First fruits is an important concept in the Bible, representing the practice of offering the first agricultural produce of the harvest to God as an act of faith and thanksgiving. It is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament and takes on a symbolic meaning in the New Testament, where it is linked to the idea of resurrection and new life in Christ.
If you are wondering, “When are first fruits given?” the date varies depending on the particular tradition or culture. In Jewish tradition, for example, first fruits is celebrated on the second day of Passover, while in some Christian traditions, it is celebrated on the Sunday following the Passover.
The first fruits offering is an ancient Hebrew tradition. The Lord required this first fruit offering under the Mosaic Law. It consisted of the first crops of the harvest season. The ancient Israelites took these crops to the Temple priests. They gave their offerings during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover. Offering first fruits was how ancient Israel acknowledged the Lord as its provider.
Table of Contents
- Bible Teaching on First Fruit Offering
- The Significance of the First Fruits: Faith and Thanksgiving
- First Fruits in the New Testament
- First Fruits in the Church
- FAQs About the Tithe and First Fruits
- Recap
- Outsmart the False Teachers
Bible Teaching on First Fruit Offering
What is the first fruit? The first fruits bible meaning refers to an offering of the first agricultural produce of the harvest. The practice of giving first fruits is mentioned in the Old Testament in several places, including Exodus 23:16 and Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
Tithing first fruits was an act of faith and thanksgiving to God for his provision and blessings. It was a way for the people to acknowledge that everything they had came from God and depended on him for sustenance. By giving the first and best of their harvest to God, they expressed their gratitude and trust in his continued provision.
First fruits appears in Exodus (Exodus 23:19). However, the book of Leviticus provides more details about how the Lord wanted the ancient Israelites to give these offerings (Leviticus 23:10).
The Lord also instructs Moses on how the priests should handle the first fruits (Leviticus 23:11-14). For example, the priest waves the fruit offering over the altar, known as a wave offering (Leviticus 23:20). Afterward, the priests could keep the offering as a gift.
When to Give First Fruit Offering
The sacrificial gift occurred on the first month of the Hebrew calendar, called Nisan (or Nissan). The month of Nisan begins in March or April, which is the start of the barley harvest. The first yield of the harvest was reserved for the first fruits offering.
Temple priests received the offerings during Passover (Nisan 16). The Hebrews gave their offerings on the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the third day after Passover. Other first fruits scriptures include Deuteronomy 26:1-16 and Proverbs 3:9.
The first fruits appear 13 times in the Old Covenant. Bikkurim is the Hebrew word for first fruits. The term means “promise to come.” First fruits offerings signified that ancient Israel would receive everything God promised them. In other words, their offering would turn God’s promise into a reality.
They knew the Lord would continue blessing them as long as they gave their first harvest crops. Hebrews practiced first fruits given under the Law of Moses (or Mosaic Law).
The Significance of the First Fruits: Faith and Thanksgiving
There were several reasons why the Lord wanted first fruits offerings from the children of Israel. One, He wanted them to develop obedience to the Law of Moses. It’s through the act of obedience that the Hebrews would learn to trust God.
Two, giving first fruits is an act of thanksgiving. It was a way of expressing gratitude for all the Lord had done for them. Three, it showed a reverence for the Lord. It was a reminder that God was their provider.
Overall, first fruits offerings helped the Israelites keep God first in their lives.
First Fruits in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the concept of first fruits is symbolic. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Jesus is referred to as the “first fruits” of those who have died and been raised from the dead.
This means that Jesus’ resurrection was the first and most important event in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation and that it is a promise and a guarantee that all believers will be resurrected from the dead. In this sense, first fruits are linked to resurrection and new life in Christ.
The Lord didn’t require first fruits offerings under the New Testament. Although it’s referenced seven times in the New Testament, it’s used symbolically.
For example, the Apostle Paul refers to Christian converts as first fruits (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15).
Romans 16:5
King James Version
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:15
15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
King James Version
Apostle Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a first fruit (Romans 8:23). Additionally, he characterizes Jesus the Christ as a first fruits offering (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). In this case, God gave his son so He could bring forth a harvest of sons and daughters in Christ.
