Leviticus 19:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →For three years after planting trees, treat the fruit as uncircumcised; do not eat it.
The Context of Leviticus 19:23
Regulations upon entering the promised land; trees and first fruits.
What Does Leviticus 19:23 Mean?
The new land was a gift requiring obedience. Fruit from newly planted trees cannot be eaten for three years. Calling the fruit uncircumcised uses covenant language, suggesting these years are a period when the trees cannot yet provide for the people in a permitted way.
This law teaches delayed gratification and faith. The people must wait and trust God during the transition into the land. The prohibition ensures that all harvests respect the three-year waiting period, creating a national rhythm of patient stewardship.
Leviticus 19:23 in the Original Language
orlah (עֹרְלָה), 'uncircumcised' — here, fruit of the first three years after planting, when the tree is not yet fully opened to use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 19:23
What does Leviticus 19:23 mean?
For three years after planting trees, treat the fruit as uncircumcised; do not eat it.
What is the context of Leviticus 19:23?
Regulations upon entering the promised land; trees and first fruits.