Old Testament
Numbers 15:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From the first batch of your dough, present a cake as an offering — just as you present an offering from your threshing floor.
Compare translations
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.
What Numbers 15:20 means
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.
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
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 Numbers 15:20
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 Numbers 15:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- 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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.