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.
Original Language Analysis
וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית
The firstfruit
H7225
וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית
The firstfruit
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
1 of 9
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
of thy wine
H8492
תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
of thy wine
Strong's:
H8492
Word #:
3 of 9
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָ
and of thine oil
H3323
וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָ
and of thine oil
Strong's:
H3323
Word #:
4 of 9
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית
The firstfruit
H7225
וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית
The firstfruit
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
5 of 9
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
צֹֽאנְךָ֖
of thy sheep
H6629
צֹֽאנְךָ֖
of thy sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
7 of 9
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Cross References
Exodus 22:29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.Exodus 23:19The 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.Leviticus 23:10Speak 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:Leviticus 23:17Ye 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.
Historical Context
This law governed Israel's agricultural economy throughout their history in Canaan. Firstfruits festivals (Feast of Firstfruits, Pentecost) celebrated harvest and acknowledged God's provision. Nehemiah 10:35-37 records post-exilic Israel renewing commitment to firstfruits after neglecting them. The law assumes Canaanite settlement and agricultural lifestyle, showing Deuteronomy's preparation for life in the Promised Land rather than wilderness wandering.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you give God your 'firstfruits'—the first and best—or leftovers from what remains after your needs are met?
- How does prioritizing God financially demonstrate trust that He will provide for the rest of your needs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep (רֵאשִׁית דְּגָנְךָ תִּירֹשְׁךָ וְיִצְהָרֶךָ וְרֵאשִׁית גֵּז צֹאנְךָ)—reshit (firstfruit) appears twice, emphasizing priority. God claims the first and best, not leftovers. The agricultural triad—grain (dagan), new wine (tirosh), and oil (yitshar)—represents Canaan's staple crops, while fleece (gez) represents pastoral wealth.
Giving firstfruits required faith: farmers gave before seeing the full harvest's yield. This trust acknowledged God as provider and owner of all. Exodus 23:19 and Numbers 18:12-13 establish firstfruits as holy to the LORD, given to priests who represented Him. The principle extends beyond agriculture—Proverbs 3:9 commands honoring God "with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."
New Testament application: Jesus is aparche (firstfruits) of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20,23); believers are firstfruits of God's creatures (James 1:18); the church's generous giving should follow firstfruit priority (1 Corinthians 16:2). Withholding firstfruits was covenant violation—Haggai 1:4-11 shows the consequence of putting personal comfort before sacred obligation.