Old Testament
Leviticus 23:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From wherever you live, bring 2 loaves of bread as a wave offering. Make them from 2 tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast. They are an offering of firstfruits to the LORD.
Compare translations
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.
What Leviticus 23:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 23:17, God instructs the Israelites to bring two loaves of bread as a wave offering during the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost. These loaves are to be made from fine flour and include yeast, symbolizing the inclusion of the people in God's blessings. The use of leaven, which often represents sin in the Bible, here signifies the reality of human imperfection even in offerings to God. The loaves are considered firstfruits, representing the initial harvest and gratitude for God's provision. This act of offering is a way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's goodness and to celebrate the harvest season, reinforcing their relationship with Him through acts of worship and gratitude. The wave offering involves lifting the loaves before the Lord, symbolizing the people's dedication and commitment to God, as well as their reliance on Him for sustenance and blessings.
How to apply Leviticus 23:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and celebrate the blessings in our lives. Just as the Israelites offered their firstfruits, we can express gratitude for what we have received. Regularly acknowledging God's provision helps strengthen our faith and community bonds.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus 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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 Leviticus 23:17
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 Leviticus 23:17
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- 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 Leviticus 23:17 mean?
Leviticus 23:17 instructs the Israelites to bring two loaves of bread as a wave offering during the Feast of Weeks. This act symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and acknowledges God's provision.
What is the significance of the wave offering in Leviticus 23:17?
The wave offering in Leviticus 23:17 represents the people's dedication to God and their reliance on Him for sustenance. By lifting the loaves before the Lord, they express their commitment and gratitude.
Why are the loaves made with yeast in Leviticus 23:17?
The loaves in Leviticus 23:17 are made with yeast to symbolize the inclusion of human imperfection in offerings to God. While yeast often represents sin, in this context, it highlights the reality of human nature even in acts of worship.
What does 'firstfruits' mean in Leviticus 23:17?
'Firstfruits' in Leviticus 23:17 refers to the initial harvest that the Israelites were to offer to God. It signifies gratitude for God's blessings and the acknowledgment of His provision in their lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.