Leviticus 2:5

And if thy oblation [be] a meat offering [baken] in a pan, it shall be [of] fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

And if thy oblation {H7133} be a meat offering {H4503} baken in a pan {H4227}, it shall be of fine flour {H5560} unleavened {H4682}, mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}.

If your offering is a grain offering cooked on a griddle, it is to consist of unleavened fine flour mixed with olive oil;

If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be unleavened bread made of fine flour mixed with oil.

And if thy oblation be a meal-offering of the baking-pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 2:5

Leviticus 2:5 continues the detailed instructions for the "meat offering," which is more accurately understood as a grain or meal offering. This particular verse specifies one method of preparation: baking it in a pan. The meticulous nature of these instructions underscores the precision and purity required in approaching God through offerings in the Old Testament.

Context

Chapter 2 of Leviticus outlines the regulations for the minchah, or grain offering. Unlike the burnt offering (Leviticus 1) which was entirely consumed and focused on atonement, the grain offering was typically a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, or dedication, representing the worshiper's labor and sustenance. It was a bloodless offering, emphasizing purity and devotion. Verse 5 distinguishes the pan-baked offering from those baked in an oven (Leviticus 2:4) or on a griddle (Leviticus 2:7), each requiring specific handling.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Wholeness: The requirement for "fine flour" signifies the best quality, while "unleavened" points to purity and the absence of corruption.
  • Consecration: The "mingled with oil" element symbolizes anointing and dedication, setting the offering apart for holy use.
  • Divine Prescription: God's precise instructions for each type of offering highlight His holiness and the specific ways in which He desires to be approached and honored by His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Meat offering": The KJV term "meat" (Hebrew: minchah, ืžึดื ึฐื—ึธื”) in this context refers to food or a meal, not animal flesh. It signifies a gift or tribute, emphasizing the offering as a token of gratitude or homage.
  • "Unleavened": The Hebrew word is matzah (ืžึทืฆึผึธื”), referring to bread made without yeast. Leaven (yeast) often symbolized corruption or sin in biblical symbolism, particularly in the context of offerings and the Passover (Exodus 12:15). Its exclusion ensured the offering's pure and uncorrupted nature.
  • "Oil": The Hebrew shemen (ืฉึถืืžึถืŸ) frequently symbolizes anointing, consecration, and the presence or power of the Holy Spirit. Its inclusion signifies the offering being set apart and made holy through divine presence.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 2:5, though detailing ancient ritual, offers timeless principles for believers today. It teaches us about the importance of offering God our first and best ("fine flour") as an act of worship. The concept of "unleavened" reminds us to approach God with purity of heart, free from the "leaven" of sin and hypocrisy. The "oil" points to the essential role of the Holy Spirit in enabling our worship and consecrating our lives and gifts to God. While we no longer offer grain offerings in the temple, the principles of wholehearted dedication, purity in worship, and dependence on the Spirit remain central to Christian life and service.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 6:21

    In a pan it shall be made with oil; [and when it is] baken, thou shalt bring it in: [and] the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:9

    And all the meat offering that is baken in the oven, and all that is dressed in the fryingpan, and in the pan, shall be the priest's that offereth it.
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