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 presents a pivotal instruction for the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), commanding the Israelites to bring two leavened loaves as a wave offering. These loaves, meticulously prepared from fine flour and representing the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, were to be presented from their homes as a collective act of worship and profound gratitude to the LORD, acknowledging His sovereign provision and the culmination of the spring harvest cycle. This unique offering, notably containing leaven, held deep theological significance regarding God's gracious acceptance of an imperfect people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 serves as a foundational chapter within the Pentateuch, meticulously detailing the seven annual "appointed times" or "holy convocations" (mo'adim) that structured Israel's sacred calendar and communal worship. These feasts—the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles—were divinely ordained patterns for Israel's covenant relationship with God. Verse 17 specifically falls within the instructions for the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost (meaning "fifty" in Greek), which is introduced in [Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15-16 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - Counting to Pentecost"). This festival marked the culmination of the spring grain harvest, occurring precisely 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 described in verse 17 the climactic expression of national gratitude for the new grain. The placement of this unique leavened offering among the other unleavened sacrifices underscores its distinct theological purpose within the broader sacrificial system.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural calendar was intrinsically interwoven with the spiritual life and worship of ancient Israel. The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) was a joyous harvest festival, celebrating the completion of the vital wheat harvest, a staple crop essential for sustenance. Unlike most other grain offerings, which strictly prohibited leaven to symbolize purity and separation from sin (as exemplified by the unleavened bread of [Passover](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Unleavened Bread for Passover")), the two loaves presented at Shavuot were explicitly commanded to be "baken with leaven." This instruction is profoundly significant, as leaven often symbolized corruption or the pervasive nature of sin in other biblical contexts (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6-8 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Paul's Warning Against Leaven")). Its inclusion here suggests that this specific offering, while 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 and their dependence on His continued blessing.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Human Gratitude**, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of all sustenance and calling His people to respond with worship and thanksgiving for the harvest. Secondly, the unique inclusion of leaven underscores the theme of **God's Grace and Acceptance of Imperfect Humanity**. Unlike sin offerings, this offering, though holy, acknowledged the reality of human imperfection and the presence of "leaven" (sin/corruption) in daily life, yet God graciously accepted it. This foreshadows a deeper theological truth about God's willingness to commune with and accept His people despite their flaws. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Obedience**, as the meticulous instructions for the offering demonstrate God's precise requirements for worship and Israel's commitment to faithfully observe His appointed times. Finally, the "firstfruits" aspect connects to the theme of **Sanctification and Dedication**, where the choicest portion is set apart for the Lord, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all creation, as seen in other firstfruit offerings like those in [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Firstfruits Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wave (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwphâh'_):** From the root meaning "to undulate" or "brandish," this term refers specifically to the ritualistic movement performed by the priest, where the offering was moved back and forth horizontally before the altar. This action was not merely ceremonial; it symbolized presenting the offering to the LORD, 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, signifying the transfer of ownership or dedication to God, making the offering acceptable and holy.
* **Leaven (Hebrew, _châmêts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be sour" or "ferment," this term denotes fermented dough or leavened bread. In most sacrificial contexts, leaven was strictly forbidden, symbolizing impurity, corruption, or the pervasive nature of sin (e.g., [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven")). 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, highlighting His grace.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _bikkûwr'_):** From a root meaning "to be first-born" or "to bear first-fruits," this term denotes the initial, choicest, and best portion of the harvest. Offering the _bikkûwr_ 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, a recognition of God's ultimate ownership of the land and its produce, and a prophetic pledge of the full harvest yet to come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall bring out of your habitations":** This clause 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. It underscored that the offering was a direct result of their labor and God's blessing upon their daily existence.
* **"two wave loaves of two tenth deals":** This specifies the exact quantity and type of offering. "Two tenth deals" (Hebrew: _`issârôwn`_) refers to two omers, a precise dry measure of fine flour (approximately 4.4 liters per omer, totaling about 8.8 liters or 7.2 kg), indicating the meticulous and prescribed nature of this significant offering. The "wave loaves" (Hebrew: _tᵉnûwphâh_) signify the ritualistic dedication to the LORD, performed by the priest. The duality of "two" loaves may also symbolize the two houses of Israel or the unity of the community in their offering.
* **"they shall be of fine flour":** This denotes the quality of the offering. Despite the unique inclusion of leaven, the flour itself was to be "fine" (Hebrew: _çôleth_), meaning the best quality available. This instruction indicates that even an imperfect people were to offer their very best to God, demonstrating reverence and valuing the sacred act of worship.
* **"they shall be baken with leaven":** This is the most distinctive and theologically rich instruction within the verse. Contrary to most other offerings, the leaven (Hebrew: _châmêts_) was deliberately included. This unique aspect symbolizes 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, signifying His mercy triumphs over strict ritual purity in this context.
* **"[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 (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) as an act of thanksgiving and recognition of His sovereignty over all provision. It served as a tangible expression of trust in His continued blessing for the remainder of the harvest and an acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership of the land and its produce.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:17 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "two wave loaves" symbolizing the collective gratitude and sustenance of the community, representing their daily bread and the fruit of their labor. The explicit inclusion of **leaven** is a powerful **counter-symbol** to its typical negative connotations throughout the Mosaic Law, creating a deliberate **contrast** with other unleavened offerings (e.g., those for Passover or sin offerings). 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, meticulousness, and importance of the command. The concluding phrase, "firstfruits unto the LORD," serves as an overarching **thematic declaration**, encapsulating the purpose of the offering as an act of dedicated worship, acknowledgment of divine provision, and a pledge of future blessings.

