Leviticus 2 1

Leviticus 2:1 kjv

And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

Leviticus 2:1 nkjv

'When anyone offers a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it.

Leviticus 2:1 niv

"?'When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it

Leviticus 2:1 esv

"When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it

Leviticus 2:1 nlt

"When you present grain as an offering to the LORD, the offering must consist of choice flour. You are to pour olive oil on it, sprinkle it with frankincense,

Leviticus 2 verses

Leviticus 2 1 Meaning

This verse introduces the "grain offering," an entirely voluntary gift presented to the LORD. It specifies the fundamental components: "fine flour" representing the best of one's produce and signifying purity and sustenance, "oil" symbolizing anointing, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and consecration, and "frankincense" as a fragrant, valuable resin representing worship, prayer, and holiness. This offering, though not atoning for sin, signifies devotion, thanksgiving, and dedication to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

Leviticus 2 1 Context

Leviticus details the instructions given by God to Israel following their deliverance from Egypt and the construction of the Tabernacle, outlining the means by which a holy God could dwell among an unholy people. Chapters 1-7 describe the primary sacrificial offerings. Chapter 1 establishes the burnt offering for atonement and total devotion. Leviticus 2:1 then introduces the second type of offering, the grain offering (minchah), distinguishing it as a non-blood offering. Unlike offerings primarily for atonement, the grain offering typically expresses thanksgiving, devotion, and recognition of God's bountiful provision. Historically, it reflects the agrarian life of ancient Israel, where agricultural produce was a fundamental means of sustenance and a tangible gift. These regulations underscored a commitment to God in all aspects of life, including daily sustenance. It subtly polemicized against pagan rituals that used grain offerings for fertility gods by dedicating it exclusively to Yahweh and requiring purity.

Leviticus 2 1 Word analysis

• "And when" (Waw)
  • Links this offering to the previous chapter, suggesting it's part of a series of divine instructions, not an isolated command. It indicates continuation in the divine communication.
• "any soul" (nephesh)
  • Hebrew term for "living being" or "person." Emphasizes that this offering is open to any individual Israelite, highlighting the personal and voluntary nature of devotion and worship, rather than being restricted to specific classes or circumstances. It stresses individual willingness to approach God.
• "will offer" (yaqriv from qarab)
  • Signifies "to bring near" or "to present." The phrase "will offer" underscores the voluntary nature of the minchah (grain) offering, in contrast to mandatory sin offerings. It is a heartfelt choice to draw near to God.
• "a meat offering" (minchah)
  • Hebrew for "gift" or "tribute," but specifically referring to a "grain" or "meal" offering in the Levitical context. Older translations used "meat offering" before "meat" strictly meant flesh, when it could refer to any food. It represents the produce of the field, differentiating it from animal (blood) sacrifices. It typically symbolizes dedication, thanksgiving, and an acknowledgment of God as the source of all provision, as it is non-atoning. It serves as a tribute offered to a superior, here, to God Himself.
• "unto the LORD" (Yahweh)
  • Specifically denotes the covenant God of Israel, ensuring this offering is distinct from any pagan practices and directed solely to the One True God. This specificity underscores the exclusiveness of Israel's worship.
• "his offering shall be" (korbano from qarab)
  • Reinforces the personal ownership and intention of the worshiper bringing the gift. It's his contribution, symbolizing dedication.
• "of fine flour" (solet)
  • This is the purest and most expensive form of ground wheat, requiring significant effort and meticulous sifting. It represents the best quality, indicating that only one's utmost and purest should be offered to God. Theologically, it points to purity, perfection, and the essence of sustenance, sometimes seen as a type of Christ's perfect human nature and sinless life. It implies life and growth, drawn from the earth yet refined.
• "and he shall pour oil upon it" (shemen yatsaq alaiha)
  • Oil (shemen): Typically olive oil. Symbolizes abundance, richness, joy, health, anointing, and critically, the Holy Spirit. Pouring oil signifies saturation, consecration, and the anointing presence and enablement of the Spirit. It denotes a consecration and dedication to God.
  • Pour: Implies an act of lavish giving and anointing, a complete application.
• "and put frankincense thereon" (levonah)
  • Frankincense: A fragrant resin that produces a sweet-smelling aroma when burned. It was an expensive and precious commodity. Symbolizes prayer rising to God, holiness, and the pleasant, acceptable nature of the offering. Its sweet aroma is pleasing to God, often signifying adoration, devotion, and even separation for sacred purposes. It was typically not consumed by the priests but entirely burnt as part of the "memorial portion" (Lev 2:2, 2:16), signifying that part was wholly for God.

Leviticus 2 1 Bonus section

The grain offering, while distinct from blood sacrifices (like the burnt offering), could often accompany them (e.g., Num 15:4). This suggests that after atonement for sin, there is room for thanksgiving and dedicated living. The minchah did not contain leaven (fermentation, often associated with sin or corruption) or honey (perhaps for being perishable or promoting fermentation, Lev 2:11), highlighting the required purity and integrity of the offering. Only salt was specifically required for all grain offerings (Lev 2:13), representing an unbreakable covenant and preserving integrity. This offering foreshadows the New Covenant teaching that spiritual sacrifices—such as praise, good deeds, generous giving, and lives dedicated to God—are a pleasing aroma to Him. It transitions the focus from external physical sacrifices to the internal condition of the heart, reflecting God's ultimate desire for truth in the inward parts.

Leviticus 2 1 Commentary

Leviticus 2:1 inaugurates the instructions for the minchah, or grain offering, which stands as a powerful symbol of devoted worship, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgement of God's abundant provision. Unlike the sin offerings, the grain offering is entirely voluntary, representing the worshiper's personal and freewill commitment. The carefully specified components—fine flour, oil, and frankincense—are not arbitrary but imbued with deep spiritual significance. The "fine flour" represents offering one's purest and best, symbolizing the perfection found in Christ and the believer's consecrated life and spiritual substance. The "oil" signifies the anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit, crucial for any truly acceptable offering or walk with God. "Frankincense," a costly fragrant resin, points to the pleasing aroma of worship and prayer rising to God, and also embodies holiness and Christ's divine excellence. In essence, this verse lays down the foundational principles for presenting a life (or its fruits) consecrated by the Spirit, perfected in purity, and ascending to God as an act of adoration and gratitude. It instructs God's people on how to express devotion to the Holy God from their daily lives. For instance, in our lives, dedicating our best skills or efforts (fine flour), guided by the Holy Spirit (oil), with a spirit of prayer and devotion (frankincense), can be our "grain offering" to the Lord today.