First-fruit

First-Fruit (in the sing. רֵאשַׁית r reshith, beginning; in the plur. בַּכּוּרַים, bikkurim', first-ripe fruits; -Sept. πρωτογεννήματα, ἀπαρχή, ἀφαίρεμα; Vulgate priimtice, priunitiva, frugum initia; comp. תַּרוּמָה, Ierumak', ablation; A. V. "heave-offering," etc.). The -same natural feeling which at first led man out of, gratitude to consecrate to the Giver of all good things the 'first-born of both man and animals, and the prime parts -of sacrifices, because they were regarded as the first instalments of his blessings, and which afterwards led to the legalizing of these offerings, also gave rise to the offering of thee first-fruits and to its becoming law. This was done publicly by the nation at, each of the three great -yearly festivals, sand also by, individuals without limitation of time. No ordinance appears to leave been more distinctly recognised than this, so that the use of the term in the way of illustration carried within a full significance even in N.T. times (Pr 3:9,; Tob. i, 6; 1 Macc. iii, 49; Ro 8:23; Ro 11:16; Jas 1:18; Re 14:4).'

1. Character and Classification of the First-fruits.