Leviticus 23:14
And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
Leviticus 23:14 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to, from Leviticus 23:14 in the Bible, is part of the regulations given to the Israelites regarding their offerings to God. In this verse, God commands the Israelites to refrain from eating bread, parched corn, or green ears until they first bring an offering to Him. This directive serves as a reminder to the Israelites that their sustenance comes from God and that they should honor Him with their firstfruits before partaking of their own food. By following this statute, the Israelites are demonstrating their obedience to God and acknowledging His provision in their lives. This law was meant to be observed perpetually, throughout all generations and in all dwellings, to ensure that the Israelites never forgot to give thanks to God for His blessings. As we read and reflect on this verse, we are reminded of the importance of putting God first in our lives and acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of our existence.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there are implications for the Israelites concerning their relationship with God. The instruction to abstain from eating bread, parched corn, and green ears until an offering has been made underscores the importance of honoring God before indulging in physical sustenance. This directive serves as a reminder for the Israelites to prioritize their spiritual connection with God over material needs. The mention of this statute being everlasting emphasizes the enduring nature of these teachings, meant to be passed down through generations. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the concept of sacrifice and obedience to God's commands as foundational aspects of the Israelites' faith. Additionally, a word study of "offering" in this context can provide further insight into the specific rituals and practices involved in presenting offerings to God, shedding light on the significance of this act in the religious life of the Israelites.
Leviticus 23:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched grain, nor fresh ears, until this selfsame day, until ye have brought the oblation of your God: it is a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
World English Bible
You shall eat neither bread, nor roasted grain, nor fresh grain, until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God. This is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
Douay-Rheims
You shall not eat either bread, or parched corn, or frumenty or the harvest, until the day that you shall offer thereof to your God. It is a precept for ever throughout your generations, and all your dwellings.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And ye shall eat neither bread nor parched corne, nor greene eares vntill the selfe same day that ye haue brought an offring vnto your God: this shalbe a lawe for euer in your generations and in all your dwellings.