What Are Firstfruits? | Sow into the Increase

The spiritual principle of firstfruits is to give your first and best to God. It applies not only to finances but to every aspect of your life, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the firstfruits of the resurrection. Let’s look at the Hebrew meaning of firstfruits and how we are called to offer our best, out of love for God, as we pour our time, talent, and gifts into building His Kingdom.

What Is Firstfruits in Hebrew?

In Hebrew, “firstfruits” is Bikkurim; the root word is Bekhor, meaning “firstborn,” which signifies “the promise to come.” 

In the Torah (Leviticus 23:9–14), God instructed the Israelites to give the first of their harvest, acknowledging that their abundance came from God’s promise to be faithful in providing the rest of the harvest. It was a declaration of trust in His faithful, covenant provision. Giving their best was an act of honor, obedience, and generosity. The firstfruits offering represented:

• The beginning of the harvest
• A guarantee that the rest of the harvest was coming
• Something set apart and dedicated to God

Firstfruits Fulfilled | Jesus & His Ministry

Like every pattern, type, and shadow of the Old Testament, the purpose ultimately is fulfilled in Messiah Jesus. Jesus was the ultimate firstfruits offering when He voluntarily laid down His life–God’s best, His only begotten firstborn Son– perfect, holy, and innocent. 

Jesus was the long-awaited promise, making the way for a great spiritual harvest.  His sacrifice and defeat over death and darkness pioneered a new spiritual path for all who believe in Him–redemption and resurrection life. 

Paul expounds upon this in his letter to the church at Corinth, 

• “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” — 1 Corinthians 15:20 & 23

Jesus was resurrected during the Feast of Firstfruits, the first to rise and never die again, securing new birth and resurrection life for generations after Him who call on His Name. 

The disciples and apostles, Jewish Believers, were the firstfruits of Jesus ministry–they were the first to be transformed, saved, and set apart to carry this message to the nations. The multiplication of their ministry, impact, and sacrifice has been felt around the world and is a part of each Believer’s story today.

The Firstfruits Principle for Believers

Unlike tithing, a firstfruits offering is not a commandment. It’s a voluntary, freewill offering sowing into the principle of Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 

Firstfruits, or Teruma (Hebrew word for offering), is typically 2% of your increase. It’s a declaration that you trust God for an overflow of blessings to come. It’s the choice to give God the best of your harvest, seeking His Kingdom first, and trusting Him for the yield.  

Firstfruits applies to every aspect of our lives. Consider how you’re spending your time and gifting regarding Kingdom work. Are you bringing your best or your leftovers? This is not a suggestion for shame and legalism; God meets us where we are, but there is blessing and healing that come when we put Him first and give Him our best in all we do. 

The Hebrew word for offering, Teruma, comes from the root word rum, which means “ to elevate, or lift up.” Firstfruits is the act of lifting up and setting apart an offering for a holy purpose. 

It’s About Your Heart, Not About Money

The firstfruits offering is deeper than money. It’s about the Holy Spirit wanting to do something in you. It’s about your heart and your trust in the Father, whether that’s demonstrated through finance or another area in your life. 

Does your heart break for what breaks His? Are you sowing your time, talent, and gifting into building your own house, while His house lies in ruins? 

God spoke a warning in Haggai that speaks to us today:

• “Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying,  “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! “You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” –Haggai 1:2-6

The people had neglected rebuilding the Temple and focused their time and attention on their own homes. This grieved the spirit of God and caused a lack among the Israelites because they were out of alignment. “…My house is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house” (Haggai 1:9).

Seek God for ways He’s asking you to build His house. Is He calling you to sow into ministry, support spiritual leaders? Sow your time and talent into His house before your own. He promises to meet your every need as you seek His Kingdom first. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim with new wine.” —Proverbs 3:9-10

Giving God Your Best

It is God who brings the increase. We can exhaust ourselves building our own houses and storing up treasure on earth that will only pass away, or we can sow into God’s eternal Kingdom. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), the earth is His, and everything in it. As we give Him our best, we declare we believe this. We love Him as He has loved us.

Will you align your time and talent with the Kingdom that will never be destroyed? Seek God’s Kingdom first, sow generously, and you’ll see the abundance that follows obedience.