King James Version

What Does Exodus 22:29 Mean?

Exodus 22:29 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou giv...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. the first: Heb. thy fulness liquors: Heb. tear”

Exodus 22:29 · KJV

Context

27

For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.

28

Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. gods: or, judges

29

Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. the first: Heb. thy fulness liquors: Heb. tear

30

Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.

31

And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

'First of ripe fruits' (מְלֵאָתְךָ וְדִמְעֲךָ, mele'atekha vedim'akha) means 'fullness and flow'—grain harvest and wine/oil. 'Not delay' (לֹא תְאַחֵר, lo te'achar)—prompt offering shows trust in God's provision. 'Firstborn of thy sons' (בְּכוֹר בָּנֶיךָ, bekhor banekha) will be 'given' (redeemed, not sacrificed)—Israel never practiced child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21 bans it). The principle: God gets first and best, not leftovers. This tests trust—will you give from the first without knowing if more will come? The New Testament applies this: 'seek first the kingdom' (Matthew 6:33), give 'firstfruits' (1 Corinthians 15:20, Christ; James 1:18, believers).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Firstfruits offering predates Sinai (Cain and Abel). Unlike pagan child sacrifice, Israel redeemed firstborn sons (Exodus 13:13, 34:20) with money or substitutionary animals. The law sanctified the principle while rejecting pagan practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God require firstfruits rather than allowing us to give from leftovers?
  2. How does giving first (before seeing the rest) demonstrate faith in God's provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מְלֵאָֽתְךָ֥1 of 8

“to offer the first of thy ripe fruits”

H4395

something fulfilled, i.e., abundance (of produce)

וְדִמְעֲךָ֖2 of 8

“and of thy liquors”

H1831

a tear; figuratively, juice

לֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְאַחֵ֑ר4 of 8

“Thou shalt not delay”

H309

to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

בְּכ֥וֹר5 of 8

“the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בָּנֶ֖יךָ6 of 8

“of thy sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תִּתֶּן7 of 8

“shalt thou give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִּֽי׃8 of 8
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 22:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 22:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:16Exodus 13:2Deuteronomy 26:2-10James 1:18Exodus 23:19Romans 8:23

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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