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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And when any {H5315} will offer {H7126} a meat {H4503} offering {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068}, his offering {H7133} shall be of fine flour {H5560}; and he shall pour {H3332} oil {H8081} upon it, and put {H5414} frankincense {H3828} thereon:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Anyone who brings a grain offering to ADONAI is to make his offering of fine flour; he is to pour olive oil on it and put frankincense on it.

Berean Standard Bible

“When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it,

American Standard Version

And when any one offereth an oblation of a meal-offering unto Jehovah, his oblation shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:1 introduces the regulations for the grain offering, an essential component of Israelite worship. This offering, often voluntary, consisted primarily of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It served as a tangible expression of gratitude, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty, symbolizing the worshiper's dedication of their livelihood and life to the LORD in a pure and consecrated manner.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 2:1 initiates the detailed instructions for the *minchah* or grain offering, following directly from the regulations for the burnt offering in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). While the burnt offering symbolized complete dedication and atonement, the grain offering typically represented a voluntary act of thanksgiving, devotion, and the dedication of one's produce and labor to God. It was distinct from sin or guilt offerings, which addressed specific transgressions. Chapters 1-7 of Leviticus systematically outline the various offerings, establishing the foundational principles of Israelite worship, holiness, and the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The grain offering often accompanied other sacrifices, such as the burnt offering, but could also be presented independently as a freewill offering, highlighting its role as a personal expression of devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, heavily reliant on agricultural produce for survival. Grain, specifically, was the staple food and the basis of their economy. Therefore, offering "fine flour" to the LORD was a profound act of worship, demonstrating the worshiper's recognition that all sustenance and prosperity came from God's hand. This offering was a tangible expression of dependence and gratitude. The meticulous instructions for its preparation and presentation underscore the importance of approaching God with reverence, purity, and the very best of one's resources. The Tabernacle, where these offerings were presented, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, reinforcing the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai"). These rituals were not merely external acts but were designed to cultivate an internal posture of humility, devotion, and holiness in the community.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 2:1 contributes significantly to the overarching themes of worship, holiness, and divine provision found throughout the book. It emphasizes the theme of **voluntary devotion**, allowing individuals to express gratitude and commitment beyond mandatory sacrifices. The requirement for "fine flour" underscores the theme of **offering one's best** to God, signifying purity and excellence in worship. The inclusion of oil and frankincense highlights the **consecration and spiritual nature of worship**, where acts of devotion ascend to God as a pleasing aroma. This offering, alongside others in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus"), reinforces the principle that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, and His people are called to acknowledge His sovereignty through tangible acts of worship, thereby fostering a deep sense of dependence and gratitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From Strong's H4503, this term denotes "a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." The King James Version's "meat offering" is an archaic translation; the Hebrew *minchâh* (מִנְחָה) more accurately refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering," emphasizing a gift from one's agricultural produce, distinct from animal sacrifices. It signifies a worshiper's acknowledgment of God's provision and their dedication of the fruits of their labor.
* **Fine Flour (Hebrew, _çôleth'_):** From Strong's H5560, *çôleth* (סֹלֶת) refers to "flour (as chipped off); (fine) flour, meal." This specifies the highest quality, finest ground flour, typically made from wheat. This requirement underscores the principle that offerings to God must be of the very best quality, symbolizing purity, excellence, and the giving of one's unblemished and chosen resources. It reflects the worshiper's desire to honor God with their utmost, not merely with leftovers or inferior goods.
* **Frankincense (Hebrew, _lᵉbôwnâh'_):** From Strong's H3828, *lᵉbôwnâh* (לְבוֹנָה) denotes "frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke); (frank-) incense." This aromatic resin, which produces a fragrant smoke when burned, symbolizes prayer, praise, and devotion ascending to God as a "pleasing aroma." Its inclusion highlights the devotional and spiritual aspect of the offering, emphasizing that worship is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt expression of communion and adoration that is pleasing to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD,"**: This introductory clause establishes the voluntary nature of this particular offering ("when any will offer"). It signifies that individuals, out of their own volition and devotion, could bring this specific type of gift to Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel. It sets the stage for a personal act of worship and gratitude, emphasizing the worshiper's initiative.
* **"his offering shall be [of] fine flour;"**: This specifies the primary component of the grain offering: *çôleth*, or fine flour. This requirement highlights the principle of offering God the very best, emphasizing purity, quality, and excellence in worship. It represents the dedication of the staple of one's livelihood, acknowledging God's ultimate provision.
* **"and he shall pour oil upon it,"**: The instruction to pour oil (H8081, _shemen_) over the fine flour signifies anointing and consecration. This act imbues the offering with symbolic meaning related to the Holy Spirit's presence, divine blessing, and the setting apart of the offering for sacred use. It suggests that true worship is Spirit-infused and consecrated to God, indicating a life saturated with divine influence.
* **"and put frankincense thereon:"**: The addition of frankincense, an aromatic resin, to the offering symbolizes prayer, devotion, and praise ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. When burned, its fragrant smoke would rise, representing the worshiper's prayers and worship being acceptable and delightful to the LORD. This element emphasizes the spiritual and devotional essence of the offering, making it a "sweet savor" to God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:1 primarily employs **Prescription**, as it lays out specific, detailed instructions for the grain offering, characteristic of the legal and ritual codes found throughout the book of Leviticus. This prescriptive language ensures precision and adherence to divine standards for worship. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Symbolism**. The "fine flour" **symbolizes** purity, excellence, and the dedication of one's best. The "oil" **symbolizes** anointing, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that true worship is Spirit-empowered. The "frankincense" **symbolizes** prayer, praise, and devotion ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. Each physical component of the offering carries profound spiritual meaning, transforming a simple act of giving into a deep theological statement about the nature of worship and the character of God. The verse also uses **Metonymy**, where the components (flour, oil, frankincense) stand in for the worshiper's life, resources, and spiritual devotion being offered to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:1 profoundly articulates the theological principles of voluntary worship, the offering of one's best to God, and the sacredness of human labor when dedicated to divine purposes. It underscores God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider of all sustenance and calls His people to respond with gratitude and wholehearted devotion. The components of the offering—fine flour, oil, and frankincense—collectively teach that acceptable worship is pure, consecrated by divine presence, and rises as a pleasing spiritual aroma of prayer and praise. This offering, while not atoning for sin, was a vital expression of fellowship and dependence, reminding Israel that their daily bread and very lives were gifts from the LORD, to be acknowledged and returned in worship, fostering a posture of humility and continuous gratitude.

* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the timeless principles embedded in the grain offering remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Leviticus 2:1 challenges us to consider the quality and intention of our offerings to God. Are we giving Him our "fine flour"—our best time, talents, resources, and efforts—or merely what is convenient or leftover? Our worship, service, and daily lives should be characterized by excellence, not mediocrity, reflecting a heart that truly values God above all else. Furthermore, the oil reminds us that our devotion should be Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered, consecrated by God's presence. Like the frankincense, our lives should be a continuous offering of prayer and praise, rising as a pleasing aroma to God. This verse calls us to live with a profound sense of gratitude, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from God's gracious hand, prompting us to respond with sincere and dedicated worship that permeates every aspect of our existence and honors Him in all we do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I offering God my "fine flour," and where might I be holding back my best?**
* **How does the symbolism of oil (Holy Spirit) inform my understanding of true worship and service today?**
* **Am I cultivating a life of continuous prayer and praise that rises as a "pleasing aroma" to God, like the frankincense?**
* **How does acknowledging God as the ultimate Provider influence my generosity and gratitude?**

### FAQ
**What is the "meat offering" in Leviticus 2:1, and why is it called that in the KJV?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word *minchah* (מִנְחָה). In older English, "meat" referred broadly to food, not exclusively to animal flesh. Therefore, the "meat offering" was a "food offering" or, more specifically, a "grain offering" or "meal offering." This offering consisted primarily of plant-based products like fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, as described in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"). It was distinct from animal sacrifices and served as a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and dedication, acknowledging God's provision.

**What do the components of the grain offering (fine flour, oil, frankincense) symbolize?**

Answer: Each component carried significant symbolic weight. The **fine flour** (*çôleth*) symbolized purity, excellence, and the offering of one's very best to God, representing the fruits of human labor and God's provision. The **oil** (*shemen*) poured upon it symbolized anointing, consecration, and often the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that true worship is Spirit-led and set apart for God's purposes. The **frankincense** (*lᵉbôwnâh*) placed on the offering symbolized prayer, praise, and devotion, rising to God as a "pleasing aroma" or sweet-smelling savor, indicative of acceptable worship and communion.

**Was the grain offering for atonement of sins?**

Answer: No, the grain offering was generally not for the atonement of sins in the same way that the sin offering or guilt offering was. While all offerings were part of a system that facilitated fellowship with a holy God, the *minchah* was typically a voluntary offering of thanksgiving, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's provision. It symbolized dedication and gratitude rather than expiation for specific transgressions. Atonement for sin was primarily addressed through blood sacrifices, such as the burnt offering (which could have an atoning aspect) and especially the sin offering, as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 2:1, with its emphasis on the grain offering, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect "fine flour," representing His sinless humanity and unblemished life, offered without spot or blemish as the ultimate sacrifice (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through Christ's Precious Blood")). Just as oil was poured upon the flour, Jesus was uniquely anointed by the Holy Spirit, not in measure, but fully, for His ministry and redemptive work (cf. [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"); [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit")). His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the "frankincense"—a sweet-smelling aroma, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (cf. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Jesus perfectly embodies the voluntary, pure, Spirit-anointed, and pleasing offering that the grain offering foreshadowed, making it possible for us to draw near to God not by our own imperfect offerings, but through His perfect and complete work (cf. [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). He is the true Bread of Life, the sustenance for our souls, and through Him, our lives can now become living sacrifices, pleasing to God (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"); [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 6:14

¶ And this [is] the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar.

Leviticus 6:18

All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. [It shall be] a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.

Leviticus 9:17

And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt [it] upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Isaiah 66:20

And they shall bring all your brethren [for] an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.

Numbers 7:19

He offered [for] his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Jude 1:20

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,