Leviticus 23:20

And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits [for] a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

And the priest {H3548} shall wave {H5130} them with the bread {H3899} of the firstfruits {H1061} for a wave offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, with the two {H8147} lambs {H3532}: they shall be holy {H6944} to the LORD {H3068} for the priest {H3548}.

The cohen will wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before ADONAI, with the two lambs; these will be holy for ADONAI for the cohen.

The priest is to wave the lambs as a wave offering before the LORD, together with the bread of the firstfruits. The bread and the two lambs shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the first-fruits for a wave-offering before Jehovah, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to Jehovah for the priest.

Commentary

Leviticus 23:20 describes a crucial part of the ritual for the Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost or Shavuot), specifically detailing the presentation of the firstfruits.

Context

This verse is found within Leviticus chapter 23, which outlines the LORD's appointed feasts and holy days for the Israelites. The Feast of Weeks (or Shavuot), commemorated in verses 15-22 of this chapter, was celebrated fifty days after the presentation of the wave sheaf of the firstfruits of the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:10-11). It marked the completion of the spring grain harvest, particularly wheat. The offering described here—two loaves of leavened bread made from the new grain, accompanied by two lambs—represented the nation's thanksgiving for God's provision.

Key Themes

  • The Wave Offering (Tenupah): This specific ritual involved the priest presenting the offering by waving it horizontally before the altar, symbolizing its presentation to the LORD and then its reception back as a gift from God. It signified dedication, consecration, and God's acceptance. This gesture was also used in other offerings, such as the consecration of Aaron and his sons.
  • Firstfruits and Thanksgiving: The offering of the "bread of the firstfruits" emphasized the Israelite's recognition that all blessings, especially the harvest, came from God. It was an act of profound gratitude and acknowledgment of divine ownership and provision, a principle seen throughout scripture (e.g., Proverbs 3:9).
  • Holiness and Priestly Provision: The verse states that the offerings "shall be holy to the LORD for the priest." This highlights that the items were set apart for God's sacred use and then became the rightful portion for the priests, providing for their sustenance as they served in the tabernacle or temple. This was a common aspect of the sacrificial system (Numbers 18:8-11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "wave offering" is tenuphah (תְּנוּפָה), derived from a root meaning "to wave, to sway, to lift up." It conveys the idea of presenting something before the LORD, indicating God's acceptance and the sanctification of the offering. The term "holy" (qodesh, קֹדֶשׁ) signifies something set apart, consecrated, and dedicated exclusively to God's purposes.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 23:20, while rooted in ancient Israelite worship, offers timeless principles:

  • Divine Ownership and Gratitude: It reminds us that all good things come from God (James 1:17) and that we should express our thanks by dedicating the "first and best" of our lives and resources to Him.
  • Anticipation of Pentecost: The Feast of Weeks is profoundly significant in the New Testament. It is the very day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and believers in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4), marking the "firstfruits" of the Church and the new covenant era. Just as the grain harvest was completed and presented, so too was the spiritual harvest initiated through the Spirit's outpouring.
  • Support for Ministry: The provision for the priest underscores the biblical principle of supporting those who minister God's Word and serve in spiritual capacities.

This verse beautifully weaves together themes of divine provision, human gratitude, sacred dedication, and the foreshadowing of momentous spiritual events.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 18:4

    The firstfruit [also] of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

  • Numbers 18:8

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

  • Numbers 18:12

    All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:11

    If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

  • Leviticus 8:29

    And Moses took the breast, and waved it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: [for] of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Luke 2:14

    Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

  • Leviticus 23:17

    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.
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