Leviticus 2:6

KJV

Thou shalt part it in pieces, and pour oil thereon: it [is] a meat offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt part {H6626} it in pieces {H6595}, and pour {H3332} oil {H8081} thereon: it is a meat offering {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to break it in pieces and pour olive oil on it -it is a grain offering.

Berean Standard Bible

Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt part it in pieces, and pour oil thereon: it is a meal-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 2:6 provides precise instructions for the final preparation of the grain offering, mandating that the cooked offering, whether baked in an oven, on a griddle, or in a pan, must be broken into pieces and have oil poured over it. These meticulous details underscore the divine expectation for order, intentionality, and consecration in ancient Israelite worship, ensuring the offering's acceptability as a sacred gift to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 2:6 is an essential component of the detailed regulations governing the *minchah*, or grain offering, as outlined in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"). The preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 2:4-5](/leviticus/2-4-5 "Leviticus 2:4-5 - Grain Offerings Prepared in Oven or Griddle"), describe various permissible methods for preparing the grain offering, including baking in an oven, on a griddle, or in a pan. Verse 6 then continues these instructions, specifying the crucial final steps—breaking the offering into pieces and anointing it with oil—regardless of its initial preparation method, before it is presented to the priests at the altar. This chapter is situated within the broader framework of the sacrificial system presented in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings"), which systematically delineates the procedures for various offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, guilt), thereby emphasizing God's demand for holiness, precision, and intentionality in all acts of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The *minchah* (grain offering) was a voluntary, bloodless offering, distinct from animal sacrifices, typically comprising fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It served as an accessible form of worship, enabling even less affluent Israelites to participate in the sacrificial system. Historically, grain was a foundational agricultural product and a staple of the Israelite diet, symbolizing the fruit of their labor and God's abundant provision. The meticulous preparation, including the breaking of the offering and its anointing with oil, reflected the ancient Near Eastern understanding of ritual purity and the profound sacredness of offerings presented to a holy God. Oil, a valuable commodity derived primarily from olives, was used for food, anointing, and illumination. In a ritual context, its application frequently symbolized consecration, divine blessing, and prosperity. Its inclusion in the grain offering elevated the offering's significance, marking it as set apart for divine use and rendering it acceptable to the Lord. This offering was a tangible expression of gratitude, devotion, and dependence on God for daily sustenance, acknowledging that all provision ultimately flowed from Him, as highlighted by the agricultural blessings described in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7-9 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - A Land of Plenty").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 2:6 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, demonstrating God's demand for meticulous preparation and proper ritual in approaching Him. The specific instructions for the grain offering underscore the theme of **Acceptable Worship**, emphasizing that worship must be offered according to God's prescribed methods, not human preference. The use of oil introduces the theme of **Consecration and Divine Anointing**, signifying that the offering is set apart and made holy by God's presence or blessing. Furthermore, as a voluntary offering, it highlights **Gratitude and Devotion**, allowing the worshiper to express thanks for God's provision. The grain offering, being a bloodless sacrifice, also subtly contrasts with the sin and guilt offerings, emphasizing different facets of humanity's relationship with God—provision and thanksgiving versus atonement and reconciliation—all contributing to the comprehensive sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Part (Hebrew, _pâthath'_):** This primitive root means "to open" or "to break." In the context of Leviticus 2:6, it specifically refers to the act of breaking the baked grain offering into smaller, manageable pieces. This action served both a practical purpose, making the offering suitable for burning on the altar, and potentially a symbolic one, representing the worshiper's humility or the readiness of the offering to be fully consumed.
* **Pour (Hebrew, _yâtsaq'_):** This primitive root signifies "to pour out," "to melt or cast as metal," or "to place firmly." Here, it denotes the act of liberally anointing the broken pieces of the grain offering with oil. This was not merely a culinary step but a crucial ritual act, signifying consecration and the infusion of divine blessing, making the offering sacred and acceptable to God.
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to apportion" or "bestow," refers to a donation or a sacrificial offering, typically bloodless and voluntary. In the KJV, "meat" is an archaic term for "food" or "meal." Therefore, *minchâh* specifically designates a "grain offering" or "meal offering," distinct from animal sacrifices. It emphasizes the offering's nature as an agricultural product, presented as an act of devotion, gratitude, and dependence on God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt part it in pieces":** This command dictates that the grain offering, once prepared through baking, must not be presented as a whole loaf or cake. Breaking it into pieces facilitated its complete consumption by the altar fire, ensuring that the entire offering was given over to God. Theologically, this act could symbolize the worshiper's brokenness and humility before a holy God, or the readiness of the offering to be fully surrendered and consumed in divine service.
* **"and pour oil thereon":** Following the breaking of the offering, oil was to be generously poured over the individual pieces. This act held profound symbolic weight, transcending mere culinary preparation. The oil consecrated the offering, setting it apart as holy and acceptable to God. It signified divine blessing, the presence of God, and often foreshadowed the anointing of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that true worship is not merely external but must be Spirit-enabled and Spirit-led.
* **"it [is] a meat offering":** This concluding phrase serves as a definitive identification of the offering as a *minchah*, a grain or meal offering. It clearly distinguishes it from other categories of sacrifices, particularly those involving animal blood. This designation underscores its unique nature as a voluntary gift of agricultural produce, offered as an expression of gratitude, devotion, and dependence on the Lord for sustenance and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 2:6 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and reinforce its theological significance. **Symbolism** is central, with the oil representing divine anointing, blessing, and the pervasive presence of the Holy Spirit. The act of breaking the offering, while practical, also carries symbolic weight, potentially signifying humility, preparation for divine consumption, or even a foreshadowing of future spiritual realities. The precise, prescriptive language used throughout this verse and the entire chapter exemplifies an **Instructional Tone**, emphasizing the divine authority behind these commands and the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God. The consistent use of the term "meat offering" (or *minchah*) across the chapter is a form of **Repetition**, which ensures clarity, reinforces the distinct nature of this particular offering within the complex sacrificial system, and aids memorization for the priests and worshipers. Furthermore, this verse, like much of the Pentateuchal law, functions as a **Type**, pointing forward to greater spiritual truths and ultimately to the person and work of Jesus Christ, as explored in the theological connections.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 2:6, despite being a detailed instruction within ancient ceremonial law, offers profound theological insights into the nature of acceptable worship and the character of God. The meticulous requirements for breaking the offering and anointing it with oil underscore God's demand for intentionality, purity, and spiritual enablement in approaching Him. The oil, a consistent biblical symbol, points to the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in making our offerings—whether worship, service, or our daily lives—truly pleasing to God. The breaking of the offering can symbolize humility and the surrender of one's own will, preparing the worshiper to be fully consumed by God's purposes. Ultimately, these elements foreshadow the perfect, Spirit-anointed offering of Jesus Christ, whose body was "broken" for humanity, and whose life was a fragrant aroma to God.

