In the Bible, the concept of firstfruits refers to offering the first and best of one’s produce, livestock, or harvest to God. It was a form of sacrifice and worship, acknowledging that all good things come from God. Here are some key Bible verses about firstfruits:
Exodus 23:19
“The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.”
This verse from the law given to Moses instructs the Israelites to bring the first and best portions of their harvest to the Lord. This showed their dependence on God for provision and expressed thankfulness for His blessings.
Exodus 34:26
“The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God.”
The command to bring firstfruits is repeated, emphasizing its importance. Bringing the first and best display devotion to God above all else.
Leviticus 2:12
“As an offering of firstfruits you may bring them to the Lord, but they shall not be offered on the altar for a pleasing aroma.”
While firstfruits were required, this verse clarifies that the first batch of grain was not to be burned on the altar like other offerings. It was holy and belonged to God but not used as a sacrifice.
Leviticus 23:9-14
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it…
And you shall eat neither bread nor grain parched or fresh until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”
These verses give instructions for celebrating the Feast of Firstfruits. A sheaf representing the first of the barley harvest was brought to the priest and waved before the Lord. No crops could be eaten until this offering was made.
Numbers 18:12-13
“All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the firstfruits of what they give to the Lord, I give to you. The first ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours.”
As part of the priests’ provision, God gave them all the firstfruits brought by the people. The first and best belonged to the Lord but were for the priests to use and enjoy.
Deuteronomy 18:4
“The firstfruits of your grain, of your wine and of your oil, and the first fleece of your sheep, you shall give him.”
Again the first and best of crops and flocks were to be brought to the Lord’s priests as their inheritance and payment for service.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there…
And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.”
These verses instruct the Israelites, once settled in the Promised Land, to bring baskets of firstfruits to the central sanctuary as an offering. It was an occasion of rejoicing over God’s provision.
Nehemiah 10:35-37
“We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks.”
After returning from exile, the Israelites renewed their pact with God including bringing firstfruits to the house of the Lord. This demonstrated putting God first in their lives again.
Nehemiah 12:44
“And at that time some were appointed over the chambers for the stores, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns.”
Administrators were appointed to organize the collection and storage of firstfruits and tithes brought to the temple for distribution to the priests and Levites.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Giving the first and best to God is presented as a path to blessing. Honoring God should be a priority in all things, including finances.
Jeremiah 2:3
“Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest.”
This passage poetically describes Israel as belonging to God as His firstfruits. Of all nations, Israel was specially consecrated to the Lord.
Ezekiel 44:30
“And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests.”
Regulations for offerings in the new temple include assigning all firstfruits to the priests for their provision, sustenance and livelihood.
Ezekiel 48:14
“They shall not sell any of it or exchange it. These are the best of the land that must not be transferred, for the holy portion is for the priests.”
Again, the choice firstfruits portions of land were solely for the priests. What was given to God could not be bartered away.
Romans 8:23
“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
Believers have the firstfruits of the Spirit as a deposit and foretaste of their future heavenly inheritance. This guarantees full adoption and resurrection still to come.
Romans 11:16
“If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.”
Paul argues that just as firstfruits sanctify the whole batch, the patriarchs of Israel (the root) impart holiness to the nation. God still has promises in store for His chosen people.
Romans 16:5
“Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.”
Epaenetus is honored as the firstfruits of Christian converts in Asia Minor, setting an example for many others to follow.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
Jesus’ resurrection is presented as the firstfruits of the resurrection and guarantee that believers will also experience resurrection from death when He returns.
1 Corinthians 16:15
“Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.”
Like Epaenetus, Stephanas’ household were honored and thanked for being the firstfruits of converts in Corinth, paving the way for many to follow.
James 1:18
“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
Believers are described as firstfruits of God’s creatures set apart and born again by His word and spirit, with more to come.
Revelation 14:4
“It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.”
This passage depicts redeemed believers as firstfruits dedicated to Christ and separated from sin and impurity.
In summary, the biblical theme of firstfruits teaches us to put God first and give Him our best. As firstfruits sanctify the rest of the harvest, so our devotion and offerings to God should set the tone for how we steward all areas of life. Ultimately Jesus is the firstfruits that guarantees resurrection and restoration for all who believe.