Leviticus 2:2

KJV

And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall bring {H935} it to Aaron's {H175} sons {H1121} the priests {H3548}: and he shall take {H7061} thereout {H8033} his handful {H7062}{H4393} of the flour {H5560} thereof, and of the oil {H8081} thereof, with all the frankincense {H3828} thereof; and the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} the memorial {H234} of it upon the altar {H4196}, to be an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to bring it to the sons of Aharon, the cohanim. The cohen is to take a handful of fine flour from it, together with its olive oil and all its frankincense, and make this reminder portion go up in smoke on the altar as an offering made by fire, a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

and he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests; and he shall take thereout his handful of the fine flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof. And the priest shall burn it as the memorial thereof upon the altar, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:2 provides precise instructions for the grain offering, a voluntary act of worship where an Israelite presented fine flour, oil, and frankincense to the Lord. This verse specifically details the priest's sacred duty to take a symbolic "handful" of these elements and burn them upon the altar. This portion, designated as a "memorial," ascended to God as an "offering made by fire, of a sweet savour," signifying divine acceptance and pleasure in the worshiper's devotion and grateful acknowledgment of God's abundant provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 2 is strategically positioned within the opening chapters of Leviticus, which meticulously detail the various sacrificial offerings ordained by God for the Israelites following the construction of the Tabernacle. While chapters 1 and 3 focus on animal sacrifices (the burnt offering and peace offering, respectively), chapter 2 introduces the *minchah*, or grain offering, a distinctive non-animal sacrifice. Unlike the sin or guilt offerings, which primarily addressed atonement for specific transgressions, the grain offering served as a voluntary expression of gratitude, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's sustenance and blessing. It often accompanied other sacrifices, particularly the burnt offering, but could also be presented independently as a pure act of worship, symbolizing the dedication of one's livelihood and the fruits of their labor to the Lord. The precise instructions in this verse underscore the importance of proper reverence and adherence to divine protocol when approaching a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, grain, oil, and frankincense were not merely commodities but fundamental elements of daily life and economic stability. Grain represented the very sustenance of life, oil was indispensable for food preparation, anointing, and fuel, and frankincense, a costly aromatic resin imported from distant lands, was highly valued for its use in worship and perfumery. The act of offering a portion of these agricultural products was profoundly significant, serving as a tangible expression of the worshiper's understanding that all their sustenance and prosperity came directly from God's hand, a truth frequently reiterated in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - God Provides Wealth"). The Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where these offerings were made, functioned as the central locus of worship and the visible dwelling place of God among His people, as meticulously described in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions and Construction"). The priests, specifically "Aaron's sons," were divinely appointed and consecrated mediators, their role essential for the proper execution of these sacred rituals, ensuring that offerings were presented according to God's holy standards and that the people could approach Him acceptably within the framework of the Mosaic Covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and indeed the entire chapter on the grain offering, contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's provision and human dependence**. By offering the produce of the land, the Israelites acknowledged God as the ultimate source of their sustenance and prosperity. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **worship as an act of gratitude and devotion**, distinguishing this offering from those primarily focused on atonement. It underscores that worship is not solely about appeasing God for sin but also about expressing heartfelt thanks and dedication. Thirdly, the emphasis on the priest's role and specific procedures reinforces the theme of **holiness and divine order**. God's holiness necessitated a prescribed means of approach, mediated by consecrated individuals, ensuring that worship was conducted with reverence and according to His will, as seen in the strictures surrounding the Tabernacle service in [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu"). Finally, the concept of a "sweet savour" introduces the theme of **divine acceptance and communion**, indicating that God delights in the obedient and sincere worship of His people, fostering a relational dynamic between the Creator and His covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Handful (Hebrew, _qômets'_):** Derived from H7062, this term refers to a specific measure, literally "a grasp, i.e., handful." It signifies a small, representative portion taken from the larger offering. This "handful" was the part designated for burning on the altar, while the remainder of the offering was typically given to the priests for their sustenance (cf. [Leviticus 2:3](/leviticus/2-3 "Leviticus 2:3 - Remainder for Priests")). The act of taking a *qômets* emphasizes that it is not the quantity but the quality and the sincerity of the offering, represented by this symbolic portion, that matters to God. It also highlights the priest's essential role in mediating the offering.
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _ʼazkârâh'_):** From H234, this term denotes a "reminder" or "remembrance-offering." When the "memorial" portion was burned, it served to bring the offerer into remembrance before God, signifying God's active engagement with His covenant people and His attention to their worship. It also served as a reminder to the worshiper of God's holiness and their covenant obligations. This concept of God "remembering" is a powerful theological theme throughout Scripture, often linked to His faithfulness to His promises, as seen in [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembers Noah").
