Leviticus 2:10

KJV

And that which is left of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that which is left {H3498} of the meat offering {H4503} shall be Aaron's {H175} and his sons {H1121}': it is a thing most {H6944} holy {H6944} of the offerings {H801} of the LORD {H3068} made by fire {H801}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the rest of the grain offering will belong to Aharon and his sons; it is an especially holy part of the offerings for ADONAI made by fire.

Berean Standard Bible

But the remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And that which is left of the meal-offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’: it is a thing most holy of the offerings of Jehovah made by fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:10 concludes the detailed instructions for the grain offering, specifically addressing the sacred disposition of the portion that remains after the memorial offering has been presented to the LORD by fire. This verse mandates that the unburned remainder is to be given to Aaron and his priestly descendants, explicitly declaring it "a thing most holy." This designation underscores its profound sanctity, highlighting its role as a divine provision for the priestly family, who were consecrated to the LORD's service and depended on His sustenance through the offerings of the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 2:10 serves as the concluding directive within the comprehensive regulations for the `minchah`, or "grain offering," which begins at [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "The Grain Offering Introduced"). This chapter meticulously details various forms of the grain offering, including fine flour, baked cakes, or wafers, along with specific preparations involving oil and frankincense. A crucial element, the "memorial portion" (`azkarah`), was to be burned on the altar as a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD, as outlined in [Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "The Memorial Portion of the Grain Offering"). The verses immediately preceding Leviticus 2:10, such as [Leviticus 2:8-9](/leviticus/2-8-9 "Priestly Handling of the Grain Offering"), describe the priest bringing the offering to the altar and separating this memorial portion. Thus, Leviticus 2:10 provides the final instruction, clarifying the sacred handling and distribution of the *remainder* of the offering, distinguishing it from the portion consumed by fire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priesthood, specifically the lineage of Aaron, was divinely set apart for exclusive service in the Tabernacle. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a tribal inheritance of land in Canaan, a detail reiterated in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "The Levites' Inheritance and Provision"). Their sustenance and livelihood were divinely ordained to come directly from the offerings and tithes brought by the other tribes to the LORD. This unique system ensured that the priests could dedicate themselves entirely to their sacred duties—mediating between God and His people, administering the sacrificial system, and teaching the Law—without needing to engage in agricultural or commercial pursuits for their daily bread. The declaration of the remaining offering as "most holy" also reflects the pervasive understanding of holiness in Israelite worship, where certain objects, places, and portions of offerings were uniquely consecrated to God and required specific, reverent handling, often restricted to the priests within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle, as exemplified by the altar itself in [Exodus 29:37](/exodus/29-37 "The Altar's Sanctification").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in sustaining those He calls to serve Him, ensuring the priests' livelihood through the offerings. It also reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that certain aspects of worship and the offerings themselves are set apart for God and must be handled with the utmost reverence and purity. The concept of **Stewardship and Responsibility** is also evident, as the people are commanded to bring their offerings, and the priests are entrusted with their sacred handling and consumption. Finally, the verse highlights the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, as Aaron and his sons are the designated recipients, underscoring their unique position as God's representatives who both offer sacrifices on behalf of the people and receive divine provision for their service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** The King James Version's "meat offering" is an archaic translation. In 17th-century English, "meat" broadly referred to any food. The Hebrew word `minchâh` (H4503) more accurately denotes a "gift," "tribute," or specifically a "grain offering" or "meal offering." Unlike blood sacrifices, the `minchâh` was typically made from agricultural products—fine flour, baked bread, or grain—often accompanied by oil and frankincense. It was generally an offering of thanksgiving, dedication, or a vow, rather than an atonement for sin, though it could accompany other sacrifices.
* **Most Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):: This phrase, `qôdesh` (H6944) appearing twice (`qôdesh qôdesh`), literally translates to "holiness of holinesses" or "holy of holies." It is a superlative idiom in Hebrew, signifying the highest possible degree of sanctity or sacredness. Objects or places designated as `qôdesh qôdesh` were exclusively consecrated to God and could only be handled by authorized priests, often in specific holy areas of the Tabernacle. This designation underscored the profound reverence due to anything directly associated with God's presence and worship, indicating that the priestly portion of the grain offering was not mere food but a sacred provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that which is left of the meat offering":** This clause refers to the substantial portion of the grain offering that remained after the "memorial portion" (`azkarah`) had been taken by the priest and burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. This unburned remainder constituted the larger part of the offering, emphasizing God's generous provision for His servants rather than a minimal allowance.
* **"[shall be] Aaron's and his sons':":** This explicitly designates the recipients of the remaining offering. It was allocated to the high priest, Aaron, and his male priestly descendants. This divine directive established a system of sustenance for the priestly family, who, having no tribal land inheritance, were entirely dependent on the offerings of the people for their livelihood. This provision ensured their ability to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties in the Tabernacle.
* **"[it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.":** This declaration emphasizes the extreme sanctity of the priestly portion. By designating it `qôdesh qôdesh` ("most holy"), God underscored that this was not merely food but a sacred provision, part of an offering consecrated to Him. This status dictated that it had to be eaten by the priests in a holy place within the Tabernacle courtyard, reinforcing the reverence and ritual purity required in all matters pertaining to God's worship and provision.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is central, as the grain offering itself symbolizes dedication, thanksgiving, and the offering of one's produce and labor to God. The act of giving a portion to the priests symbolizes God's provision for those set apart for His service, reinforcing the idea of a covenant relationship where God sustains His chosen mediators. The phrase "most holy" is an example of **Hebrew Superlative**, using repetition (`qôdesh qôdesh`) to emphasize the absolute sanctity of the remaining offering. This linguistic device elevates the seemingly mundane act of eating to a sacred ritual. Furthermore, the entire system of offerings, including the disposition of the grain offering, functions as a **Typology**, foreshadowing future spiritual realities, particularly the ultimate provision and perfect sacrifice in Christ, and the spiritual sustenance of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:10 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous order, His faithful provision for His chosen servants, and the inherent sanctity of all things dedicated to Him. The allocation of the "most holy" portion of the grain offering to Aaron and his sons highlights God's unwavering commitment to sustaining those who minister in His name, ensuring they are free to devote themselves fully to their sacred calling. This divine provision underscores a reciprocal relationship: as the people offer their best to God, God, in turn, provides for His priests through those very offerings, emphasizing a communal participation in worship and sustenance. The "most holy" designation elevates the physical food to a sacred communion, reminding all that God's economy is one of holiness and reverent stewardship.

