King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:17 Mean?

Leviticus 23:17 in the King James Version says “Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be ba...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 23:17 · KJV

Context

15

And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:

16

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.

17

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

18

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

19

Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

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


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 this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מִמּוֹשְׁבֹ֨תֵיכֶ֜ם1 of 13

“of your habitations”

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

תָּבִ֣יאּוּ׀2 of 13

“Ye shall bring out”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לֶ֣חֶם3 of 13

“loaves”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

תְּנוּפָ֗ה4 of 13

“wave”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

שְׁנֵ֣י5 of 13

“of two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שְׁנֵ֣י6 of 13

“of two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים7 of 13

“tenth deals”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

סֹ֣לֶת8 of 13

“they shall be of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

תִּֽהְיֶ֔ינָה9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חָמֵ֖ץ10 of 13

“with leaven”

H2557

ferment, (figuratively) extortion

תֵּֽאָפֶ֑ינָה11 of 13

“they shall be baken”

H644

to cook, especially to bake

בִּכּוּרִ֖ים12 of 13

“they are the firstfruits”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

לַֽיהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 23:17 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 23:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:10Exodus 34:22Exodus 34:26Numbers 28:26Exodus 23:19Leviticus 7:13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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