The term “first fruits” appears numerous times throughout Scripture and holds deep significance in both the Old and New Testaments. In ancient Israel, the concept of first fruits was more than just an agricultural practice; it was a spiritual principle that acknowledged God as the ultimate provider. It represented gratitude, trust, obedience, and the expectation of future blessings. The Israelites were commanded to bring the first and best of their harvest to the Lord as an offering (Exodus 23:19), symbolizing their reliance on God and reverence for His provision.
In the New Testament, the meaning of first fruits evolves further. Jesus Christ is referred to as the “first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20), emphasizing the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Believers are also called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, as a spiritual offering of first fruits (Romans 12:1).
This article explores 20 Bible verses about first fruits, helping us understand this powerful principle and how it still applies to our faith, giving, and worship today. As we reflect on these verses, we will gain a clearer picture of how God desires our best—not just materially, but in every area of our lives.
1. Exodus 23:19 (KJV)
“The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God.”
This foundational verse institutes the practice of bringing the first and best of the harvest to the Lord.
2. Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.”
Giving first fruits honors God and recognizes Him as the source of our prosperity.
3. Leviticus 23:10 (KJV)
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land… then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest.”
God commanded a dedicated offering of first fruits as a celebration and acknowledgment of His faithfulness.
4. Romans 11:16 (KJV)
“For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”
This verse ties the principle of first fruits to sanctification and holiness.
5. 1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV)
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
Jesus’ resurrection is the first of many to come, showing the guarantee of new life for believers.
6. James 1:18 (KJV)
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
Believers are considered a spiritual offering to God, the first among His new creation.
7. Exodus 34:26 (KJV)
“The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God.”
This command is repeated, emphasizing its importance in Israelite worship.
8. Leviticus 2:12 (KJV)
“As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the Lord: but they shall not be burnt on the altar.”
God set apart specific ways the first fruits were to be handled.
9. Nehemiah 10:35 (KJV)
“And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord.”
A renewal of the commitment to first fruits under Nehemiah‘s leadership.
10. Deuteronomy 26:2 (KJV)
“That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth… and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his name there.”
A specific instruction for bringing first fruits as a form of worship and pilgrimage.
11. 2 Chronicles 31:5 (KJV)
“And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits… and all the increase of the field.”
Obedience to God resulted in abundant offerings and blessings.
12. Numbers 18:13 (KJV)
“And whatsoever is first ripe in the land… shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat of it.”
First fruits were designated for the priests and Levites, showing God’s provision for His ministers.
13. Deuteronomy 18:4 (KJV)
“The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil… shalt thou give him.”
God required a portion of the harvest for those who served in the temple.
14. Jeremiah 2:3 (KJV)
“Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the firstfruits of his increase.”
God viewed Israel as His own first fruits among the nations.
15. Revelation 14:4 (KJV)
“These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
A powerful image of the redeemed as a holy offering to God in the end times.
16. Leviticus 23:17 (KJV)
“Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves… they are the firstfruits unto the Lord.”
First fruits offerings also included bread, representing God’s provision.
17. Leviticus 23:20 (KJV)
“And the priest shall wave them… they shall be holy to the Lord for the priest.”
The wave offering was a way to publicly dedicate first fruits.
18. Deuteronomy 26:10 (KJV)
“And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land… and worship before the Lord thy God.”
First fruits were tied closely to acts of worship and gratitude.
19. Ezekiel 44:30 (KJV)
“And the first of all the firstfruits… shall be the priest’s… that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.”
Giving first fruits brought a blessing to the giver’s household.
20. Genesis 4:4 (KJV)
“And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.”
Although not using the exact word “first fruits,” Abel’s offering is an early example of giving the best to God.
Conclusion
The principle of first fruits is not just an ancient agricultural ritual—it is a timeless spiritual truth. God deserves our best, not our leftovers. Whether it’s the first moments of our day, the first portion of our income, or the best of our energy and talents, everything we have is a gift from God and should be returned to Him in worship.
Through the 20 Bible verses shared above, we see that giving first fruits is an act of faith, obedience, gratitude, and honor. It invites God’s blessing and positions our hearts to trust in His provision. Most importantly, Jesus Himself is the ultimate first fruit, risen from the dead to guarantee our own resurrection and eternal life.
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