Old Testament
Numbers 15:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 15:20, God instructs the Israelites to offer a portion of their first dough as a cake to Him.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
From the first batch of your dough, present a cake as an offering — just as you present an offering from your threshing floor.
Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 15:20, God instructs the Israelites to offer a portion of their first dough as a cake to Him. This act symbolizes gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. Just as they would offer a portion from their harvest, they are to do the same with their bread-making. This command emphasizes the importance of giving back to God from the first fruits of their labor, recognizing that all they have comes from Him. The offering is a way to express devotion and commitment to God, ensuring that He is prioritized in their lives. This practice also fosters a sense of community and shared worship among the Israelites, as they collectively bring their offerings to God. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of honoring God with the best of what we have, reinforcing the idea that our resources should be used in a way that reflects our faith and gratitude.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 15:20 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this principle by prioritizing our resources and time for God. Whether through financial giving, volunteering, or dedicating time for prayer and worship, we should ensure that we honor God with the best of what we have, reflecting our gratitude and commitment to Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 15:20 mean?
Numbers 15:20 instructs the Israelites to offer a portion of their first dough as a cake to God. This act symbolizes gratitude and acknowledges God's provision, emphasizing the importance of giving back from the first fruits of their labor.
What is the significance of offering first fruits in Numbers 15:20?
Offering first fruits, as mentioned in Numbers 15:20, signifies prioritizing God in our lives. It reflects gratitude for His blessings and recognizes that everything we have comes from Him.
How does Numbers 15:20 relate to community worship?
Numbers 15:20 encourages collective worship among the Israelites by having them bring their offerings together. This practice fosters a sense of community and shared devotion to God.
What is the main theme of Numbers 15:20?
The main theme of Numbers 15:20 is the importance of honoring God with the best of what we have, particularly through offerings that reflect our gratitude and commitment.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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