First Fruits in the Church
Many prosperity gospel preachers encourage Christian giving by telling their followers to give the “first fruits” of their income. However, like the biblical tithe, the first fruits were crops. These offerings never consisted of money. However, the modern-day Christian church has applied the concept of the first fruit to finances.
For example, many preachers encourage believers to give their first fruits offering at the start of the New Year. These offerings may include income from sources such as:
*Bonuses
*Discounts
*Tax refunds
*First paycheck
*Money from a sale
The first fruit is any financial giving above or beyond the tithe (10% of one’s income). Many Christian churches justify this practice because they view it as giving to God first.
Even though some churches have replaced first fruits with money, the New Testament church didn’t offer first fruits. Like tithing, it’s not a part of the New Covenant. Therefore, it’s not a requirement for Christians.
FAQs About the Tithe and First Fruits
What’s the difference between first fruits and offerings?
In the Bible, “first fruits” and “offerings” are gifts or sacrifices given to God, but they have different meanings and purposes.
“First fruits” refer to the first part of the harvest dedicated to God as an act of thanksgiving and recognition of His provision. This was a way of acknowledging that God was the source of all their blessings and that everything they had ultimately belonged to Him.
“Offerings” refer to a broader category of gifts or sacrifices given to God, including first fruits and other offerings. Offerings (food and drink offerings) were often given to seek forgiveness, make atonement for sin, express gratitude, or seek God’s blessing. There were different types of offerings in the Old Testament, including:
- Burnt offerings
- Grain offerings
- Peace offerings
- Sin offerings
- Guilt offerings
So, while first fruits are a specific type of offering given to acknowledge God’s provision, offerings generally encompass a wider range of gifts and sacrifices given to God for various reasons.
What’s the Difference Between Tithing and First Fruits?
In the context of biblical teachings, tithing and first fruits represent two distinct concepts. As noted in Leviticus 27:30, tithing involves ancient Israel giving the Lord one-tenth of its agricultural produce and livestock.
In contrast, first fruits, as mentioned in Exodus 23:19 and Numbers 18:12, refer to the offering of the initial portion of the harvest to God as a sign of trust and acknowledgment of His provision. The Scriptures show us the tithe and first fruit served slightly different purposes.
How Did Ancient Israel Tithe First Fruits?
In ancient Israel, tithing first fruits was a significant religious and cultural ritual. According to Deuteronomy 26:1-10, the Israelites were instructed to bring the first fruits of their soil to the place designated by God, such as the Tabernacle or the Temple. They presented these offerings to the priest as a symbol of gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s provision.
This act was also accompanied by a declaration that the offerer recited that acknowledged God’s faithfulness in delivering Israel from Egypt and providing for them in the Promised Land. This practice emphasized thanksgiving and recognition of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life.
Recap
First fruit offerings are a Hebrew custom the Lord established in Exodus 23:19. The Lord gave further instructions on how to offer first fruits in Leviticus 23:10-14 and Deuteronomy 26:1-16. Israel had to give the first crops of their harvest to the Temple priests in the month of Nisan (Nissan).
The first fruits season started in Spring (March or April) at the start of the barley harvest. The Hebrews took the crops to the priest on day two of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and three days after Passover.
Ancient Israel offered the first fruits to give thanks to the Lord. It was one way they honored God for his provision. Hebrews practiced this sacrificial giving while living under the Law of Moses (Mosaic Law). Today, many Christians have created their version of giving first fruits.
Many preachers encourage their congregations to give financial first fruits. The money is anything above and beyond the tithe (10% of their income). This monetary gift can come from sources ranging from tax refunds to bonuses. Even though giving first fruits occurs in some churches, it is not biblical. The first fruits were never money. Additionally, New Testament Christians weren’t required to give first fruits.
Outsmart the False Teachers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tithe doctrines, don’t worry! You can start by reading The Tithing Hoax, where we break down everything you need to know about tithing. We explain why Christians don’t have to tithe and provide biblical verses to back it up. So don’t let anyone tell you you’re going to hell if you don’t tithe.
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