôlāh* was a voluntary sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God. Unlike other offerings where portions were returned to the offerer or priests, the burnt offering symbolized complete surrender, total devotion, and general atonement for sin. Its complete consumption represented the offerer's total dedication to God and the complete acceptance of the sacrifice by God, signifying reconciliation and fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf":** This clause establishes the precise timing and context for the offering. It mandates that the animal sacrifice is not an isolated act but an integral part of the Feast of Firstfruits, specifically accompanying and completing the ceremonial waving of the *omer* (sheaf) of the first barley harvest. The phrase "that day" emphasizes its immediate and inseparable connection to the firstfruits ritual, highlighting the importance of proper sequence and adherence to God's appointed times.
* **"an he lamb without blemish of the first year":** This specifies the exact nature and qualifications of the animal required for the sacrifice. It must be a male lamb, typically preferred for its strength and symbolic value in sacrifice. The crucial phrase "without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamiym*) signifies the absolute demand for physical perfection, reflecting the holiness of God and the seriousness with which offerings were to be presented. "Of the first year" indicates a young, vigorous, and pure animal, representing the prime of life and the best possible offering, a symbol of unblemished vitality.
* **"for a burnt offering unto the LORD":** This defines both the purpose and the exclusive recipient of the sacrifice. It was designated as an *‘ôlāh*, a burnt offering, which symbolized complete dedication and served as an act of general atonement. Crucially, it was directed solely "unto the LORD," emphasizing that this act of worship was exclusively for God, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty, seeking His favor, and making reconciliation possible through the prescribed means.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:12 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "he lamb without blemish of the first year" serving as a potent symbol of purity, innocence, and the ultimate sacrifice. The lamb's physical perfection symbolizes the unblemished nature required for approaching a holy God. The act of the "burnt offering" itself is deeply **symbolic** of complete surrender, devotion, and atonement, as the entire animal is consumed by fire, representing the totality of the offerer's dedication and the full acceptance by God. Furthermore, the entire Feast of Firstfruits, including this specific offering, functions as **typology**, foreshadowing a greater spiritual reality. The meticulous details of the offering point to a divine pattern of sacrifice and redemption that would later find its ultimate fulfillment. The specificity and directness of the command, delivered as a divine decree, also demonstrates **divine imperative**, highlighting the non-negotiable and authoritative nature of God's requirements for worship and covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:12 encapsulates profound and enduring theological truths. It powerfully reinforces the principle of divine ownership, reminding Israel that the land, its produce, and indeed all of life, belong ultimately to God. By offering the firstfruits, they acknowledge Him as the supreme Provider and Sustainer. The stringent requirement for a "lamb without blemish" underscores the absolute holiness of God and the non-negotiable necessity of purity and perfection in approaching Him—a consistent theme woven throughout the Mosaic Law and indeed, all of Scripture. The "burnt offering" aspect highlights the concept of complete dedication, total surrender, and the provision for atonement, signifying that true worship involves giving one's all and that reconciliation with a holy God is made possible only through a substitutionary sacrifice. This verse, therefore, profoundly teaches about God's sovereignty, His inherent holiness, the proper nature of acceptable worship, and His gracious provision for human sin through the prescribed sacrificial system.

* [Exodus 12:5](/exodus/12-5 "Exodus 12:5 - Requirements for the Passover Lamb")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring God with Your Firstfruits")
* [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Leviticus 1:4 - Atonement through the Burnt Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are not directly binding on New Testament believers, the timeless spiritual principles embedded within Leviticus 23:12 remain profoundly relevant and transformative for our lives today. This ancient command calls us to cultivate a posture of radical trust and grateful dedication to God in every sphere of our existence. It challenges us to thoughtfully consider what our "firstfruits" truly are—extending beyond mere financial contributions to encompass the prioritization of God with our best time, our most vital energies, our unique talents, and our initial thoughts. Giving God our first and our best is a profound act of worship that not only acknowledges His supreme sovereignty over all aspects of our lives but also expresses our unwavering dependence on His continued provision and grace. Furthermore, the stringent requirement for a "lamb without blemish" serves as a powerful and convicting reminder of the call to pursue holiness and integrity in our own lives, striving for purity in thought, word, and deed. It compels us to remember that, as New Testament believers, our lives are to be a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," a spiritual act of worship that reflects the unblemished perfection of Christ (Romans 12:1).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical and tangible ways can I apply the principle of giving my "firstfruits" to the LORD in my daily life, extending beyond just financial contributions?**
* **How does the requirement for a "lamb without blemish" challenge my understanding of personal holiness and the high standard God expects for my character and conduct?**
* **What does the "burnt offering" aspect of this command teach me about complete surrender and total dedication to God, and how can I live out that surrender more fully in my commitment to Him?**

