Numbers 15:20

KJV

Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough [for] an heave offering: as [ye do] the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall offer up {H7311} a cake {H2471} of the first {H7225} of your dough {H6182} for an heave offering {H8641}: as ye do the heave offering {H8641} of the threshingfloor {H1637}, so shall ye heave {H7311} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Set aside from your first dough a cake as a gift; set it aside as you would set aside a portion of the grain from the threshing-floor.

Berean Standard Bible

From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor.

American Standard Version

Of the first of your dough ye shall offer up a cake for a heave-offering: as the heave-offering of the threshing-floor, so shall ye heave it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:20 presents a divine ordinance for the Israelites, upon their entry into the Promised Land, to consecrate a "heave offering" from the very first portion of their dough. This command directly parallels the established practice of offering from the threshingfloor, emphasizing God's enduring claim on the initial and choicest parts of their agricultural produce. It served as a foundational reminder of His absolute sovereignty, their continuous dependence on His bountiful provision, and their sacred obligation to honor Him through acts of gratitude and worship in every aspect of their daily sustenance and prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:20 is embedded within a broader legislative section (Numbers 15:1-31) that outlines various laws concerning offerings and sacrifices, intended for the Israelites once they settled in Canaan. This specific instruction regarding the dough offering (Numbers 15:17-21) immediately follows general regulations for burnt offerings and peace offerings, highlighting God's meticulous care in guiding His people not only in grand sacrificial acts but also in the mundane aspects of daily life, such as bread preparation. The placement of these laws, after the rebellion of Kadesh Barnea and the subsequent forty years of wilderness wandering, signals a renewed focus on covenant fidelity and preparation for a settled, agricultural existence in the Promised Land. It underscores the transition from a nomadic lifestyle sustained by manna to one dependent on the land's produce, requiring new forms of acknowledging God's provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of offering firstfruits was widespread among various cultures, often to appease deities or ensure continued fertility of the land. However, Israel's practice, exemplified by the dough offering, was distinctively theological. It was not merely a superstitious ritual but an expression of covenant loyalty, profound gratitude, and recognition of Yahweh as the sole Provider and Owner of the land. The "heave offering" (Hebrew: *terumah*) was a specific type of offering, a portion "lifted up" and designated for the sustenance of the Levitical priests and their families. Since the Levites received no tribal land inheritance, their livelihood was entirely dependent on the offerings of the other tribes. This system underscored the communal responsibility to support those dedicated to God's service, enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties. The explicit mention of "dough" extended the principle of firstfruits beyond raw agricultural produce (like grain from the threshingfloor) to processed food items, emphasizing that God's claim extended to every stage of their sustenance.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:20 significantly reinforces several foundational themes throughout the Pentateuch and beyond. Primarily, it exemplifies the **Principle of Firstfruits**, a recurring divine command that the initial and best portion of one's increase belongs to God. This principle is a tangible expression of faith, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership and generous provision, echoed from the earliest offerings in [Genesis 4:3-5](/genesis/4-3-5 "Genesis 4:3-5 - Cain and Abel's Offerings") to the detailed commands in [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The First of the Firstfruits") and the wisdom of [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Provision and Human Dependence**. The regular offering of dough served as a constant, practical reminder that daily sustenance was not a result of human effort alone but a direct blessing from God's hand, fostering a spirit of humility and reliance on Him. Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Holiness and Consecration**. By setting apart even common dough for sacred use, the Israelites were taught that all aspects of life, even the mundane act of preparing food, could be consecrated to God and reflect His holy character, aligning with the broader call for Israel to be a holy nation set apart for Him, as commanded in passages like [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dough (Hebrew, _ʿărîyçāh'_):** From H6182, meaning "meal" or "dough." This term refers specifically to the first kneaded portion of flour before it is baked into bread. Its inclusion in the command highlights that the offering was to be made at the very initial stage of preparation for bread, emphasizing the "firstness" of the gift. It signifies the raw material of daily sustenance, underscoring that even the most basic necessities of life, in their earliest processed form, were to be consecrated to God.
* **Heave Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmāh'_):** From H8641, meaning "a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute." This term is derived from the root H7311 (*rûwm*), meaning "to be high, to rise or raise." *Tᵉrûwmāh* thus denotes a portion of an offering that was "lifted up" or "set apart" for sacred use, typically designated for the priests. Unlike a burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire, or a peace offering, which was partly eaten by the offerer, the heave offering was specifically allocated for the sustenance of the priestly family. The physical act of "heaving" symbolized its presentation directly to God, who then allotted it to His servants.
* **Threshingfloor (Hebrew, _gōren'_):** From H1637, meaning "a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area." The threshingfloor was the designated area where harvested grain was separated from its chaff. Offerings from the threshingfloor (e.g., of grain or flour) were already established practices (Numbers 15:19). By drawing a direct parallel between the dough offering and the threshingfloor offering, the text emphasizes consistency and the extension of an existing principle to a new, more processed form of produce. It ensures that the principle of offering the first and best was applied comprehensively, from raw agricultural produce to the prepared food staple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough [for] an heave offering":** This opening clause issues a direct, imperative command to the Israelites. The "cake" (or loaf) made from the "first of your dough" signifies the initial portion of the kneaded flour, emphasizing the priority and preeminence of God in their daily lives and sustenance. This offering was to be a *terumah*, a portion specifically "lifted up" and set apart for the Lord, designated for the support of the priests.
* **"as [ye do] the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it":** This comparative clause clarifies the manner and principle of the dough offering by drawing a direct analogy to the well-understood and established practice of offering a portion of the grain from the threshingfloor. Just as the first and best of the raw harvest was presented to God, so too was the first and best of the prepared dough. This ensures continuity and consistency in the application of the firstfruits principle, extending it seamlessly to both unprocessed and processed agricultural products, underscoring its comprehensive nature.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Analogy** is central to the verse, as the command to offer from the dough is explicitly likened to the already established and familiar practice of offering from the threshingfloor. This comparison serves to clarify the new instruction by grounding it in a known ritual, thereby emphasizing consistency in divine expectations and the comprehensive nature of God's claim. The **Repetition** of "heave offering" (Hebrew: *terumah*) and the verb "heave" (from the Hebrew root *rûm*) powerfully reinforces the specific action required and its symbolic significance of lifting up and setting apart for God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes potent **Symbolism**: the "first of your dough" symbolizes the overarching principle of prioritizing God in all aspects of life, recognizing His ultimate ownership and provision before any personal consumption. The act of offering itself is inherently **Ritualistic**, providing a tangible, recurring, and communal way for the Israelites to express their gratitude, dependence, and covenant faithfulness to Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in Numbers 15:20 profoundly illustrates God's desire for His people to acknowledge His sovereignty over all aspects of their lives, from the grandest harvest to the simplest loaf of bread. It teaches that true worship extends beyond formal temple rituals into the mundane realities of daily provision and consumption. By requiring the "first of your dough," God establishes a principle of priority, demanding not the leftovers but the initial and best, fostering a heart of trust and gratitude. This act of giving back a portion of what God has already provided serves as a constant reminder that all blessings flow from His hand, cultivating a spirit of dependence and humility. The offering also underscores the sacredness of daily life and the communal responsibility to support those dedicated to God's service, like the priests, reflecting the interconnectedness of the covenant community.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth and Firstfruits")
* [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1-11 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - The Ceremony of Firstfruits")
* [Nehemiah 10:37](/nehemiah/10-37 "Nehemiah 10:37 - Covenant to Bring Firstfruits and Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of offering a cake from the first of one's dough is no longer a literal practice for believers under the New Covenant, the timeless principles embedded in Numbers 15:20 remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual walk and daily lives. This passage calls us to cultivate a heart that consistently prioritizes God in all things, recognizing that every good and perfect gift, from our daily sustenance to our deepest talents, comes from His gracious hand. It challenges us to give God our "first and best"—whether it be our time, our talents, our financial resources, or our energy—rather than offering Him the leftovers of our lives after we have satisfied our own desires. This is a profound act of faith, trusting that when we honor God with our firstfruits, He will faithfully provide for all our needs and bless our endeavors. It also fosters a spirit of profound gratitude, transforming even mundane activities like earning a living, managing our finances, or preparing a meal into opportunities to acknowledge God's continuous and gracious provision. Ultimately, this passage encourages a consecrated life, where even our daily sustenance and possessions are seen as opportunities to reflect God's holiness, generosity, and our joyful dependence upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you consistently giving God your "first and best" rather than offering Him your "leftovers"?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate provider for your daily needs impact your sense of gratitude, humility, and dependence on Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to consecrate more of your "daily dough"—your time, energy, and resources—to the Lord?**
* **How does the principle of supporting those who minister (like the priests in ancient Israel) apply to your commitment to the church and its leaders today?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the dough offering in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The dough offering, as described in Numbers 15:20, served multiple vital purposes for the Israelites. Primarily, it was a tangible and regular expression of the **principle of firstfruits**, ensuring that God received the initial and best portion of their agricultural produce, even from processed food like dough. This acknowledged His ultimate ownership of the land and all its bounty, and their continuous dependence on His provision. Secondly, it provided essential sustenance for the Levitical priests, who had no land inheritance and were supported by the offerings of the people, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 18:8-11](/numbers/18-8-11 "Numbers 18:8-11 - Priests' Share of Offerings"). Finally, it served as a constant, practical reminder of their covenant relationship with God, fostering a spirit of gratitude, obedience, and holiness in their daily lives as they settled into the Promised Land.

