Leviticus 23:17

KJV

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall bring out {H935} of your habitations {H4186} two {H8147} wave {H8573} loaves {H3899} of two {H8147} tenth deals {H6241}: they shall be of fine flour {H5560}; they shall be baken {H644} with leaven {H2557}; they are the firstfruits {H1061} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You must bring bread from your homes for waving-two loaves made with one gallon of fine flour, baked with leaven -as firstfruits for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Bring two loaves of bread from your dwellings as a wave offering, each made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with leaven, as the firstfruits to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave-loaves of two tenth parts of an ephah: they shall be of fine flour, they shall be baken with leaven, for first-fruits unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:17 details a specific and unique offering required for the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), instructing the Israelites to present two leavened loaves as a wave offering. These loaves, made from fine flour and representing the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, were to be brought from their homes as a communal act of worship and gratitude to the LORD, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty over their sustenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the seven annual feasts of the LORD, known as "appointed times" or "holy convocations," which structured Israel's sacred calendar and worship life. These feasts, including the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles, served as divinely ordained patterns for Israel's relationship with God. Verse 17 specifically falls within the instructions for the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost in the New Testament, which is introduced in [Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - Counting to Pentecost"). This festival marked the culmination of the spring grain harvest, occurring exactly seven weeks (50 days) after the Feast of Firstfruits, which itself followed Passover. The preceding verses establish the counting period from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest, making the offering in verse 17 the climactic expression of gratitude for the new grain.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural cycle was central to ancient Israelite life and worship. The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) was a joyous harvest festival, celebrating the completion of the wheat harvest, which was a vital staple. Unlike other grain offerings, which typically required unleavened bread to symbolize purity and separation from sin (as seen in [Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Unleavened Bread for Passover") for Passover), the two loaves presented at Shavuot were explicitly commanded to be "baken with leaven." This unique instruction is highly significant, as leaven often symbolized corruption or sin in other biblical contexts (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Paul's Warning Against Leaven")). Its inclusion here suggests that the offering, though holy and dedicated to God, came from the ordinary, imperfect lives and labors of the people. It underscored God's acceptance of His people as they were, acknowledging their human frailty even as they presented their best to Him. The offering was communal, brought "out of your habitations," signifying the collective gratitude of the entire nation for God's bountiful provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wave (Hebrew, _tenuphah'_):** This term refers to a specific ritualistic movement performed by the priest, where the offering was moved back and forth horizontally before the altar. This action symbolized presenting the offering to the LORD, dedicating it to Him, and acknowledging that all blessings came from Him and were being returned to Him. It was an act of consecration, signifying the transfer of ownership or dedication to God.
* **Leaven (Hebrew, _chametz'_):** In most sacrificial contexts, leaven was strictly forbidden, symbolizing impurity, corruption, or the pervasive nature of sin. Its explicit inclusion in the Feast of Weeks offering is therefore highly unusual and profoundly symbolic. It signifies that this offering, unlike those for atonement or purity, represented the common, everyday bread of the people, made with leaven, acknowledging that even in their best efforts and offerings, humanity remains imperfect and fallen. God accepts this offering not because it is perfectly pure, but because it is presented by an imperfect people in faith.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _bikkurim'_):** This term denotes the initial, choicest, and best portion of the harvest. Offering the *bikkurim* was an act of faith and dependence, trusting God for the remainder of the harvest and demonstrating reliance on His continued provision. It was a tangible expression of gratitude and an acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership of the land and its produce.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall bring out of your habitations":** This emphasizes the communal and personal nature of the offering. It was not something prepared solely by the priests in the temple, but came directly from the homes and daily lives of the Israelites, representing the collective bounty and gratitude of the entire congregation.
* **"two wave loaves of two tenth deals":** This specifies the exact quantity and type of offering. "Two tenth deals" refers to two omers, a precise dry measure of fine flour (approximately 4.4 liters per omer), indicating the meticulous and prescribed nature of this significant offering. The "wave loaves" signify the ritualistic dedication to the LORD.
* **"they shall be of fine flour":** This denotes the quality of the offering. Despite the inclusion of leaven, the flour itself was to be "fine," meaning the best quality available, indicating that even an imperfect people were to offer their very best to God.
* **"they shall be baken with leaven":** This is the most distinctive and theologically rich instruction. Contrary to most other offerings, the leaven was deliberately included, symbolizing the reality of human imperfection and sin even within a holy offering. It highlights God's gracious acceptance of His people as they are, acknowledging their fallen nature yet receiving their worship.
* **"[they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD":** This declares the ultimate purpose and significance of the offering. These loaves were the initial, choicest portion of the wheat harvest, dedicated entirely to God as an act of thanksgiving and recognition of His sovereignty over all provision.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "two wave loaves" symbolizing the collective gratitude and sustenance of the community. The explicit inclusion of **leaven** is a powerful counter-symbol to its typical negative connotations, creating a deliberate **contrast** with other unleavened offerings (e.g., Passover). This contrast highlights a unique theological truth: God's acceptance of an imperfect people. The precise measurements ("two tenth deals") and the specific ritual ("wave loaves") demonstrate **ritualistic language** and **prescriptive detail**, emphasizing the divine origin and importance of the command. The phrase "firstfruits unto the LORD" serves as an overarching **thematic declaration**, encapsulating the purpose of the offering as an act of dedicated worship and acknowledgment of divine provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:17 profoundly illustrates God's gracious acceptance of His people, even in their imperfection. The unique command to include leaven in this holy offering underscores that while God calls for holiness, His grace extends to fallen humanity. It teaches that our worship and offerings, though imperfect, are received by a gracious God who knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. This principle foreshadows the New Covenant, where God's acceptance is not based on human perfection but on divine grace through faith. The "firstfruits" theme also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's ownership and provision, reminding believers to offer their best and acknowledge Him as the source of all blessings.

* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")
* [Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "The Spirit as Firstfruits of Our Inheritance")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Grace in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The instructions in Leviticus 23:17, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offer timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. The command to bring "firstfruits" reminds us of the principle of stewardship and gratitude: recognizing that all we have—our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives—are gifts from God. We are called to offer Him our "first and best," not as a means to earn His favor, but as an overflow of love and acknowledgment of His sovereign provision. Furthermore, the inclusion of leaven in this sacred offering is a profound comfort. It teaches us that God accepts us not because of our perfection, but despite our imperfections. We can approach Him honestly, with our struggles and flaws, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This should encourage us to live authentically before God and others, embracing humility and relying on His transformative power rather than striving for an impossible self-perfection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I holding back my "firstfruits" from the Lord, whether it be my time, talents, or resources?**
* **How does the symbolism of leaven in this offering challenge my understanding of God's acceptance and grace in my own life?**
* **What does it mean practically to offer my "imperfect best" to God in my daily walk and service?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's provision in all aspects of my life?**

### FAQ

**Why were these loaves baked with leaven when leaven usually symbolizes sin?**

Answer: The inclusion of leaven in the two wave loaves for the Feast of Weeks is a unique and highly significant exception to the general biblical prohibition of leaven in offerings, particularly those related to atonement or purity (e.g., during Passover, see [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Removing Leaven from Homes")). While leaven often symbolizes corruption or the pervasive nature of sin, its presence here is understood to symbolize that the offering came from the ordinary, imperfect lives of the people. It represented the common bread they ate daily, acknowledging that even their best efforts and offerings were presented by a fallen, imperfect humanity. This unique instruction underscores God's gracious acceptance of His people as they are, not based on their sinless perfection, but on His covenant grace. It highlights that God receives worship from imperfect people living in an imperfect world, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to commune with humanity despite its flaws.

**What is a "wave offering" and what did it signify?**

Answer: A "wave offering" (Hebrew: *tenuphah*) was a specific ritualistic movement performed by the priest in ancient Israelite worship. The priest would physically move the offering back and forth, horizontally, before the altar of the LORD. This action was symbolic, signifying the presentation of the offering to God, dedicating it entirely to Him, and acknowledging that all blessings came from Him and were being returned to Him. It was an act of consecration, declaring God's ownership and the worshiper's submission and gratitude. Unlike a "heave offering" (which was lifted up), the wave offering's horizontal motion may have emphasized the offering being "waved before" the LORD, signifying its acceptance and dedication across the community.

**What does "two tenth deals" mean?**

Answer: "Two tenth deals" refers to a specific measurement of flour. A "tenth deal" (Hebrew: *`issaron`*) is equivalent to one omer, which was a dry measure of approximately 4.4 liters or about 3.6 kg (8 pounds) of flour. Therefore, "two tenth deals" means two omers of fine flour, totaling approximately 8.8 liters or 7.2 kg of flour. This precise measurement highlights the meticulous nature of God's instructions for worship and the importance of adhering to the divine specifications for the offering. It ensured uniformity and demonstrated the Israelites' obedience to the prescribed rituals for the Feast of Weeks.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:17, with its unique leavened firstfruits offering, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, is directly fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (as described in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "The Day of Pentecost")). Just as the Old Testament Feast of Weeks celebrated the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, Pentecost marked the "firstfruits" of the new spiritual harvest: the birth of the Church, comprised of imperfect individuals from every tribe and tongue. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate "firstfruits"—He is the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection"), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all believers. The Holy Spirit, poured out on Pentecost, is described as the [firstfruits of our inheritance](/romans/8-23 "The Spirit as Firstfruits of Our Inheritance"), a down payment and foretaste of our full redemption and the glorious new creation. Crucially, the leaven in the loaves symbolizes God's acceptance of imperfect humanity. This foreshadows the gospel message: God accepts us, not based on our sinless perfection (which is impossible, as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned") declares), but through faith in the perfect sacrifice of Christ. He bore our sin, allowing us, though imperfect, to be presented as a holy offering to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the leavened loaves point to a God who, in Christ, embraces and transforms fallen humanity, making us His firstfruits, a new creation, empowered by His Spirit.

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.