Leviticus 2:15

KJV

And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it [is] a meat offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H5414} oil {H8081} upon it, and lay {H7760} frankincense {H3828} thereon: it is a meat offering {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Put olive oil on it, and lay frankincense on it; it is a grain offering.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to put oil and frankincense on it; it is a grain offering.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meal-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:15 provides precise instructions for the preparation of the grain offering, or *minchah*, specifically detailing the mandatory addition of oil and frankincense. This verse is integral to understanding the nature of this particular offering, which was distinct from blood sacrifices and served as a voluntary expression of worship, profound gratitude, and recognition of God's sovereign provision. The prescribed elements of oil and frankincense were not mere ingredients but carried deep symbolic weight, signifying consecration, the presence and enablement of the Holy Spirit, and the ascending, pleasing aroma of sincere devotion and prayer to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 2:15 is situated within the comprehensive regulations for the grain offering, or *minchah*, which commences in [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering Regulations"). This chapter meticulously outlines the various forms the grain offering could take, including fine flour, baked bread, or roasted grain, each with specific preparation requirements. Unlike the compulsory burnt offering ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")) or the sin offering ([Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering")), the grain offering was typically a voluntary expression of devotion, gratitude, and tangible acknowledgment of God's sustenance. Verse 15 specifically addresses the offering of "firstfruits" or new grain, which held particular significance as an initial act of trust and thanksgiving for the harvest. The consistent requirement of oil and frankincense across most grain offerings, as seen throughout [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"), underscores their indispensable symbolic role in the ritual.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society deeply reliant on agricultural cycles, offerings of grain were a natural and profoundly significant way to acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty over the harvest and His bountiful provision for their sustenance. The act of bringing the firstfruits of the harvest, as implied by the context of new grain, was a tangible expression of profound trust and thankfulness, demonstrating that the worshiper recognized God as the ultimate source of all blessings and the sustainer of life. Oil, primarily derived from olives, was a staple commodity used for food, light, anointing, and medicinal purposes, symbolizing prosperity, blessing, and consecration. Frankincense, a costly aromatic resin imported from distant lands (such as Sheba, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 6:20](/jeremiah/6-20 "Jeremiah 6:20 - Frankincense from Sheba")), was highly valued for its fragrant smoke when burned. Its inclusion in offerings, particularly on the altar of incense ([Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34-38 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Anointing Oil and Incense")), underscored its association with prayer, worship, and a pleasing aroma ascending to God. These elements transformed a simple grain offering into a rich, multi-sensory act of worship, engaging sight, smell, and touch.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 2:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Worship and Consecration**, emphasizing that offerings to God must be set apart and made holy, not merely common goods. The oil symbolizes this consecration and the divine enablement necessary for acceptable worship. Closely related is **Gratitude and Thanksgiving**, as the grain offering was a primary means for the Israelites to express their thankfulness for God's daily provision and the bounty of the land. It also highlights the theme of **God's Provision and Sovereignty**, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all sustenance. Furthermore, the frankincense points to the theme of **Sincere Devotion and Prayer**, signifying that worship should ascend to God as a pleasing aroma, reflecting a worshiper's heartfelt reverence and adoration. The *minchah* offering, unlike sin offerings, underscores that worship is not solely about atonement but also about reverent communion and joyful acknowledgment of God's goodness, a theme echoed in [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give" with a vast range of applications, including "put," "make," "apply," "appoint," and "bestow." In Leviticus 2:15, its use signifies the deliberate and commanded act of adding the oil to the grain offering. It implies an intentional act of giving or placing, emphasizing that these elements were not optional but specifically ordained by God to be part of the offering, contributing to its sacred nature and purpose.
* **frankincense (Hebrew, _lᵉbôwnâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be white" (H3828), this term refers to frankincense, a costly aromatic resin. Its name likely alludes to its whitish appearance or the white smoke it produces when burned. In the context of the grain offering, frankincense was a highly valued component, signifying the ascending prayers and worship of the offerer, rising as a pleasing aroma to God. Its inclusion elevated the offering from mere sustenance to a profound act of adoration and reverence.
* **meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** This term (H4503) comes from an unused root meaning "to apportion" or "bestow," and refers broadly to a "donation" or "tribute." Specifically within the sacrificial system, *minchâh* denotes a "sacrificial offering" that was typically bloodless and voluntary, distinguishing it from animal sacrifices. While translated as "meat offering" in the KJV, it precisely means a "grain offering" or "meal offering," representing a worshiper's livelihood offered back to God as a gift of gratitude and devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put oil upon it":** This clause provides the first specific instruction for preparing the grain offering. The oil was to be either mixed with the fine flour or poured over the prepared cakes or roasted grain. This act was deeply symbolic, representing the consecration of the offering and, by extension, the worshiper. Oil frequently symbolized anointing, blessing, and the presence or enablement of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that acceptable worship is set apart for God and empowered by divine grace.
* **"and lay frankincense thereon":** Following the instruction for oil, frankincense was to be placed on top of the grain offering. When a portion of the offering was burned on the altar, the frankincense would produce a fragrant smoke that ascended heavenward. This element symbolized the prayers, worship, and sincere devotion of the offerer rising as a sweet, pleasing aroma to God, indicating divine acceptance and favor.
* **"it [is] a meat offering":** This concluding phrase serves as a definitive identification of the offering. The term "meat offering" (Hebrew: *minchâh*) clarifies that this particular sacrifice was a grain or meal offering, distinct from animal sacrifices. It emphasizes that this offering was a tangible expression of a worshiper's gratitude, acknowledging God's sustaining power and sovereignty over their livelihood, offered as a gift of thanksgiving and devotion rather than for atonement of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and ritual significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, as both oil and frankincense are rich in theological and spiritual meaning. Oil consistently symbolizes consecration, blessing, and the Holy Spirit's presence, while frankincense represents prayer, worship, and a pleasing aroma ascending to God. The grain itself, a product of human labor and divine provision, also carries the **symbolism** of gratitude, dependence, and the offering of one's livelihood. The King James Version's translation of *minchah* as "meat offering" is an instance of **synecdoche**, where a general term for food ("meat" in archaic English) stands for a specific type of food offering (grain/meal), though this has unfortunately led to modern misunderstanding. The entire passage is cast in prescriptive or instructional language, characteristic of the legal and ritual texts found throughout Leviticus, providing clear, direct commands for the precise performance of sacred rites, underscoring their divine origin and importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:15, though embedded in ancient ritual law, offers enduring theological insights into the very nature of worship and devotion acceptable to God. The prescribed elements of oil and frankincense transform a simple grain offering into an act of profound spiritual significance. The oil speaks to the absolute necessity of consecration and the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit in all our offerings to God, suggesting that true worship is not merely an external act but must be Spirit-infused and set apart for His glory. The frankincense highlights the critical importance of heartfelt devotion, sincere prayer, and genuine worship, indicating that our spiritual offerings should ascend to God as a pleasing and fragrant aroma, born of reverence and adoration. Together, these elements underscore that God desires not just our material gifts, but our consecrated lives and sincere hearts, offered in profound gratitude for His boundless provision and absolute sovereignty.

