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 provides a precise divine directive for the Feast of Firstfruits, mandating the offering of a blemish-free, one-year-old male lamb as a burnt offering to the LORD. This instruction is integral to Israel's annual cycle of sacred feasts, emphasizing the foundational principles of acknowledging God's sovereignty over the harvest, the necessity of purity in worship, and the profound act of complete dedication and atonement through sacrifice. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where trust, obedience, and gratitude are expressed through prescribed acts of worship and giving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Leviticus chapter 23, a pivotal chapter that meticulously outlines the LORD's appointed feasts, or *mo'adim* (Hebrew for "set times" or "appointed seasons"), which Israel was commanded to observe annually. Following the instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:4-8), verses 9-14 specifically detail the Feast of Firstfruits. This celebration was to occur on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, signifying the beginning of the barley harvest. The act of waving a sheaf (*omer*) of the first barley harvest before the LORD (Leviticus 23:10-11) was a crucial ceremonial dedication of the entire harvest to God. Leviticus 23:12 then specifies the particular animal sacrifice—a "he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering"—that must accompany this foundational act of worship, ensuring that the dedication of the harvest was sealed with a proper, atoning sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Firstfruits was deeply embedded in the agricultural calendar of ancient Israel, a society intrinsically tied to the land and its seasonal yields. The barley harvest was the first major grain harvest of the year, occurring in the spring. Culturally, offering the "firstfruits" was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but for Israel, it was uniquely imbued with theological significance. It was not merely a pagan fertility rite but a profound act of faith and dependence on Yahweh, the provider of all good things. By offering the initial portion of their harvest, the Israelites demonstrated their trust that God would bless and bring to completion the rest of the harvest, rather than hoarding out of fear of scarcity. The 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 need for perfection in any offering presented before Him, as seen throughout the sacrificial regulations detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). This practice reinforced the understanding that worship involved costly dedication and purity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blemish (Hebrew, _tāmîm'_):** This term, often translated "without blemish" or "perfect," signifies wholeness, integrity, and completeness. In the context of sacrificial animals, it denotes physical perfection—no deformities, diseases, or injuries. Theologically, it points to the absolute purity and flawlessness required for an offering to a holy God, underscoring the sacredness of the act and the unblemished nature of the divine recipient. It also subtly foreshadows the ultimate perfect sacrifice.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘ōlāh'_):** Literally meaning "that which goes up," the *‘ōlāh* was a voluntary offering entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God. Unlike other sacrifices (e.g., peace offerings where parts were eaten by priests or offerers), the burnt offering symbolized complete surrender, devotion, and atonement for general sin. Its total consumption represented the offerer's total dedication to God and the complete acceptance of the sacrifice by God, making reconciliation possible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf":** This clause precisely links the animal sacrifice to the ceremonial waving of the *omer* (sheaf) of firstfruits. It indicates that the lamb offering was not an independent sacrifice but an integral part of the Feast of Firstfruits, accompanying and completing the dedication of the harvest. The timing "that day" emphasizes its immediate connection to the firstfruits ritual.
* **"an he lamb without blemish of the first year":** This specifies the exact nature of the animal required. It must be a male lamb, symbolizing strength and often preferred for sacrifice. The "without blemish" requirement (Hebrew: *tamiym*) underscores the demand for physical perfection, reflecting the holiness of God and the seriousness of the offering. "Of the first year" indicates a young, vigorous, and pure animal, representing the prime of life and the best possible offering.
* **"for a burnt offering unto the LORD":** This defines the purpose and recipient of the sacrifice. It was an *‘ōlāh*, signifying complete dedication and atonement, and it was directed exclusively "unto the LORD," emphasizing that this act of worship was solely for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His favor and forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:12 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "he lamb without blemish of the first year" serving as a powerful symbol of purity, innocence, and ultimate sacrifice. The lamb's perfection symbolizes the unblemished nature required for approaching a holy God. The act of the "burnt offering" itself is **symbolic** of complete surrender and devotion, as the entire animal is consumed, representing the totality of the offerer's dedication. Furthermore, the entire Feast of Firstfruits, including this specific offering, functions as **typology**, foreshadowing a greater spiritual reality. While the primary focus here is on the immediate context, the meticulous details of the offering point to a divine pattern of sacrifice and redemption that would later be fulfilled. The specificity of the command itself, delivered as a divine decree, also demonstrates **divine imperative**, highlighting the non-negotiable nature of God's requirements for worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:12 encapsulates profound theological truths. It reinforces the principle of divine ownership, reminding Israel that the land and its produce belong to God, and by offering the firstfruits, they acknowledge Him as the ultimate provider. The requirement for a "lamb without blemish" underscores the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of purity in approaching Him, a theme consistent throughout the Mosaic Law. The "burnt offering" aspect highlights the concept of complete dedication and atonement, signifying that true worship involves total surrender and that reconciliation with God is made possible through a substitutionary sacrifice. This verse, therefore, teaches about God's sovereignty, His holiness, the nature of acceptable worship, and the provision for human sin through sacrifice.

* [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 binding on New Testament believers, the spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 23:12 remain profoundly relevant for our lives today. This ancient command calls us to a posture of radical trust and grateful dedication to God. It challenges us to consider what our "firstfruits" are—not just in terms of financial giving, but in prioritizing God with our best time, our primary talents, and our initial thoughts and energies. Giving God our first and best is an act of worship that acknowledges His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives and expresses our dependence on His continued provision. Furthermore, the requirement for a "lamb without blemish" serves as a powerful reminder of the call to pursue holiness and integrity in our own lives, striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, knowing that our lives are to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

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

### 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 acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It was a tangible expression of faith that God, who provided the first, would also ensure the completion of the harvest. It demonstrated trust in God's ongoing provision and served as a consecration of the entire yield. Beyond agriculture, it represents giving God the priority and the best of what we have, recognizing that all blessings flow from Him, as seen 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 requirement for a "lamb without blemish" (Hebrew: *tamiym*) was crucial for Old Testament sacrifices because it symbolized perfection, purity, and wholeness. A holy God demands a perfect offering; anything less would be an insult to His character. This physical flawlessness represented the moral and spiritual perfection required for an offering to be acceptable and effective for atonement. It also served as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was truly "without blemish or defect," as [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through the Precious Blood of Christ") describes.

**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 behind Leviticus 23:12 remain profoundly relevant. The call to give our "firstfruits" translates into prioritizing God in every area of our lives—our time, talents, and resources—as an act of worship and trust. The demand for a "blemish-free" offering points to the pursuit of holiness and integrity in our lives, made possible by Christ's perfect sacrifice. Ultimately, the burnt offering's symbolism of complete dedication 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 spiritual act of worship, as 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 specific instruction for a "he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering" accompanying the Feast of Firstfruits, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The requirement for a "lamb without blemish" is a powerful 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 life was utterly pure and His sacrifice utterly flawless, making Him the only acceptable offering to a holy God, as 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 guarantee of the full harvest to come, Christ's resurrection from the dead is declared by 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 guarantees the future resurrection of all believers, signifying the beginning of God's great harvest of redemption. Finally, the "burnt offering" aspect, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, is perfectly 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 for all who believe, as 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 to the person and 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.

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.