* [1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - Christ's Body Broken for You")
* [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit for Ministry")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Offering as a Fragrant Aroma")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of breaking the grain offering and pouring oil upon it carries timeless lessons for our contemporary spiritual lives. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and spiritual depth of our "offerings" to God today. Just as the grain offering was carefully prepared and consecrated, our worship, service, relationships, and daily walk should not be haphazard or merely external. The pouring of oil reminds us that true spiritual fruitfulness and acceptable service flow from the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Without His presence and guidance, our efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, remain merely human. The breaking of the offering can inspire us to cultivate a spirit of humility and surrender, recognizing that our lives are to be given over completely to God, allowing Him to break our self-will, refine our character, and shape us for His divine purposes. Our entire lives are called to be a "living sacrifice," consecrated and empowered by the Spirit, reflecting gratitude and devotion to the One who provides all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I ensure that my daily "offerings"—my work, relationships, and quiet times—are prepared with intentionality and not merely as routine?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to invite the anointing and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the oil, to make my actions truly pleasing to God?**
* **What does it mean for me to allow my "will" to be "broken" before God, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and surrender in my walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**Why does the KJV refer to it as a "meat offering" when it's made of grain?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) for [Leviticus 2:6](/leviticus/2-6 "Leviticus 2:6 - Grain Offering Preparation") and throughout [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering") can be confusing to modern readers because "meat" today primarily refers to animal flesh. However, in 17th-century English, when the KJV was translated, "meat" was a broader term meaning "food" or "meal" in general. The Hebrew word translated here is *minchah* (מִנְחָה), which specifically denotes a "grain offering" or "meal offering," typically made from fine flour, oil, and frankincense. This offering was distinct from the animal sacrifices that involved blood. Understanding this older English usage is crucial for correctly interpreting the nature of the *minchah* as a bloodless offering of agricultural produce, an expression of gratitude and devotion.

**What is the symbolic significance of "breaking it in pieces" and "pouring oil thereon"?**

Answer: Both actions carry profound symbolic meaning within the ritual context. "Breaking it in pieces" (or "parting it") served a practical purpose by making the offering suitable for burning on the altar, ensuring its complete consumption by fire. Theologically, it can symbolize humility and the breaking of one's own will before God, signifying a complete surrender of the worshiper. Some commentators also see it as a foreshadowing of Christ's body being "broken" for humanity on the cross, as referenced in [1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - Christ's Body Broken for You"). "Pouring oil thereon" is highly symbolic. Oil, particularly olive oil, was a valuable commodity and consistently represents blessing, prosperity, consecration, and, most profoundly, the anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Its application to the offering signified that the offering was set apart, made holy, and rendered acceptable to God, implying that true worship must be Spirit-enabled and Spirit-led. This aligns with the idea that Jesus himself was anointed by the Spirit for his ministry, as described in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 2:6, with its precise instructions for the perfectly prepared and anointed grain offering, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The grain offering, made without blemish and consecrated with oil, serves as a beautiful type of Christ's perfect, sinless humanity and His righteous life. He is the ultimate "meal offering"—a voluntary, flawless sacrifice offered to God on behalf of humanity. Just as the grain offering was broken into pieces, Christ's body was literally "broken" on the cross, a supreme sacrifice for the sins of the world, as He Himself indicated at the Last Supper in [1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - Christ's Body Broken for You"). Furthermore, the pouring of oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, profoundly points to Jesus, who was uniquely anointed by the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Given the Spirit Without Limit")) for His earthly ministry, as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on Me") and powerfully affirmed in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"). His entire life was a perfect offering, empowered by the Spirit, culminating in His death and resurrection, becoming a "fragrant aroma" and pleasing sacrifice to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Offering as a Fragrant Aroma")). Thus, the meticulous details of the grain offering in Leviticus prophetically paint a vivid picture of the perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrifice fully satisfies God's righteous demands and enables true worship.

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

Psalms 22:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring?

Psalms 22:21

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

John 18:19

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

Leviticus 1:6

And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

Mark 14:1

¶ After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

Mark 14:15

And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us.