* [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Anointing from the Holy One")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma")
* [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Golden Bowls Full of Incense, Which Are the Prayers of the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of the grain offering, with its specific components of oil and frankincense, provides a powerful and timeless template for our contemporary worship and daily living. While believers in Christ no longer offer literal grain sacrifices, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. Our lives, talents, resources, and even our most mundane tasks can become "spiritual sacrifices" when offered to God with intentionality, purity, and devotion. The "oil" reminds us that our service and worship must be consecrated by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live and give in a way that is truly set apart for God's purposes and empowered by His presence. The "frankincense" calls us to cultivate a heart of sincere prayer and worship, ensuring that our devotion is not merely outward ritual or obligation but an inward reality—a fragrant offering that ascends to God. We are called to give our "firstfruits"—our best, our earliest, our most vibrant energies and resources—as an act of profound trust and gratitude, recognizing that all we have ultimately originates from Him. This transforms every aspect of our existence into an act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently withholding my "firstfruits" from God, rather than offering my very best?**
* **How does the "oil" of the Holy Spirit actively consecrate my daily activities, transforming them into genuine acts of worship and service?**
* **Am I cultivating a heart of "frankincense," where my prayers and devotion truly rise as a pleasing aroma to God, or are they often perfunctory and lacking in sincerity?**
* **What practical steps can I take for my entire life to become a "spiritual sacrifice" that is truly pleasing and acceptable to God, in light of the grain offering's rich symbolism?**

### FAQ
**Why is it called a "meat offering" in the King James Version?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) for Leviticus 2:15 is a direct translation of the Hebrew word *minchâh* (מִנְחָה). In older English, the word "meat" was a general term for "food" or "meal" of any kind, not exclusively animal flesh. Therefore, a "meat offering" referred to a "food offering" or "meal offering," which in this context was specifically a grain offering. Modern translations, such as the ESV or NIV, typically render it as "grain offering" or "meal offering" to avoid contemporary confusion, clarifying that it was distinct from animal sacrifices like the burnt offering described in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering").

**What was the primary purpose of the grain offering, and how did it differ from other sacrifices?**

Answer: The grain offering (*minchâh*) was primarily a voluntary offering of profound gratitude, sincere devotion, and tangible recognition of God's bountiful provision. Unlike sin offerings ([Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering")) or guilt offerings ([Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - The Guilt Offering")), which addressed specific sins and required atonement, the grain offering was not for expiation of sin. Instead, it served as an expression of thanksgiving for God's sustaining power and blessing, a tangible acknowledgment of His sovereignty over the harvest and the worshiper's livelihood. It often accompanied burnt offerings as a supplementary offering, but it could also be offered independently as a pure act of devotion, symbolizing the worshiper's dedication and dependence on God.

**Why were oil and frankincense specifically required for the grain offering?**

Answer: Oil (שֶׁמֶן, *shemen*) symbolized consecration, blessing, and the presence or anointing of the Holy Spirit. Its inclusion signified that the offering, and by extension the worshiper, was set apart and made holy for God, indicating divine approval and spiritual enablement. Frankincense (לְבֹנָה, *lᵉbôwnâh*), a costly aromatic resin, produced a fragrant smoke when burned. This symbolized prayer, worship, and the sweet aroma of devotion ascending to God, indicating that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to Him. These elements transformed a simple grain offering into a rich, spiritually meaningful act of worship, emphasizing the need for both divine consecration and sincere, heartfelt devotion in approaching God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 2:15, with its emphasis on a consecrated offering of grain, richly imbued with oil and frankincense, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a symbol of sustenance, but the very "bread of life" who descended from heaven to give life to the world ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His earthly life was perfectly consecrated, fully empowered and filled by the Holy Spirit without measure, just as the "oil" symbolized divine anointing (cf. [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"); [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit")). Furthermore, Christ's singular sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate "pleasing aroma" to God, an offering of perfect obedience and boundless love that fully satisfied divine justice and perfectly expressed devotion ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma"); [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, believers are now enabled to offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are eternally acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices Acceptable to God")). Our lives, consecrated by the Spirit and offered in worship and service, become a fragrant offering to God, made possible only by our union with the perfect Grain Offering, Jesus Christ, who is our all in all.

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.