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Firstfruits

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Firstfruits are the earliest produce offered in gratitude and dedication.

Detailed Definition
Biblical firstfruits are the initial yield of a harvest, given to God before the full abundance is gathered. The practice joins agricultural time with trust, since offering the first portion acknowledges dependence before security is complete. In poetry, firstfruits may represent beginnings consecrated by gratitude: a first poem, first love, or first success surrendered to a larger cycle of labor, season, and return.
Example
Example in poetry:
“The firstfruits of spring are laid before the quiet altar” uses the biblical offering to honor beginnings; A poet may call a child’s first words the firstfruits of a family’s hope; “I bring the firstfruits of my labor: one honest song” turns harvest imagery toward artistic creation; Firstfruits can symbolize gratitude by presenting the earliest and best portion of what one receives.
Additional Notes
Firstfruits are the earliest and best portion of a harvest, offered to God as an acknowledgment that the entire crop and its provision come from him. The practice appears in laws concerning grain, wine, oil, and other produce, and it also becomes a metaphor for priority and hope. In Christian writings, “firstfruits” can describe an initial sign of a larger future blessing. Related ideas include offering, harvest, thanksgiving, and dedication.
Also Known As
First Fruits Bikkurim
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