Leviticus 2:16

KJV

And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, [part] of the beaten corn thereof, and [part] of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: [it is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} the memorial {H234} of it, part of the beaten corn {H1643} thereof, and part of the oil {H8081} thereof, with all the frankincense {H3828} thereof: it is an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to cause the reminder portion of it, its grits and olive oil, with all its frankincense, to go up in smoke; it is an offering made by fire for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest shall then burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all its frankincense, as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the bruised grain thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:16 meticulously concludes the instructions for the grain offering, or *minchah*, within Israel's sacrificial system. This verse details the priest's specific action of burning a designated "memorial" portion—comprising parts of the fine flour and oil, along with all the frankincense—on the altar. This act symbolically presented the offering to the LORD, signifying the worshiper's complete dedication, gratitude, and the divine acceptance of their offering, ascending as a pleasing aroma before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 2:16 serves as the climactic conclusion to the detailed regulations concerning the grain offering, which span from [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - Introduction to the Grain Offering") to this verse. This offering is strategically placed after the burnt offering in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), establishing a theological progression from atonement (burnt offering) to dedication, communion, and thanksgiving (grain offering). The preceding verses in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - Regulations for the Grain Offering") meticulously outline the various preparations for the grain offering—whether baked in an oven, on a griddle, or in a pan—and specify the essential ingredients: fine flour, oil, and frankincense, alongside strict prohibitions against leaven or honey. Verse 16 thus culminates these instructions by focusing on the "memorial" portion, which alone was consumed by fire on the altar, distinguishing it from the larger portion designated for the priests' sustenance, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 2:3](/leviticus/2-3 "Leviticus 2:3 - The Priests' Share").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The grain offering, known as *minchah* in Hebrew, was a voluntary offering in ancient Israel, deeply embedded in an agrarian society where agricultural produce was the very sustenance of life. It symbolized profound devotion, gratitude for God's provision, and an acknowledgment of His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. Unlike the mandatory sin or guilt offerings, the *minchah* was not primarily for expiation of specific sins but rather represented a worshiper's dedication and desire for communion with God. Offering the finest produce—fine flour and oil—was a tangible act of worship, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings. The inclusion of frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin imported from distant lands, elevated the offering, symbolizing its purity, pleasantness, and the worshiper's sincere devotion. The act of burning a designated "memorial" portion (*azkarah*) on the altar was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying the offering's presentation and remembrance before the deity. This ritual ensured the offering's holiness and its setting apart for divine purposes, reflecting Israel's understanding of worship as a tangible presentation of one's best to a holy God, a principle underscored throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Aroma to the LORD").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 2:16, as part of the grain offering regulations, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to approach Him with reverence and according to His prescribed ways. The meticulous instructions for the offering, including specific ingredients and preparation, underscore this theme. Another key theme is **Worship and Dedication**, as the grain offering is an act of voluntary devotion, symbolizing the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's provision and their commitment to Him. The "memorial" portion highlights the theme of **Remembrance and Acceptance**, signifying that the offering, and by extension the worshiper, is brought into God's favorable remembrance. This concept of divine remembrance is crucial throughout the Old Testament, as seen in passages like [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembers Noah"). Finally, the theme of **Divine Provision and Gratitude** is central, as the offering of agricultural produce acknowledges God as the ultimate provider of all sustenance, fostering a spirit of thanksgiving for His blessings, a sentiment echoed in [Deuteronomy 26:10](/deuteronomy/26-10 "Deuteronomy 26:10 - Bringing the Firstfruits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _ʼazkârâh'_):** From the root *zakar* (to remember), this term signifies a "remembrance" or "memorial portion." In the context of the grain offering, it refers to the specific part that was burned on the altar, serving to bring the entire offering, and by extension the worshiper, into God's remembrance. It is not that God needs to be reminded, but rather that this act symbolized the worshiper's solemn dedication and the offering's acceptance by God, establishing a lasting connection or record before Him.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** This primitive root means "to smoke" or "to turn into fragrance by fire." It specifically denotes the act of causing something to ascend in smoke, particularly in an act of worship. In this verse, it refers to the priestly action of placing the memorial portion on the altar fire, transforming it into a fragrant smoke that ascends to God. This emphasizes the sacred nature of the act, signifying the offering's transformation and presentation to the divine.
* **Offering made by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This term is used in a liturgical sense to describe any offering or sacrifice that is consumed by fire on the altar. It highlights the method of presentation and consumption, signifying that the offering is transformed and ascends to God. The fire often represents divine presence, purification, and acceptance, making the offering holy and pleasing to the LORD. Its use here underscores the divine destination and acceptance of the memorial portion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall burn the memorial of it,"**: This opening clause establishes the agent (the priest) and the primary action (burning) of a specific, consecrated portion (the memorial). The priest acts as the divinely appointed mediator, performing a sacred ritual that is not merely disposal but a solemn act of presentation, ensuring the offering is consecrated and brought into God's presence for remembrance and acceptance.
* **"[part] of the beaten corn thereof, and [part] of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof:"**: This segment meticulously details the precise components that constitute the "memorial portion." It is significant that only "part" of the fine flour (beaten corn) and "part" of the oil are specified for burning, while "all" the frankincense is to be offered. This distinction underscores the unique symbolic value of frankincense, which was entirely consumed, representing the complete surrender of what is most precious and fragrant. The flour and oil represent the staple provisions of life, offered back to God as a token of gratitude and dependence.
* **"[it is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD."**: This concluding phrase definitively states the nature and ultimate destination of the offering. By being consumed by fire (*ishshâh*), the offering is transformed and ascends as a holy dedication directly "unto the LORD." This signifies divine acceptance and pleasure, emphasizing that the entire ritual is for God's glory and purposes, establishing a covenantal bond between the worshiper and the holy God, confirming its sacred and acceptable status.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:16 is rich in **Symbolism**, where each element carries profound theological meaning. The fine flour symbolizes the fruit of human labor, God's provision, and the worshiper's sustenance. The oil represents anointing, blessing, and the Spirit's presence. The frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, symbolizes purity, prayer, and a pleasing aroma ascending to God, indicative of sincere devotion. The act of burning itself is symbolic of purification, transformation, and divine acceptance, as the offering is consumed and ascends to the heavens. **Synecdoche** is evident in the concept of the "memorial portion" (*azkârâh*), where a small, representative part stands for the whole offering and, by extension, the entire worshiper and their dedication. By offering this specific portion, the worshiper symbolically presents their entire self and their livelihood to God. Furthermore, **Metonymy** can be observed in the phrase "offering made by fire," where "fire" stands in for God's consuming holiness, His presence, and His acceptance of the sacrifice. The entire process is a meticulously choreographed ritualistic performance designed to communicate deep spiritual truths through tangible actions and sensory experiences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:16, with its meticulous instructions for the grain offering, underscores profound theological truths about worship, dedication, and God's holiness. The concept of the "memorial portion" highlights that true worship involves not just a physical act but a spiritual remembrance and presentation of oneself before God. It teaches that God desires our best, symbolized by the fine flour, oil, and costly frankincense, and that our offerings, when given with a sincere heart, are pleasing to Him. This verse also implicitly points to the necessity of priestly mediation in approaching a holy God, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The "sweet aroma" theme, often associated with offerings, connects the physical act of sacrifice with the spiritual reality of pleasing God through obedience and devotion, emphasizing that genuine worship is a fragrant offering to the divine.

