Old Testament
Exodus 23:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Bring the very best of the first fruits from your land to the house of the LORD your God. Don't boil a young goat in its mother's milk.
Compare translations
The 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.
What Exodus 23:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs His people to bring the best of their harvest to Him. This act of giving the first fruits symbolizes gratitude and recognition of God's provision. It’s about honoring God with the best of what you have, showing that you value His blessings. The second part of the verse warns against boiling a young goat in its mother’s milk, which is often interpreted as a prohibition against mixing life and death in a disrespectful way. This reflects a deeper principle of respecting the natural order and the sanctity of life. Overall, this verse encourages a heart of generosity and respect for God’s creation. It’s a reminder that our offerings should come from a place of love and reverence, not just obligation. By giving our best, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God, and we commit to honoring Him in our lives and actions. This teaching is timeless, urging us to reflect on how we treat our resources and the world around us, fostering a spirit of gratitude.
How to apply Exodus 23:19 to your life
Consider what your 'first fruits' are in your life—your time, talents, or resources. Make a conscious effort to dedicate the best of these to God and others. This could mean volunteering, giving generously, or simply being present for someone in need. Reflect on how you can honor God with your choices daily. Be intentional about your offerings and actions, ensuring they reflect your values and gratitude for what you have received.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 23:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 23:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 23:19 mean?
Exodus 23:19 instructs people to bring the best of their harvest to God, symbolizing gratitude and recognition of His provision. It also warns against boiling a young goat in its mother’s milk, reflecting respect for life and the natural order.
What is the meaning of 'first fruits' in Exodus 23:19?
'First fruits' refers to the initial and best produce from the harvest that is offered to God. This act signifies honoring God with the best of what one has, acknowledging His blessings and provision.
What does the prohibition against boiling a goat in its mother's milk signify?
The prohibition against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk is often interpreted as a warning against disrespecting the sanctity of life. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect for the natural order and the relationships within creation.
How can I apply Exodus 23:19 in my life?
You can apply Exodus 23:19 by identifying your 'first fruits'—your time, talents, or resources—and dedicating the best of these to God and others. This might involve volunteering, giving generously, or being present for those in need.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.