* [Numbers 18:8-10](/numbers/18-8-10 "Priestly Portions and Offerings")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "Support for Ministers of the Gospel")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Honoring God with Firstfruits and Increase")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 2:10, though rooted in the ancient Levitical system, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It calls us to reflect on the profound reverence due to God and all that pertains to Him—His Word, His worship, His house, and His people. The "most holy" designation for the priestly portion reminds us that even our daily sustenance, when received as a gift from God and used in His service, can be consecrated and sacred. Furthermore, this verse powerfully illustrates God's commitment to providing for those who serve Him. Just as He meticulously cared for the physical needs of the Levitical priests, He continues to sustain and equip those whom He calls into ministry today. This should inspire us to honor and support those who faithfully minister God's Word, recognizing their vital role in the spiritual health of the community. It also challenges us to consider how we, as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")), handle the "most holy" things of God in our own lives—our time, talents, and resources—offering them back to Him with dedication and reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "most holy" in Leviticus 2:10 shape your understanding of reverence for God's presence and His provisions in your own life?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as the church today, uphold the principle of providing for those who minister the Word, mirroring God's provision for Aaron and his sons?**
* **Considering the grain offering as a symbol of dedication and thanksgiving, what "firstfruits" or "best portions" are you currently offering to the Lord in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What was the "meat offering" mentioned in Leviticus 2:10?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version is an archaic translation. The Hebrew word is `minchâh` (מִנְחָה), which is more accurately translated as "grain offering" or "meal offering." Unlike blood sacrifices, this offering was made from agricultural products such as fine flour, baked bread, or roasted grain, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was typically an offering of thanksgiving, dedication, or a vow, symbolizing the worshiper's dependence on God for daily sustenance and their grateful acknowledgment of His provision. A portion of it was burned on the altar as a "memorial portion" (`azkarah`), as outlined in [Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "The Memorial Portion of the Grain Offering").

**Why was the remaining portion of the grain offering considered "most holy"?**

Answer: The phrase "most holy" translates the Hebrew `qôdesh qôdesh` (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים), meaning "holiness of holinesses" or "holy of holies." This designation signified the highest degree of sanctity. It meant that the remaining portion of the grain offering was exclusively consecrated to the LORD and was not to be treated as common food. Its "most holy" status required that it be eaten only by authorized priests (Aaron and his sons) and only within the sacred confines of the Tabernacle courtyard, as described in [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Where the Priests Eat the Grain Offering"). This emphasized the profound reverence due to anything directly associated with God's worship and provision, distinguishing it from ordinary sustenance.

**How did this offering provide for Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: God ordained that the Levitical priesthood, including Aaron and his descendants, would not receive a tribal land inheritance in Canaan, as explained in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "The Levites' Inheritance and Provision"). Instead, their livelihood was to come directly from the offerings and tithes brought by the other Israelite tribes. The "most holy" portion of the grain offering was one such provision, ensuring that the priests had a consistent and sacred source of food. This divine arrangement allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties in the Tabernacle—administering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and His people—without being burdened by agricultural or commercial pursuits for their sustenance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 2:10, with its emphasis on a "most holy" offering providing sustenance for the priests, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The grain offering, representing dedication and the fruit of human labor, points to Christ, who perfectly offered Himself—His entire life and being—as the ultimate "grain offering" to God. He is the perfect human offering, without blemish, consecrated entirely to the Father's will. Moreover, just as the grain offering provided sustenance for the Levitical priesthood, Christ Himself is the true bread of life, the spiritual sustenance for the new covenant priesthood—all believers. He declared, "I am the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"); whoever comes to me shall not hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His body, broken for us, and His blood, shed for us, constitute the "most holy" sacrifice that not only atones for sin but also provides eternal spiritual nourishment for those who believe ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Christ's Flesh and Drinking His Blood")). Through Christ, we are made a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) and a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The holiness of the offering in Leviticus 2:10 foreshadows the absolute holiness of Christ's person and work, through whom we receive not just physical provision but eternal life and spiritual sustenance for our priestly service to God.

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 2:3

And the remnant of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.