CategoryWorship / Offering and Resurrection Image
Modern Equivalentfirst portion of harvest; first and representative part.
KJV Word TypeOffering term / symbolic harvest term
DefinitionThe first portion of a harvest or increase offered to God, acknowledging Him as provider. In the New Testament, “firstfruits” can also describe Christ’s resurrection as the first and representative guarantee of the resurrection harvest.
Key Verses"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." (Proverbs 3:9); "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." (1 Corinthians 15:20)
KJV Usage NoteOften refers to the first portion offered to God, but Paul also uses the image to describe Christ as the first of the resurrection harvest.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean random leftovers given after the rest; firstfruits emphasizes the first, best, or representative portion dedicated to God.
EtymologyFrom Old English fyrst ("first") + fruits, meaning the earliest produce or first yield.