Deuteronomy 18:4
Deuteronomy 18:4 in Multiple Translations
You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock.
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
The first-fruits of thy grain, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
And in addition you are to give him the first of your grain and wine and oil, and the first wool cut from your sheep.
You are to provide them with the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and olive oil, as well as the first wool sheared from your flock.
The first fruites also of thy corne, of thy wine, and of thine oyle, and the first of the fleece of thy sheepe shalt thou giue him.
the first of thy corn, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy flock, thou dost give to him;
You shall give him the first fruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep.
The first-fruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
The firstfruits also of corn, of wine, and of oil, and a part of the wool from the shearing of their sheep.
You must also give to them the first part of the grain that you harvest, and the first part of the wine that you make, and the first part of the olive oil that you make, and the first part of the wool that you shear from your sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 18:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֵאשִׁ֨ית
דְּגָֽנְ/ךָ֜
תִּֽירֹשְׁ/ךָ֣
וְ/יִצְהָרֶ֗/ךָ
וְ/רֵאשִׁ֛ית
גֵּ֥ז
צֹאנְ/ךָ֖
תִּתֶּן
לּֽ/וֹ
רֵאשִׁ֨ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
דְּגָֽנְ/ךָ֜
dâgân
H1715
grain
N-ms | Suff
תִּֽירֹשְׁ/ךָ֣
tîyrôwsh
H8492
new wine
N-ms | Suff
וְ/יִצְהָרֶ֗/ךָ
yitshâr
H3323
oil
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וְ/רֵאשִׁ֛ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
Conj | N-fs
גֵּ֥ז
gêz
H1488
fleece
N-ms
צֹאנְ/ךָ֖
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
תִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לּֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 18:4
רֵאשִׁ֨ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
דְּגָֽנְ/ךָ֜
dâgân
H1715
"grain"
N-ms | Suff
Dagan refers to grain or wheat, a staple food in ancient Israel. In Genesis 41:35, Joseph advised Pharaoh to store grain during the good years to prepare for famine, and in Leviticus 23:10, the Israelites were instructed to offer a sheaf of grain as an offering.
Definition: wheat, cereal, grain, corn
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: corn (floor), wheat. See also: Genesis 27:28; Nehemiah 13:12; Psalms 4:8.
תִּֽירֹשְׁ/ךָ֣
tîyrôwsh
H8492
"new wine"
N-ms | Suff
New wine, freshly squeezed from grapes, is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also refer to fermented wine, but that is less common. The KJV translates it as new or sweet wine.
Definition: wine, fresh or new wine, must, freshly pressed wine
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (new, sweet) wine. See also: Genesis 27:28; Psalms 4:8; Proverbs 3:10.
וְ/יִצְהָרֶ֗/ךָ
yitshâr
H3323
"oil"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Oil that produces light, often used for anointing and ceremonial purposes, as described in Exodus. It symbolizes purity and is used in sacred rituals. This type of oil is mentioned in the context of priestly duties.
Definition: fresh oil, shining (pure) oil
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] anointed oil. See also: Numbers 18:12; Nehemiah 10:38; Jeremiah 31:12.
וְ/רֵאשִׁ֛ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
גֵּ֥ז
gêz
H1488
"fleece"
N-ms
This word refers to a fleece, the woolly coat of a sheep, or mown grass. Gideon used a fleece to test God in Judges 6. It can also mean a shearing or mowing.
Definition: 1) a shearing, mowing 1a) shearing, that sheared off 1b) a mowing, mown grass
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fleece, mowing, mown grass. See also: Deuteronomy 18:4; Psalms 72:6; Amos 7:1.
צֹאנְ/ךָ֖
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
תִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 18:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 18:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:4
Context — Provision for Priests and Levites
2Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.
3This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach.
4You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock.
5For the LORD your God has chosen Levi and his sons out of all your tribes to stand and minister in His name for all time. 6Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 12:44–47 | And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron. |
| 2 | Numbers 18:12–24 | I give you all the freshest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain that the Israelites give to the LORD as their firstfruits. The firstfruits of everything in their land that they bring to the LORD will belong to you. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat them. Every devoted thing in Israel belongs to you. The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs. But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you. All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.” Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 31:4–10 | Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps. In the third month they began building up the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and his officials came and viewed the heaps, they blessed the LORD and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps, and Azariah, the chief priest of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what is left over.” |
| 4 | Exodus 23:19 | Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk. |
| 5 | Leviticus 23:17 | Bring two loaves of bread from your dwellings as a wave offering, each made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with leaven, as the firstfruits to the LORD. |
| 6 | Exodus 22:29 | You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons. |
| 7 | Leviticus 23:10 | “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 26:9–10 | And He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O LORD, have given me.” Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him. |
| 9 | Job 21:20 | Let his eyes see his own destruction; let him drink for himself the wrath of the Almighty. |
Deuteronomy 18:4 Summary
[This verse is telling us to give our best to God, just like the Israelites were commanded to give the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, and oil to the priests. This means putting God first in all we do and giving Him the best of what we have, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31. By doing so, we are acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives, and we are showing our gratitude for all He has given us. We can apply this principle in our daily lives by giving our time, talents, and resources to serve and glorify God, just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 18:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give the firstfruits of our grain, new wine, and oil?
