King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:11 Mean?

Leviticus 23:11 in the King James Version says “And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wa...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.”

Leviticus 23:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

10

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: sheaf: or, handful: Heb. omer

11

And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

12

And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

13

And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

This verse falls within the section on Appointed Feasts. God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יְנִיפֶ֖נּוּ1 of 10

“And he shall wave”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

אֶת2 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעֹ֛מֶר3 of 10

“the sheaf”

H6016

properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure

לִפְנֵ֥י4 of 10

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִֽרְצֹנְכֶ֑ם6 of 10

“to be accepted”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

מִֽמָּחֳרַת֙7 of 10

“for you on the morrow”

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת8 of 10

“after the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

יְנִיפֶ֖נּוּ9 of 10

“And he shall wave”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃10 of 10

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 23:11 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 Leviticus 23:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:24Leviticus 9:21Leviticus 10:14

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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