You shall count off fifty daysThis phrase refers to the period known as the Counting of the Omer, which begins on the second day of Passover and continues until the festival of Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks. The counting signifies a period of anticipation and preparation, linking the liberation from Egypt (Passover) to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai (Shavuot). The number fifty is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completion and fulfillment, as seen in the Jubilee year (
Leviticus 25:10).
until the day after the seventh Sabbath
The "seventh Sabbath" indicates a complete cycle of weeks, emphasizing the importance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and spiritual reflection. This period culminates in Shavuot, which is celebrated on the fiftieth day. The timing underscores the connection between the physical liberation from slavery and the spiritual liberation through receiving God's law. The Sabbath is a recurring theme in Scripture, representing God's creation rest (Genesis 2:2-3) and a future rest for God's people (Hebrews 4:9-10).
and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD
This offering, known as the "firstfruits," is a thanksgiving for the harvest and a recognition of God's provision. It involves bringing the first and best of the wheat harvest to the temple, symbolizing trust in God's continued provision. The offering of new grain is a type of Christ, who is referred to as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20), indicating His resurrection as the first of many who will be raised. The act of presenting the offering reflects the principle of giving God the first and best of what we have, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God who were given these laws to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where Moses received the Law from God, including the instructions for the Feast of Weeks.
4.
Feast of Weeks (Shavuot/Pentecost)A significant Jewish festival occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the end of the grain harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel who commands the observance of these feasts as a sign of His covenant with His people.
Teaching Points
Counting the DaysThe practice of counting fifty days (the Omer) teaches patience and anticipation. It reminds believers to be mindful of God's timing and to prepare their hearts for His blessings.
Offering of New GrainThis offering symbolizes gratitude and recognition of God's provision. Believers are encouraged to offer the first and best of their resources to God as an act of worship and trust.
Spiritual HarvestJust as the Israelites celebrated the physical harvest, Christians are called to participate in the spiritual harvest, sharing the gospel and making disciples.
Fulfillment in ChristThe Feast of Weeks finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Believers are empowered by the Spirit to live out their faith and witness to others.
Community and CelebrationThe festival was a communal event, emphasizing unity and shared joy. Christians are encouraged to gather in community, celebrating God's goodness and encouraging one another in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:16?
2.How does Leviticus 23:16 guide us in observing the Feast of Weeks today?
3.What is the significance of counting "fifty days" in Leviticus 23:16?
4.How does Leviticus 23:16 connect to the events of Pentecost in Acts 2?
5.Why is offering a "new grain offering" important in Leviticus 23:16?
6.How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 23:16 in our spiritual lives?
7.What is the significance of counting fifty days in Leviticus 23:16?
8.How does Leviticus 23:16 relate to the celebration of Pentecost?
9.Why is the Feast of Weeks important in Leviticus 23:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 23?
11.What are the Appointed Times (Moedim) in Judaism?
12.What are the religious festivals mentioned in the Bible?
13.Did Jesus violate the Sabbath law?
14.What are the religious festivals mentioned in the Bible?What Does Leviticus 23:16 Mean
You shall count offGod assigns His people an active role in His calendar.
• Counting builds anticipation, just as Israel counted the days from Passover to Sinai (Exodus 19:1–6).
• It keeps hearts engaged, reminding worshipers that every day matters under God’s watch (Psalm 90:12).
Fifty daysThe precise number links Passover to the Feast of Weeks, forming a single redemptive arc.
• Passover celebrates deliverance; fifty days later the people celebrate provision.
•Acts 2:1 places Pentecost—Greek for “fiftieth”—exactly on this timetable, showing God’s consistency.
• The span invites reflection on Jubilee imagery (Leviticus 25:8–10), pointing to release and restoration in Christ.
Until the day after the seventh SabbathSeven complete Sabbaths (7 × 7) underline fullness and perfection.
• Sabbath cycles teach rest and dependence (Exodus 20:8–11;Hebrews 4:9–10).
• The “day after” signals a fresh beginning, paving the way for resurrection themes (Matthew 28:1).
And then presentWorship never ends with counting; it culminates in giving.
• God blesses first, then invites His people to respond (1 John 4:19).
• Presentation implies intentionality—coming before God rather than sending a token (Romans 12:1).
An offering of new grainThe sheaves are fresh, not leftover.
• Firstfruits acknowledge that the whole harvest belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 3:9–10).
• New grain represents new life, foreshadowing the Spirit’s outpouring (James 1:18).
To the LORDThe focus is personal—directed to Yahweh, not merely to a ritual.
• Offerings offered “to the LORD” are acts of covenant loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:5).
• The apostles recognized this in Pentecost, preaching Jesus publicly “to the Lord” (Acts 2:32–36).
summaryLeviticus 23:16 invites believers to mark time God’s way, live in eager expectation, and respond with wholehearted worship. The fifty-day count links redemption to provision, the Sabbath rhythm teaches rest, and the fresh grain offering reminds us that every good gift comes from Him. All of it aims our hearts “to the LORD,” who fulfilled the pattern through Christ’s resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, calling us to bring Him our very best today.
(16)
Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath.--That is, the day after the seven complete weeks, or the fiftieth day. Hence its name, "Pentecost, or fiftieth-day" feast in the New Testament (
Acts 2:1;
Acts 20:16;
1Corinthians 16:8), and "feast of weeks" in the Old Testament (
Exodus 34:12;
Deuteronomy 16:10;
Deuteronomy 16:16;
2Chronicles 8:13). The fiftieth day, according to the Jewish canons, may fall on the 5th, 6th, or 7th of
Sivan,the third month of the year,
i.e.,from the new moon of May to the new moon of June. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You shall countתִּסְפְּר֖וּ(tis·pə·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5608:To count, recount, relatefiftyחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים(ḥă·miš·šîm)Number - common plural
Strong's 2572:Fiftydaysי֑וֹם(yō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayuntilעַ֣ד(‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethe day afterמִֽמָּחֳרַ֤ת(mim·mā·ḥo·raṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4283:The morrow, tomorrowthe seventhהַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת(haš·šə·ḇî·‘iṯ)Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7637:Seventh (an ordinal number)Sabbath,הַשַּׁבָּת֙(haš·šab·bāṯ)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7676:Intermission, the Sabbathand then presentוְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֛ם(wə·hiq·raḇ·tem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachan offering of newחֲדָשָׁ֖ה(ḥă·ḏā·šāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2319:Newgrainמִנְחָ֥ה(min·ḥāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503:A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offeringto the LORD.לַיהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 23:16 Even to the next day after (Le Lv Lev.) 
