Yom Habikkurim - feast of first fruits
Yom HaBikkurim, meaning "Day of the First Fruits," is a harvest festival that celebrates the beginning of the agricultural season and the offering of the first ripe produce. It marks the start of the grain harvest, particularly barley, and symbolizes gratitude for the earth's bounty. On this day, people would bring the earliest and best portions of their crops as a ceremonial gesture of thanks and recognition of the land's fertility. It also begins a countdown of 49 days leading to Shavuot, creating a structured connection between the early and peak stages of the growing season.
Key Verses
Instruction: Leviticus 23:21 (CJB)
On the same day, you are to call a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work; this is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live.
Additional verses:
- Leviticus 23:9-14
- Numbers 18:12-13
- Deuteronomy 26: 1-11
- Exodus 23:16
- Psalm 81:3
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
- James 1:18
- Romans 8:23
- Matthew 27:52-53
Prophecy: Fulfilled
The Feast of Firstfruits pointed directly to the coming resurrection of the Messiah. In this festival, the Israelites brought the very first sheaf of their harvest to the Lord as an offering. This act showed their trust that more of the harvest would follow and that God was the source of their provision. Prophetically, this festival pointed to Jesus as the first and perfect offering—the One who would rise from the dead and guarantee a greater harvest of resurrected lives to come.
Jesus fulfilled the Feast of Firstfruits when He rose from the dead on the exact day this festival was celebrated. His resurrection was not just a miraculous event—it was the firstfruits of a greater resurrection promised to all who belong to Him. Just as the first portion of the harvest was holy and dedicated to God, Jesus’ resurrection marked the beginning of a redeemed humanity. His victory over death guarantees that those who believe in Him will also be raised to eternal life. In this way, the Feast of Firstfruits finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus, the risen Messiah.
How to observe Yom HaBikkurim
Traditional observation varies between Orthodox Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and Christianity; and these differences should be explored. The following is a simple way to observe at home:
- Prepare a Basket of First Fruits
Gather a small basket of fresh, seasonal fruits - ideally those mentioned in Torah, but any fruits are fine.
- Say a Blessing and Declaration
Recite a blessing thanking God for the fruits of the earth and read from Deuteronomy 26:3-10 as a prayer of gratitude.
- Share the Fruits
Eat the fruits yourself or share them with family, friends, or those in need as a way of celebrating God’s provision.
- Reflect and Give Thanks
Use this day to reflect on blessings, nature’s bounty, and your personal gratitude.
Observation date:
The Feast of Firstfruits is observed on the day after the Sabbath that follows Passover. This means it falls on the first day of the week (Sunday) during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
2026 observation date:
- Observed on: Sunday, April 5, 2026
- This is the day after the weekly Sabbath (Saturday, April 4) that occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.