And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

LEVITICUS 23:20KJV
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Leviticus 23:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:20 mean?

Leviticus 23:20 describes how the priest is to present the bread of the firstfruits together with two lambs as a wave offering before the LORD, declaring these offerings as holy and set apart for the priest. This verse explains part of the ritual for the Feast of Weeks, showing how certain offerings were dedicated to God and then given to the priest.

In this passage, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about how to celebrate a specific festival. The priest acts on behalf of the people, taking the first portion of the harvest ("firstfruits") and two lambs, and formally presenting them to God. By waving these offerings, the priest acknowledges that these gifts come from God and belong to Him, but God then gives them back for the priest’s use, marking them as "holy" or set apart.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:20

  • The word for "wave" is נוּף (nuph), which means to move something back and forth or to present it in a special way. This gesture was a symbolic act of dedication to God.
  • "Firstfruits" is בִּכּוּרִים (bikkurim), meaning the earliest and best part of the harvest. Offering the firstfruits showed gratitude and trust in God’s provision.
  • The term "holy" is קָדֹשׁ (qadosh), meaning something set apart for God’s special use. Here, it highlights that these offerings are not ordinary food but have a sacred purpose.
  • "Priest" is כֹּהֵן (kohen), referring to the person chosen to serve in the tabernacle and act as a mediator between God and the people.

Why Leviticus 23:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not all offerings were burned or left on the altar; some were given to the priests as their share, showing how God provided for those serving in the sanctuary.
  • It emphasizes the idea of holiness—certain things are set apart for God and cannot be treated as common, even when given for human use.
  • Leviticus 23:20 connects the act of giving the first and best to God with the ongoing care for the priests, tying together worship, gratitude, and community support.