Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 2:3KJV
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Jeremiah 2:3 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 2:3 mean?

Jeremiah 2:3 says that Israel was once set apart as something holy and special to the LORD, like the first and best portion of a harvest, and anyone who tried to harm Israel would face consequences from God. The verse shows how God viewed Israel’s early relationship with Him as precious and protected.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to remind the people of Judah about their beginnings as a nation dedicated to Him. The language compares Israel to "firstfruits," which were the earliest and most valued part of a harvest, set aside for God. The verse also warns that those who attacked or exploited Israel would be held accountable, highlighting God’s protective care in Israel’s early history.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 2:3

  • "Holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means something set apart or dedicated to God. Calling Israel "holiness unto the LORD" emphasizes that they were not just another nation, but specially chosen and devoted to God’s purposes.
  • "Firstfruits" (רֵאשִׁית, re’shith): This term refers to the first and best part of a harvest, which was offered to God. Describing Israel this way shows their unique value and priority in God’s eyes.
  • "Devour" (אָכַל, akhal): This word means to eat or consume. Here, it refers to nations or people who would try to harm or take advantage of Israel.
  • "Offend" (אָשַׁם, asham): This word carries the idea of being guilty or incurring guilt. The verse says that those who "devour" Israel would become guilty before God, not just before people.

Why Jeremiah 2:3 matters

  • Jeremiah 2:3 clears up the idea that Israel’s special status was not based on their own merit, but on God setting them apart as "holiness" and "firstfruits."
  • The verse highlights God’s protective attitude toward Israel in their early history, showing that any harm done to them was seen as an offense against God Himself.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of Jeremiah 2, where God contrasts Israel’s faithful beginnings with their later unfaithfulness, making the warning and disappointment in the following verses more understandable.

Where else these words appear

“offend” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

“increase” Hebrew H8393 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 47:24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

“firstfruits” Hebrew H7225 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Deuteronomy 33:21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
  • Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.