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _rêyach nîychôwach'_):** This idiomatic phrase, combining H7381 ("odor" or "savour") and H5207 ("restful" or "pleasant"), literally means "a soothing aroma" or "a pleasing smell." It is frequently used in Leviticus and other Pentateuchal texts to describe offerings that are acceptable and pleasing to God. It signifies divine approval, acceptance, and delight in the offering and, by extension, in the worshiper who presents it with a sincere heart. It is not about God literally smelling smoke, but rather a metaphorical expression of His favorable reception of the worship and obedience demonstrated through the sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests:"** This clause establishes the necessary mediation for approaching God under the Old Covenant. The worshiper could not directly place the offering on the altar; they had to bring it to the divinely appointed priests, the descendants of Aaron (H175), who were consecrated (H3548) for this sacred duty. This underscores the holiness of God and the need for a divinely ordained channel for worship and access to His presence.
* **"and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof;"** This specifies the essential components of the grain offering: fine flour (H5560), symbolizing the best of one's produce and a life sustained by God; oil (H8081), representing anointing, blessing, and prosperity; and frankincense (H3828), a costly aromatic resin, symbolizing prayer, worship, and dedication. The priest's action of taking a "handful" (H7062, H4393) from the offering signifies the selection of a representative portion for the Lord, while the remainder was typically for the priests' sustenance.
* **"and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar,"** This describes the central act of the offering. The chosen portion (the "memorial," H234) is burned (H6999) on the altar (H4196), the sacred place of sacrifice and communion with God. Burning transforms the physical offering into smoke, which ascends to God, symbolizing the dedication and devotion of the worshiper rising to the divine presence. The "memorial" aspect emphasizes that this act brings the worshiper into God's remembrance and attention.
* **"[to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:"** This final phrase declares the divine purpose and outcome of the ritual. The offering (H801), consumed by fire, is presented to the Lord (H3068), and its acceptance is affirmed by its description as a "sweet savour" (H5207, H7381). This signifies God's pleasure and satisfaction with the offering, indicating that it has been presented according to His will and with a sincere heart, thus fostering communion between God and the worshiper.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the physical elements of the offering—fine flour, oil, and frankincense—are not merely ingredients but potent representations. Fine flour symbolizes the purity and sustenance of life, representing the best of human labor offered back to God. Oil symbolizes anointing, blessing, and prosperity, often associated with divine favor. Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, symbolizes prayer, worship, and the pleasant aroma of devotion ascending to God. The **altar** itself is a powerful symbol of God's holy presence, the designated place of encounter, and the means of approach to the divine. The act of burning the "memorial" portion on the altar uses **synecdoche**, a literary device where a part (the handful) stands for the whole offering and, by extension, the worshiper's entire devotion and livelihood. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" functions as a **motif** throughout Leviticus and other Pentateuchal books, consistently signifying divine acceptance and pleasure in the sacrifices and the obedience they represent, reinforcing God's favorable disposition towards His people when they worship Him according to His commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:2, with its meticulous instructions for the grain offering, profoundly illustrates core theological principles that transcend the specific ritual. It highlights humanity's absolute dependence on God for all provision, encouraging a posture of grateful acknowledgment and the dedication of one's livelihood back to the Divine Giver. The "memorial" aspect underscores God's active remembrance of His covenant people and His desire for intimate communion, while the "sweet savour" signifies His delight in sincere and obedient worship. This offering, though non-atoning, was a vital expression of devotion, emphasizing that true worship involves not just words but tangible acts of giving from the heart, recognizing God's sovereignty over all aspects of life and the importance of offering our best to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 26:10](/deuteronomy/26-10 "Deuteronomy 26:10 - Bringing Firstfruits to the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Paul's Offerings as a Fragrant Aroma")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the grain offering are no longer practiced by believers today, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 2:2 remain profoundly relevant for Christian life and worship. This verse calls us to a posture of radical gratitude, recognizing that all our sustenance, talents, and resources ultimately flow from God's generous hand. Our worship, whether in corporate gatherings or in the quiet of our daily lives, should aspire to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord—an offering of our very best, given with sincerity, devotion, and a heart overflowing with thanks. This translates into dedicating our time, talents, and financial resources to God's kingdom, not out of legalistic obligation, but as a joyful response to His abundant provision and grace. It challenges us to consider what "handful" of our lives we are truly setting apart as a "memorial" to Him, ensuring that our daily walk is a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship, as articulated in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice"). This means living a life that consistently acknowledges God's sovereignty and expresses our deep dependence and love for Him in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways can I offer the "firstfruits" of my time, talents, and resources to God today, reflecting the spirit of the grain offering?**
* **How can my daily actions and attitudes become a "sweet savour"—a pleasing aroma—to the Lord, demonstrating genuine gratitude and devotion?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "remembered" by God through my acts of worship and obedience, and how does that understanding impact my motivation and commitment?**

