Leviticus 2 9

Leviticus 2:9 kjv

And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the LORD.

Leviticus 2:9 nkjv

Then the priest shall take from the grain offering a memorial portion, and burn it on the altar. It is an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 2:9 niv

He shall take out the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

Leviticus 2:9 esv

And the priest shall take from the grain offering its memorial portion and burn this on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 2:9 nlt

The priest will take a representative portion of the grain offering and burn it on the altar. It is a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 2 verses

Leviticus 2 9 Meaning

Leviticus 2:9 describes a key step in the grain offering (Minchah), where the priest takes a significant "memorial portion" of the offering. This chosen part, typically fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense, is then burned on the altar. This act of consumption by fire renders it "an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord," signifying God's acceptance and pleasure in the worshipper's devoted gift.

Leviticus 2 9 Context

Leviticus Chapter 2 meticulously details the regulations for the grain offering (Minchah), which typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Unlike bloody sacrifices for sin or guilt, the grain offering was a non-bloody, voluntary offering often presented as an expression of thanksgiving, devotion, dedication, or as a recognition of God's bountiful provision. It represented the fruit of the earth and the labor of human hands. Verse 9 specifies the crucial action performed by the priest in separating and burning a specific part of this offering on the altar, distinguishing it as the portion exclusively devoted to the Lord, to ensure it is accepted by Him. The entire system of sacrifices, including the Minchah, aimed to establish and maintain proper fellowship between a holy God and His covenant people, Israel, teaching them principles of holiness, purity, and obedience to divine instruction. These practices stood in direct contrast to the arbitrary and often immoral sacrificial rituals of pagan nations.

Leviticus 2 9 Word analysis

• And: Connects this action with the preceding verses regarding the grain offering's preparation.
• the priest (Hebrew: hak-kôhēn, הַכֹּהֵן): Refers to the male descendant of Aaron, consecrated for holy service. He acts as a mediator, representing the people before God and God to the people, ensuring proper ritual performance and purity. His role underscores the necessity of divine authorization for approach to God.
• shall take (Hebrew: lāqaḥ, לָקַח): Implies a deliberate action of selection and separation, signifying the specific portion intended for God.
• from the meal offering (Hebrew: minḥāh, מִנְחָה): Literally "gift" or "tribute." This is the grain offering, derived from produce of the field. It represents acknowledgment of God's provision, dedication of one's labors, and devotion, rather than atonement for sin.
• a memorial part thereof (Hebrew: ’azkārāh, אַזְכָּרָה): From the root zakar (to remember). This isn't for God to "remember" in the sense of recalling what He has forgotten, but rather it is the essential token or evocative portion presented before God, bringing the offering and the intention of the worshipper into His presence for His divine consideration and acceptance. It signifies the most significant, chosen essence of the offering dedicated to Him.
• and shall burn it (Hebrew: wəhiqṭīr, וְהִקְטִיר): From qāṭar (to make smoke, to burn incense). This is not destruction but transformation, an elevation by fire, releasing the essence of the offering heavenward. It’s an act of consecration, turning the earthly substance into an ethereal offering to God.
• upon the altar (Hebrew: ‘al hammizbēaḥ, עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ): The specific place for sacrifices, consecrated ground. This signifies the holiness required for an offering and its ultimate dedication to God, moving it from the mundane to the sacred realm.
• it is an offering made by fire (Hebrew: iššeh, אִשֶּׁה): Lit. "my fire" or "fire-offering." A general term for any sacrifice wholly or partially consumed by fire on the altar, emphasizing the divine mechanism of accepting the offering. It stresses the active involvement of fire as part of the ritual God prescribed.
• of a sweet savour (Hebrew: rêaḥ nīḥōaḥ, רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ): Lit. "restful smell" or "pleasing aroma." This is anthropomorphic language describing God's acceptance and satisfaction. It's not a literal smell for God but symbolic of His approval and pleasure in the obedience and devotion expressed by the offering and the worshipper. It indicates that the offering has fulfilled its purpose and has been favorably received by God.
• unto the Lord (Hebrew: layhwh, לַיהוָה): Dedicated to Yahweh (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes that all aspects of worship and offerings are ultimately for Him, and only His acceptance truly matters.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the priest shall take from the meal offering a memorial part thereof": This phrase highlights the structured nature of the Israelite worship and the crucial mediatorial role of the priest. The priest's action is precise, taking only a part, and specifically a memorial part, not the entire offering. This emphasizes selection, purity, and the spiritual essence (intention and devotion) of the offering being represented before God.
• "and shall burn it upon the altar": This phrase describes the culmination of the offering, where the dedicated part undergoes a transformative process by fire on the consecrated altar. It symbolizes complete dedication, the elevation of the physical offering to a spiritual plane, and the visible means by which the offering is presented directly to God. The fire cleanses and consumes, signifying the ultimate disposition of that which belongs to the Lord.
• "it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord": This final clause states the divine verdict and purpose of the action. It confirms the offering as one prescribed by God (made by fire) and, crucially, declares its acceptance by Him. The "sweet savour" is the theological conclusion, signifying God's satisfaction and pleasure in the sacrifice, establishing communion between the worshipper and a holy God. It ultimately foreshadows the perfect, wholly pleasing sacrifice of Christ.

Leviticus 2 9 Bonus section

The grain offering, uniquely among the primary Levitical sacrifices, did not involve bloodshed. This distinguishes its primary theological emphasis. While the bloody sacrifices pointed to atonement and life for sin (Lev 17:11), the Minchah highlighted God's providential care for human sustenance and called for grateful acknowledgment and dedication of the worshipper's labor and resources. This portion of "fine flour," "oil," and "frankincense" symbolized purity, the anointing of the Spirit, and prayers rising to God. Notably, leaven and honey were forbidden from these fiery offerings (Lev 2:11), often interpreted as symbols of corruption (leaven for sin, fermentation) and artificial or worldly sweetness (honey). Their exclusion reinforced the call for pure, uncorrupted devotion. While a portion of the Minchah was consumed on the altar, the remaining part was considered most holy and given to the priests and their families to eat in a holy place (Lev 2:3, 10), serving as their sustenance and highlighting the priest's participation in the offering and the holiness required in God's service.

Leviticus 2 9 Commentary

Leviticus 2:9 provides crucial details about the ceremonial significance of the grain offering within Israelite worship. The selection of the "memorial part" (azkarah) indicates that not all of the offering was consumed; rather, the "best" or "most significant" portion was given wholly to God, representing the entirety of the worshipper's devotion. This "azkarah" function means the portion served as a physical reminder of the offeror and their faith before God. The act of burning transforms the earthly grain into smoke, an ethereal form symbolizing its ascent to God. The divine designation "an offering made by fire" (isheh) emphasizes that this form of worship was divinely instituted, not of human invention. Crucially, its description as "of a sweet savour unto the Lord" signifies divine acceptance and pleasure. This is not a literal appetite but a metaphor for God's approval of the offering and, by extension, the sincere heart and obedient spirit of the offeror. In the larger sweep of redemptive history, all Old Testament offerings, including this meal offering, foreshadowed the ultimate, perfectly pleasing "sweet savour" of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Eph 5:2), which fully accomplished what these rituals imperfectly pointed to. Through Christ, believers are now invited to present their lives as "living sacrifices" (Rom 12:1), acceptable and pleasing to God.