What Is the Feast of Firstfruits?
What Is the Feast of Firstfruits? The Feast of Firstfruits was Israel's spring harvest offering, picturing the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of those who sleep.
Key verse: Leviticus 23:10-11 (KJV)
The Feast of Firstfruits was Israel's spring harvest offering, picturing the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of those who sleep.
The Feast of Firstfruits was Israel's spring harvest offering, picturing the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of those who sleep.
"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: And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it." — Leviticus 23:10-11 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
The Feast of Firstfruits was celebrated on the day after the Sabbath during the week of Passover. The priest would wave a sheaf of the first grain of the barley harvest before the LORD, acknowledging that all produce came from Him. No grain could be eaten until this offering was made. The feast held profound prophetic significance. Jesus rose from the dead on the day after the Sabbath — the very day of Firstfruits. Paul explicitly connects the two: 'Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.' Just as the first sheaf guaranteed the rest of the harvest, Christ's resurrection guarantees the resurrection of every believer. The Feast of Firstfruits is a celebration of hope: because He lives, we too shall live.
Key Scripture References
"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: And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it."
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Passover?
Passover is the annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, when the LORD passed over homes marked by the blood of a lamb.
What Is Pentecost?
Pentecost is the feast of weeks when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, empowering believers to proclaim the gospel.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Leviticus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Leviticus on day 34 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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