### FAQ
**What is the "meat offering" mentioned in the KJV?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat" (from Old English "mete") referred to food in general, or a meal, not specifically animal flesh as the word commonly implies today. Therefore, the "meat offering" in [Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "Leviticus 2:2 - The Grain Offering") is more accurately translated in modern versions as the "grain offering" or "meal offering." It consisted of agricultural products like fine flour, oil, and frankincense, distinguishing it from animal sacrifices like the burnt offering described in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering").

**Why were flour, oil, and frankincense specifically used in this offering?**

Answer: Each component carried profound symbolic significance. Fine flour, the purest and most refined part of the grain, symbolized the best of one's harvest and, by extension, the purity and excellence of the worshiper's offering and life sustained by God. Oil, a staple in ancient Israelite life, represented anointing, blessing, and prosperity, often associated with the presence of the Holy Spirit in later biblical understanding. Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, was used in perfumes and incense, symbolizing prayer, worship, and the pleasant aroma of devotion ascending to God. Together, they represented the dedication of one's livelihood, sustenance, and worship to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider, as seen in [Psalm 104:14-15](/psalm/104-14-15 "Psalm 104:14-15 - God Provides Food and Oil").

**What does "sweet savour unto the LORD" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" (Hebrew: *rêyach nîychôwach*) is a metaphorical expression indicating divine acceptance, approval, and pleasure. It does not imply that God literally smells the smoke, but rather that the offering, presented according to His commands and with a sincere heart, is pleasing and acceptable to Him. It signifies that the worshiper's act of devotion and obedience has found favor in God's eyes, fostering communion and affirming the covenant relationship. This concept is beautifully echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God," as in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grain offering, with its emphasis on pure ingredients, the dedication of one's sustenance, and a "sweet savour" of acceptance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the perfect "Bread of Life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), Jesus embodies the finest flour, representing His sinless humanity and His perfect life offered to God. His anointing by the Holy Spirit (foretold in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah") and powerfully fulfilled in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing by the Spirit")) is the ultimate "oil" of blessing and divine empowerment. Furthermore, Christ's entire life of perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the ultimate "memorial" and the most pleasing "sweet savour" to God the Father (as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")). Unlike the Old Testament offerings which merely foreshadowed, Christ's single, complete sacrifice fully satisfied God's righteous demands and perfectly glorified Him. Through faith in Him, believers are now invited to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), their worship and good deeds becoming a spiritual "sweet savour" to God, not by their own merit, but by being united with Christ, the one true and eternally acceptable offering.

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 6:15

And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which [is] upon the meat offering, and shall burn [it] upon the altar [for] a sweet savour, [even] the memorial of it, unto the LORD.

Leviticus 5:12

Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, [even] a memorial thereof, and burn [it] on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a sin offering.

Acts 10:4

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

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.

Leviticus 24:7

And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, [even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Leviticus 2:16

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.