Firstfruits

The first and best of your harvest, given to God before you keep any

lightbulbGive God the FIRST portion, not the leftovers. It's a trust exercise

Definition

An offering of the very first crops harvested each season, presented to God as an act of trust and gratitude. It's saying 'God gets the first portion, not the leftovers.' Paul calls Jesus 'the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep' — the first to rise.

Used In15 mentions across 8 books

1 corinthians

But Actually

1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Firstfruits is used here as Paul's central agricultural metaphor — just as the first crop proves the rest of the harvest is coming, Jesus' resurrection is the proof and pledge that the general resurrection of believers will follow.

deuteronomy

The First and Best Belong to God

Deuteronomy 15:19-23

Firstfruits is the principle underlying the firstborn animal command — giving God the first and best before you know what you'll need, as an act of trust rather than leftover gratitude.

The Deal Goes Both Ways

Deuteronomy 26:16-19

Firstfruits appear here as the capstone symbol of the entire chapter — the basket of first produce represents the whole posture of trust, gratitude, and dependence that Moses has been calling Israel to embody.

exodus

You Belong to Someone

Exodus 22:28-31

Firstfruits are commanded here as an act of trust — giving the first of the harvest and the firstborn of animals before keeping anything — declaring that Israel's abundance comes from God and more will follow.

The Rhythm of Belonging

Exodus 34:17-26

Firstfruits are commanded here as part of the rhythmic structure of Israel's covenant life — giving the first and best before keeping anything for yourself is framed as a regular act of acknowledging who provides the harvest.