Leviticus 2 6

Leviticus 2:6 kjv

Thou shalt part it in pieces, and pour oil thereon: it is a meat offering.

Leviticus 2:6 nkjv

You shall break it in pieces and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.

Leviticus 2:6 niv

Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.

Leviticus 2:6 esv

You shall break it in pieces and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.

Leviticus 2:6 nlt

Break it in pieces and pour olive oil on it; it is a grain offering.

Leviticus 2 verses

Leviticus 2 6 Meaning

Leviticus 2:6 specifies the final preparatory steps for certain types of grain offerings made from baked products, namely those prepared on a griddle or in a pan (Lev 2:5, 2:7). The instruction to "break it in pieces" signifies dividing the baked grain product into smaller, manageable portions, ready for presentation and consumption by fire on the altar. Following this, the command to "pour oil on it" refers to anointing these portions with oil, which further sanctifies and enriches the offering, making it complete and acceptable as a dedicated "grain offering" to the Lord. This action indicates both physical preparation and spiritual consecration, enhancing its acceptability as a pleasing aroma to God.

Leviticus 2 6 Context

Leviticus chapter 2 elaborates specifically on the minchah or grain offering, one of the primary types of offerings within the Mosaic sacrificial system. Unlike the burnt offering (Lev 1) or peace offering (Lev 3) which often involved animal sacrifices, the grain offering was typically an unleavened offering of produce or flour, signifying human labor, thanksgiving, and devotion from the yield of the land. It represented God's provision and the worshipper's dependence and gratitude.

Verse 6 falls within the section detailing baked grain offerings, specifically those prepared on a griddle (Lev 2:5) or in a baking pan (Lev 2:7). Each type of grain offering, whether of fine flour (Lev 2:1), baked in an oven (Lev 2:4), or as described here, had specific preparation requirements to ensure its purity and proper presentation before God. The instructions for breaking and anointing highlight the meticulousness God demanded in worship, emphasizing the sanctification and dedication of the offering. Historically, these practices underscored the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where offerings were a tangible expression of allegiance, repentance, and communion.

Leviticus 2 6 Word analysis

• you shall break it in pieces
  • break it in pieces (Hebrew: pathath - פָּתַת): This verb means to break, cleave, or break into fragments. It implies a thorough process of dividing a solid object. In the context of a baked cake, it indicates tearing or cutting it into smaller portions, making it ready for burning on the altar's fire. The breaking likely facilitated a more complete consumption by the flames and symbolized the completeness of the worshipper's offering. It also relates to preparing food for consumption, much like breaking bread.
• and pour oil on it
  • pour (Hebrew: yatsaq - יָצַק): To pour, to cast, to make fluid to flow out. It denotes the act of generously distributing the oil over the broken pieces of the offering.
  • oil (Hebrew: shemen - שֶׁמֶן): This refers to olive oil, a staple and precious commodity in ancient Israel, often associated with richness, light, sustenance, and consecration.
    • Significance: Oil in biblical tradition widely symbolizes consecration, anointing for service, or the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. In the grain offering, it enhanced the "fragrant aroma" for the Lord and symbolized the Spirit's anointing making the offering acceptable. It also likely represented the best of their produce.
• it is a grain offering
  • grain offering (Hebrew: minchah - מִנְחָה): Properly translated as "gift," "tribute," or "grain offering." It typically referred to a bloodless offering made from grains or fine flour, accompanied by oil and frankincense. It was distinct from other offerings and was primarily a symbol of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, and commitment to God.
    • Significance: This type of offering, though not atoning for specific sins in the same way as the sin offering, served as a foundational act of worship and gratitude. Its detailed preparation underlined the holiness of God and the need for meticulous reverence in approaching Him.

Leviticus 2 6 Bonus section

The requirement for breaking the offering also speaks to the idea of accessibility and consumption, whether by the fire on the altar or by the priests (a portion of many grain offerings was for priestly sustenance). This echoes the concept that spiritual "food" or communion with God, whether through sacrifice or spiritual nourishment, is meant to be consumed and internalized. The deliberate inclusion of oil and frankincense (mentioned elsewhere in Lev 2 for this offering) and the strict prohibition of leaven and honey, reveal a meticulous concern for purity, incorruption, and true dedication. Leaven symbolized corruption, and honey, while sweet, could lead to fermentation, symbolizing impurity or perhaps pagan associations. Thus, the seemingly simple preparation of Leviticus 2:6 is part of a larger, divinely ordained system designed to teach Israel deep truths about holiness, worship, and God's character.

Leviticus 2 6 Commentary

Leviticus 2:6, while seemingly simple, encapsulates profound theological truths embedded in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The actions of breaking and pouring oil on the grain offering underscore principles of devotion and sanctification. The "breaking" symbolizes the prepared, surrendered nature of the offering, analogous to a prepared heart in worship. Just as a loaf is broken for consumption, the grain offering is rendered ready for its purpose on the altar, being wholly dedicated to God. This can foreshadow the "breaking" of Christ's body as the ultimate, perfect sacrifice for humanity (1 Cor 11:24). The "oil," a recurring symbol of the Holy Spirit and divine consecration, signifies that for an offering to be acceptable, it must be anointed by God's presence and grace. It implies that true worship is enabled and made fragrant by the Spirit. Thus, the verse illustrates that an acceptable offering to God requires both meticulous preparation from the worshipper and the divine enabling and sanctification that comes through His Spirit, transforming ordinary provision into holy communion. Believers today, no longer requiring animal or grain sacrifices due to Christ's perfect offering, are called to present themselves as "living sacrifices" (Rom 12:1), empowered by the Holy Spirit (oil) and yielding every aspect of their lives to God (breaking and dedication), becoming a pleasing aroma.