King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:22 Mean?

Exodus 34:22 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end. year's end: Heb. revolution of the year”

Exodus 34:22 · KJV

Context

20

But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. lamb: or, kid

21

Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

22

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end. year's end: Heb. revolution of the year

23

Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.

24

For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.

Read Exodus 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Feast of Weeks (שָׁבֻעֹת, shavuot—Pentecost) celebrates the wheat harvest seven weeks after Passover, offering firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkurim) to God. The Feast of Ingathering (אָסִף, asip—Tabernacles/Sukkot) concludes the agricultural year with fall harvest. Both feasts acknowledge God as provider and sustainer. Pentecost later commemorates giving the Law (Jewish tradition) and outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These festivals formed the agricultural and liturgical calendar. Feast of Weeks occurred during wheat harvest (May-June); Feast of Ingathering during fruit/olive harvest (September-October). All three pilgrimage feasts required male attendance at the central sanctuary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you acknowledge God's provision in your life's 'harvest seasons'?
  2. What spiritual 'firstfruits' should you offer to God from what He has given you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְחַג֙1 of 11

“and the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

שָֽׁבֻעֹת֙2 of 11

“of weeks”

H7620

literally, sevened, i.e., a week (specifically, of years)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה3 of 11

“And thou shalt observe”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֔4 of 11
H0
בִּכּוּרֵ֖י5 of 11

“of the firstfruits”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

קְצִ֣יר6 of 11

“harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

חִטִּ֑ים7 of 11

“of wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וְחַג֙8 of 11

“and the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הָֽאָסִ֔יף9 of 11

“of ingathering”

H614

gathered, i.e., (abstractly) a gathering in of crops

תְּקוּפַ֖ת10 of 11

“end”

H8622

a revolution, i.e., (of the sun) course, (of time) lapse

הַשָּׁנָֽה׃11 of 11

“at the year's”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 34:22 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 34:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:16Deuteronomy 16:10-15John 7:2Numbers 28:16-31Numbers 29:12-39Acts 2:1

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 34 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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