Giving the firstfruits means to offer the best and the first of what we have to God, just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 18:4, and as seen in other biblical examples such as Exodus 23:19 and Proverbs 3:9-10.
Why were the Israelites commanded to give the first wool sheared from their flock?
The first wool sheared from their flock was a symbol of God's provision and care for the Israelites, and giving it to the priests was a way of acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Deuteronomy 18:4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of tithing?
This verse is connected to the concept of tithing, as it emphasizes the importance of giving to God the first and the best of what we have, which is also seen in Malachi 3:10 and Matthew 23:23.
What is the spiritual significance of giving to the priests in this context?
Giving to the priests in this context represents giving to God and acknowledging His provision and care in our lives, as the priests were representatives of God among the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:5 and Numbers 18:21-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of giving the firstfruits in my own life, and how can I make sure I am putting God first in all I do?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity, like the Israelites were commanded to do in Deuteronomy 18:4?
- What are some areas of my life where I can give my best to God, and how can I make sure I am not holding back from giving Him my all?
- How can I use my resources and talents to bless others and bring glory to God, just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 18:4?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:4
The firstfruit also of thy corn, and of thy wine, and of thy oil,.... This is the "terumah", or heave offering, the offering of the firstfruits; what the measure or quantity was is not declared, but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:4
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
Deuteronomy 18:4 The firstfruit [also] of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.Ver. 4. The firstfruits also.] Pliny tells us, that among the Romans also no man might taste of his own corn, wine, or other fruits, priusquam Sacerdotes primitias libassent, till the priests had offered the firstfruits, and made their use of them. Plin., Hist., lib. xviii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
XVIII. Deuteronomy 18:1-5. THE PBIESTS’ DUE.(1) The priests the Levites, (and) all the tribe of Levi.—The fact that there is no “and” here in the original, and the look of the sentence in English, might dispose a superficial reader to find some ground here for the theory that priest and Levite are not distinguished in Deuteronomy. No such idea occurred to Rashi. He says, “all the tribe of Levi, not only those that are perfect (who can serve), but those who have a blemish (and cannot).” The distinction between priest and Levite has already been sufficiently noted on Deuteronomy 11:6; Deuteronomy 17:9. The passage is evidently on the same lines with Numbers 18:18-21, which see. (3) The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.—This would be from the peace offering. The shoulder is assigned to them in Leviticus 7:32-33 (comp. Numbers 18:18). The “two cheeks and the maw” are not mentioned elsewhere, and the latter word is found in this place only.
They are not a valuable part of the sacrifice. An absurd reason for the gift is assigned by Rashi. We know that in the time of Eli, the priests varied their requirements at pleasure, and in the face of the law (see 1 Samuel 2:13). The “priests’ due “here, and “the priests’ custom” there, are the same word in Hebrew, which we have elsewhere translated “requirement.” (4) The flrstfruit also of thy corn.—See Numbers 18:12. The first of the wool is mentioned here only. The quantity in all these cases has been defined by the Rabbis, on grounds somewhat arbitrary. (5) To stand to minister in the name of the Lord.—This is the office of the priests. The Levites are said, “to stand before the congregation to minister unto them” (Numbers 16:9). If the writer of Deuteronomy knew no distinction between priest and Levite, it is difficult to see how the Jews could have derived the distinctive privileges of the priests from these enactments.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
Verse 4. The first-fruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, &c.] All these firstfruits and firstlings were the Lord's portion, and these he gave to the priests.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:4
4. the firstfruits] or, it may be, the best. Heb. reshîth, not bikkûrim (Deuteronomy 12:6). See Deuteronomy 26:2 f.; cp. E, Exodus 23:19, J, Exodus 34:26, and P, Numbers 18:12. On corn, wine and oil, see Deuteronomy 7:13, Deuteronomy 12:17, Deuteronomy 14:23, Deuteronomy 25:19-19. The first or best, of the fleece is mentioned only here.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4
4. Fleece — In this verse, in addition to the perquisites enumerated in Numbers 18:12, there is added the regulation with regard to the fleece of the sheep.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Overcomers and the Church by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two pictures from Revelation chapter 14. The first picture is of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with a hundred and forty-four thousand peop |
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Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 4 by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of giving and tithing. One person shares a testimony of how they continued to tithe even after their income decreased, and God faith |
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The Reluctant God - Part 8 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus 34:27, where God instructs Moses to write down the words of the covenant He has made with Israel. The speaker highlights the significa |
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The Call to Battle by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | The preacher delves into the concept of 'First Fruits' as an Old Testament term used to describe offerings set apart for God, symbolizing thanksgiving for His provision. James and |
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(God-Centered Praying) 4. the Kingdom of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of God-centered praying, particularly the petition 'Thy kingdom come.' He explains that true salvation leads to a desire to be free from self-c |
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An Anonymous Benefactor by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the story of an anonymous benefactor who generously provided for Dr. Barnardo's village for orphan girls and how God's provision often comes at the right |
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The Future of Israel (Part 2) by Richard Ganz | In this sermon, the preacher shares a conversation he had with an elderly man who was passionate about karate. Despite his age, the man was still actively involved in full-contact |