**Is the dough offering still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal ritual of offering a cake of dough is not practiced by Christians under the New Covenant, the underlying theological principles are profoundly and eternally relevant. The command embodies the timeless truths of **prioritizing God**, **acknowledging His sovereign provision**, and **living a consecrated life**. Christians are called to give God their "first and best" in all areas—their time, talents, and financial resources—as an act of worship, faith, and gratitude (e.g., [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice")). The New Testament emphasizes cheerful and generous giving (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 2:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")), not out of compulsion or legal obligation, but out of love and profound gratitude for God's ultimate provision in Christ. Thus, the spirit of the dough offering continues to guide believers in their stewardship, devotion, and recognition that all they possess is a gift from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of offering the first of the dough as a heave offering, deeply rooted in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The myriad Old Testament sacrifices and offerings, including those from the firstfruits, were but shadows pointing to the perfect and singular offering of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus Himself is the true "firstfruits" of God's new creation, the "firstborn from the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Body")), signifying the beginning of resurrection life and the guarantee of future resurrection for all who believe in Him. His life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate "heave offering"—He was "lifted up" on the cross, presented to God as a fragrant aroma and a propitiation for sin, and forever set apart as the perfect and sufficient sacrifice for all humanity ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, the need for repeated symbolic offerings from our produce is superseded by the call to offer our very lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). We are now called to give God not just the first of our dough, but the first and best of our hearts, our worship, our obedience, and our entire being, in grateful response to the [immeasurable grace](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith") and unmerited favor poured out through Christ, our ultimate Firstfruits and Heave Offering.

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 2:14

And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, [even] corn beaten out of full ears.

Deuteronomy 26:2

That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

Deuteronomy 26:10

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:

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.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.