### 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 and purity, His grace extends to fallen humanity. It teaches that our worship and offerings, though imperfect and stemming from our ordinary, "leavened" lives, 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 or adherence to a flawless ritual, but on divine grace through faith in Christ. 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 ultimate source of all blessings. It speaks to the ongoing reality that God desires relationship with His people, imperfections and all, and that true worship flows from a heart of gratitude for His undeserved favor.

* [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, inviting us to a deeper understanding of God's character and our response to His grace. The command to bring "firstfruits" reminds us of the principle of stewardship and grateful dependence: 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 or boast in our efforts, but as an overflow of love, trust, and acknowledgment of His sovereign provision and ownership. Furthermore, the inclusion of leaven in this sacred offering is a profound and liberating comfort. It teaches us that God accepts us not because of our perfection or sinless state, but despite our imperfections. We can approach Him honestly, with our struggles, flaws, and the "leaven" of our fallen nature, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This truth 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 that would deny our need for His grace. It calls us to offer our "imperfect best" in worship and service, confident in His loving acceptance.

#### 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, and how can I offer them more fully?**
* **How does the symbolism of leaven in this offering challenge or deepen my understanding of God's acceptance and grace in my own life, especially concerning my imperfections?**
* **What does it mean practically to offer my "imperfect best" to God in my daily walk, service, and relationships, trusting in His grace rather than my own merit?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent sense of gratitude for God's provision in all aspects of my life, acknowledging His hand in every blessing?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The inclusion of leaven (Hebrew: _châmêts_) 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 "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. It's a powerful theological statement that God is willing to meet us where we are, not just where we ought to be.

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

Answer: A "wave offering" (Hebrew: _tᵉnûwphâh_) 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 deeply 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, or perhaps symbolizing the spread of God's blessing. It was a visual declaration of God's sovereignty over the harvest and the people's dependence on Him.

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

Answer: "Two tenth deals" refers to a specific measurement of flour. A "tenth deal" (Hebrew: _ʻissârôwn_) 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, emphasizing that even in their gratitude, they were to follow God's commands with exactitude and reverence.

### 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 - The Holy Spirit Poured Out")). 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, gathered into one body. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate "firstfruits"—He is the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection"), guaranteeing the future resurrection and glorification of all believers. The Holy Spirit, poured out on Pentecost, is described as the [firstfruits of our inheritance](/romans/8-23 "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 powerfully foreshadows the gospel message: God accepts us, not based on our sinless perfection (which is impossible, as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") declares), but through faith in the perfect sacrifice of Christ. He, "who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/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, and presented as a holy, yet imperfect, offering to Him.

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 23:10

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:

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:

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.

Leviticus 7:13

Besides the cakes, he shall offer [for] his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.

Exodus 34:22

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

Matthew 13:33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.