share torah logo

Deuteronomy 26:4 - First fruits, priestly service.

Deuteronomy 26:4 - דברים 26:4

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן הַטֶּנֶא מִיָּדֶךָ וְהִנִּיחוֹ לִפְנֵי מִזְבַּח יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And the priest shall take the basket out of thy hand, and set it down before the altar of the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Velakach hakohen hatene miyadecha vehini'cho lifnei mizbach Adonai Eloheicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֧ח הַכֹּהֵ֛ן הַטֶּ֖נֶא מִיָּדֶ֑ךָ וְהִ֨נִּיח֔וֹ לִפְנֵ֕י מִזְבַּ֖ח יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
וְלָקַ֧ח הַכֹּהֵ֛ן הַטֶּ֖נֶא מִיָּדֶ֑ךָ וְהִ֨נִּיח֔וֹ לִפְנֵ֕י מִזְבַּ֖ח יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 26:4) appears in the context of the mitzvah of Bikkurim (first fruits), where a Jew brings the first fruits of the harvest to the Beit HaMikdash and presents them to the Kohen. This act expresses gratitude to Hashem for the bounty of the land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 26:4) explains that the phrase "וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן הַטֶּנֶא מִיָּדֶךָ" ("the priest shall take the basket out of thy hand") indicates that the Kohen actively removes the basket from the hands of the owner. This teaches that the Kohen should not allow the owner to place the basket directly on the altar but rather takes it from him personally, demonstrating the honor due to the mitzvah.

Symbolism of the Basket

The Tene (basket) mentioned here is significant. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 301) notes that the basket symbolizes humility—just as a basket is a simple vessel, so too must a person approach Hashem with humility when bringing offerings. Additionally, the Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:4) describes how the wealthy would bring their first fruits in baskets of gold or silver, while the poor used woven baskets, yet all were equally accepted before Hashem.

The Role of the Kohen

Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 3:11) emphasizes that the Kohen’s role in receiving the basket is not merely procedural but part of the sacred service. By placing the basket "לִפְנֵי מִזְבַּח יְהוָה" ("before the altar of the Lord"), the Kohen facilitates the owner’s connection to the Divine, as the altar represents the interface between man and Hashem.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Gratitude: The mitzvah of Bikkurim teaches the importance of acknowledging Hashem’s blessings at the very beginning of the harvest.
  • Humility: The act of handing the basket to the Kohen reinforces that material success comes from Hashem and should not lead to arrogance.
  • Unity: Regardless of one’s wealth, all Jews participate equally in this mitzvah, symbolizing the unity of the Jewish people in avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the basket in Deuteronomy 26:4?
A: The basket (טֶנֶא) mentioned in this verse refers to the first fruits (בִּכּוּרִים) that a person brings to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) as an offering. According to Rashi, this mitzvah demonstrates gratitude to Hashem for the produce of the Land of Israel. The Mishnah in Bikkurim describes the joyous procession in which farmers would bring their first fruits to Jerusalem.
Q: Why does the priest place the basket before the altar?
A: The priest places the basket before the altar (מִזְבַּח) to sanctify the offering, as taught in the Talmud (Menachot 61a). This act symbolizes that all blessings come from Hashem and acknowledges His role in providing sustenance. The Rambam explains in Hilchot Bikkurim that this ritual reinforces our connection to the Land of Israel and the Temple service.
Q: What lesson can we learn from bringing first fruits today?
A: Although we cannot bring bikkurim without the Beit HaMikdash, the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that this mitzvah reminds us to recognize Hashem's kindness in our lives. Today, we apply this by expressing gratitude for our food (through brachot) and supporting Torah scholars and the poor with our first earnings, as derived from this verse's message of prioritizing holiness.
Q: Who was required to bring the first fruits offering?
A: The Torah (as explained in Mishnah Bikkurim 1:1-2) states that only Jewish landowners in Israel were obligated to bring bikkurim. Rashi notes this applies specifically to the seven species for which Eretz Yisrael is praised (Devarim 8:8). The Talmud (Kiddushin 36b) discusses how this mitzvah emphasizes the unique sanctity of the Land of Israel.