* [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Aroma to the LORD")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering to God")
* [Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Sacrifices Pleasing to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 2:16, though rooted in ancient ceremonial law, provides timeless principles for our contemporary walk with God. The instruction to offer the "memorial portion" with "all the frankincense" reminds us that true worship is not merely a perfunctory act but a heartfelt dedication of our most precious resources and our very selves. It challenges us to consider what "memorial" we are burning before the LORD today—are we offering our finest talents, our most valuable time, our deepest affections, or merely what is convenient or leftover? Just as the frankincense ascended as a pleasing aroma, our lives, when lived in obedience and love, can be a spiritual fragrance to God, a constant reminder of our covenant relationship with Him. This verse calls us to a life of intentional devotion, acknowledging God's sovereignty over every aspect of our existence and presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable, which is our spiritual worship. It invites us to reflect on the quality of our offerings—not just material possessions, but our very being—and to ensure that our worship is a genuine, pleasing aroma to the One who provides all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "memorial" am I offering to the LORD in my daily life, and does it truly represent my best and most sincere dedication?**
* **In what practical ways can my life be a "sweet aroma" of worship and devotion to God, akin to the frankincense ascending from the altar?**
* **How does the concept of a "memorial" portion influence my understanding of God's remembrance of my prayers, acts of service, and the totality of my walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the "memorial" portion of the grain offering?**

Answer: The "memorial" portion (*azkârâh*) of the grain offering served as a symbolic representation of the entire offering and, by extension, the worshiper, being brought into God's remembrance and presence. It was not that God needed to be reminded, but rather that this act signified the worshiper's sincere dedication and the offering's divine acceptance. By burning this specific part on the altar, it ascended to the LORD as a pleasing aroma, establishing a lasting record or connection between the worshiper and God, signifying that the offering was acknowledged and received by Him. It was a solemn act of consecration, making the offering holy and set apart for divine purposes, as seen in the broader context of the grain offering instructions, such as in [Leviticus 2:9](/leviticus/2-9 "Leviticus 2:9 - The Memorial Portion and the Priests' Share").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 2:16, with its emphasis on the grain offering's "memorial" portion and its ascent as a "fire offering unto the LORD," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The grain offering, symbolizing dedication and a life perfectly offered, foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect offering. Unlike the partial offerings of flour and oil required of the Israelites, Christ offered His entire life—His perfect obedience, His sinless humanity, and His sacrificial death—as a complete and pleasing aroma to God. He is the true "memorial" before God, not needing to remind God of our devotion, but perfectly representing humanity and securing our acceptance through His one-time sacrifice. The instruction to burn "all the frankincense" points to the absolute purity and pleasing nature of Christ's offering, which was entirely acceptable to God, a sacrifice without blemish or spot. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate "offering made by fire," consumed by divine judgment for sin, yet rising as a fragrant aroma of perfect obedience and love, as powerfully described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering"). Through Christ, believers are now invited to present their lives as "living sacrifices," a spiritual worship that is pleasing to God, made possible by their union with the perfect offering, Jesus, as articulated in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices").

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

Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Romans 8:26

¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Leviticus 2:9

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 savour unto the LORD.