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

Answer: The concept of "firstfruits" in the Bible signifies the initial, best, and earliest portion of a harvest or increase, offered to God as an act of worship and profound acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It was a tangible expression of faith that God, who faithfully provided the first, would also ensure the completion and abundance of the entire harvest. It demonstrated deep trust in God's ongoing provision and served as a consecration of the entire yield. Beyond its agricultural context, it represents the timeless principle of giving God priority and the very best of what we possess, recognizing that all blessings flow ultimately from His benevolent hand, as beautifully articulated in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops").

**Why was a "lamb without blemish" required for sacrifices?**

Answer: The stringent requirement for a "lamb without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamiym*) was absolutely crucial for Old Testament sacrifices because it profoundly symbolized perfection, purity, and wholeness. A holy and perfect God demands an equally perfect offering; anything less would be considered an insult to His divine character and an unacceptable approach to His presence. This physical flawlessness in the sacrificial animal represented the moral and spiritual perfection required for an offering to be acceptable and efficacious for atonement. Moreover, it served as a profound and intentional foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was truly "without blemish or defect," as eloquently described in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through the Precious Blood of Christ").

**How does this Old Testament sacrifice relate to Christian worship today?**

Answer: While Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial law to offer animal sacrifices, the spiritual principles undergirding Leviticus 23:12 remain profoundly relevant and foundational for contemporary Christian worship and living. The ancient call to give our "firstfruits" translates powerfully into prioritizing God in every sphere of our lives—our time, our unique talents, and our material resources—as an ongoing act of worship, trust, and dependence. The demand for a "blemish-free" offering points directly to the pursuit of personal holiness and integrity in our daily lives, a pursuit made possible and empowered by Christ's perfect and unblemished sacrifice on our behalf. Ultimately, the burnt offering's profound symbolism of complete dedication and total surrender finds its New Testament echo in the call to present our entire lives as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," which is our true and spiritual act of worship, as powerfully taught in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:12, with its precise instruction for a "he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering" accompanying the Feast of Firstfruits, finds its ultimate, glorious, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The stringent requirement for a "lamb without blemish" serves as a powerful and direct type of Christ, who is the perfect, sinless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His earthly life was utterly pure, and His sacrificial death was utterly flawless, making Him the only acceptable and efficacious offering to a holy God, as profoundly attested in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ"). Furthermore, just as the Feast of Firstfruits celebrated the initial harvest as a divine guarantee of the full harvest yet to come, Christ's resurrection from the dead is triumphantly declared by the Apostle Paul 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 of the Resurrection"). His resurrection is the irrefutable guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers, signifying the glorious beginning of God's great harvest of redemption and new creation. Finally, the "burnt offering" aspect, symbolizing complete dedication, total surrender, and comprehensive atonement, is perfectly and eternally fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. His death was a complete and perfect offering, fully consumed by divine judgment, satisfying God's righteous demands and providing eternal redemption and reconciliation for all who believe, as powerfully highlighted in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - The One Sacrifice of Christ"). Thus, the ancient ritual points forward with prophetic precision to the person and redemptive work of Jesus, the perfect Lamb, the resurrected Firstfruits, and the ultimate Burnt Offering, through whom all dedication and atonement are finally and perfectly realized for all eternity.

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

Leviticus 1:10

¶ And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Hebrews 10:10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;