When we hear the word bisi in our local context today, many of us think of popcorn—puffed corn kernels that are roasted until they pop and turn white. However, the biblical term translated as bisi (in Swahili Bibles) actually refers to something quite different.
In the Middle East, especially among the Jewish people of the Old Testament, “bisi” referred not to corn (maize), which was unknown in that region at the time, but to roasted grain, typically wheat or barley. These grains would be lightly roasted and eaten, much like a simple snack or meal, especially during harvest seasons. Unlike popcorn, the appearance of roasted grain does not change dramatically—it simply becomes toasted.
You can watch how roasted grain is prepared in traditional Jewish customs here:
Watch Video on Roasted Grain Preparation
Roasted Grain in the Bible
Wherever you encounter the word bisi in Swahili Bibles, it is referring to this type of roasted wheat or barley, not to popped corn. Below are key biblical references that highlight the importance of roasted grain in Israelite culture and worship:
1. Leviticus 23:14 (NIV)
“You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.”
God gave the Israelites a command: when they enter the Promised Land and begin harvesting, they were not to eat any part of the harvest, including roasted grain, until they had first offered a portion to the Lord—the firstfruits. This teaches the principle of honoring God first before enjoying the blessings He provides.
2. Ruth 2:14 (NIV)
“At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.’ When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over.”
In this verse, we see roasted grain being shared as part of a simple, generous meal during harvest time. It shows the hospitality of Boaz and his kindness toward Ruth. This was a common food—nourishing, easy to prepare, and widely accessible.
3. 1 Samuel 17:17 (NIV)
“Now Jesse said to his son David, ‘Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.’”
4. 1 Samuel 25:18 (NIV)
“Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys.”
5. Joshua 5:11 (NIV)
“The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.”
These passages reveal that roasted grain was a common provision, a source of sustenance, and sometimes a gift during times of peace or reconciliation.
Spiritual Insight
Roasted grain was not just food—it carried spiritual symbolism. It was something easy and quick to prepare, representing the immediate temptation to consume what we harvest. But God commanded that even something that simple should not be eaten until His share—the firstfruits—was presented.
This teaches us a crucial truth:
We should never prioritize our own consumption or comfort over honoring God first.
Today, this principle applies to everything God blesses us with—whether it’s income, food, time, or talents. We are called to honor God first, before using it for ourselves.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…”
— Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV)
Even if it’s something small like airtime, snacks, or salary, the believer is invited to pause and acknowledge the source of all blessings—God. That’s how true worship and dependence on Him are demonstrated.
Conclusion
Whenever you read about “roasted grain” or bisi in the Bible, remember:
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It refers to roasted wheat or barley, not maize or popcorn.
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It was a common, quickly prepared food.
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It was also a symbol of obedience and honoring God with our first and best.
So, let’s learn to apply this biblical principle:
Always give to God first, even before you begin to enjoy what He has given you.
That’s a heart posture of gratitude and faith.
Shalom.
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