Exodus 23:16
And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.
Original Language Analysis
הַקָּצִיר֙
of harvest
H7105
הַקָּצִיר֙
of harvest
Strong's:
H7105
Word #:
2 of 16
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
מַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ
in thy labours
H4639
מַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ
in thy labours
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּזְרַ֖ע
which thou hast sown
H2232
תִּזְרַ֖ע
which thou hast sown
Strong's:
H2232
Word #:
6 of 16
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
הָֽאָסִף֙
of ingathering
H614
הָֽאָסִף֙
of ingathering
Strong's:
H614
Word #:
9 of 16
gathered, i.e., (abstractly) a gathering in of crops
בְּצֵ֣את
which is in the end
H3318
בְּצֵ֣את
which is in the end
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
10 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בְּאָסְפְּךָ֥
when thou hast gathered
H622
בְּאָסְפְּךָ֥
when thou hast gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
12 of 16
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ
in thy labours
H4639
מַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ
in thy labours
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
14 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions held seasonal festivals, but Israel's feasts distinctly commemorated historical redemption (exodus) rather than merely agricultural cycles. The festivals reinforced covenant identity across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.
Israel's festival calendar (Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles) celebrated God's provision and redemption. The appointed times (מוֹעֲדִים, mo'adim) gathered covenant people to remember God's faithfulness and anticipate future fulfillment. Festivals combined worship, rest, and fellowship—integrating spiritual and social life. These celebrations typologically point to Christ: Passover (His sacrifice), Weeks/Pentecost (Spirit's outpouring), Tabernacles (God dwelling with us). Christian worship continues this pattern of remembrance and anticipation.