Leviticus 23:13

KJV

And the meat offering thereof [shall be] two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD [for] a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof [shall be] of wine, the fourth [part] of an hin.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the meat offering {H4503} thereof shall be two {H8147} tenth deals {H6241} of fine flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381}: and the drink offering {H5262} thereof shall be of wine {H3196}, the fourth {H7243} part of an hin {H1969}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its grain offering is to be one gallon of fine flour mixed with olive oil, an offering made by fire to ADONAI as a fragrant aroma; its drink offering is to be of wine, one quart.

Berean Standard Bible

along with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil—an offering made by fire to the LORD, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter hin of wine.

American Standard Version

And the meal-offering thereof shall be two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah for a sweet savor; and the drink-offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:13 meticulously outlines the specific accompanying offerings for the Feast of Firstfruits, a crucial annual celebration in ancient Israel. This verse details the precise quantities and preparation of the grain offering, consisting of fine flour mingled with oil, and the drink offering of wine. These elements were to be presented as a fire offering to the LORD, signifying a "sweet savour" – an act of worship deemed pleasing and acceptable to God, acknowledging His sovereign provision and the sanctity of the harvest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 is a foundational chapter within the Pentateuch, serving as a comprehensive divine calendar outlining the seven annual "appointed times" or feasts (*mo'adim*) that the LORD commanded Israel to observe. These feasts punctuate the Israelite year, moving from the spring Passover and Unleavened Bread to the autumn Feast of Tabernacles, each carrying profound theological significance and prophetic undertones. Leviticus 23:9-14 specifically details the instructions for the Feast of Firstfruits, or the Wave Sheaf Offering, which immediately followed the Passover and Unleavened Bread celebrations. This offering, described in [Leviticus 23:10-11](/leviticus/23-10 "Leviticus 23:10-11 - The Wave Sheaf Offering"), involved bringing the first sheaf of the barley harvest to the priest to be waved before the LORD. Verse 13, therefore, provides the essential supplementary offerings—the grain and drink offerings—that were inextricably linked to this initial act of worship, ensuring the complete and acceptable presentation of the firstfruits to God before any of the new harvest could be consumed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural cycle was the bedrock of ancient Israelite life, and their understanding of God's provision was deeply intertwined with the land's fruitfulness. The Feast of Firstfruits, occurring in the spring, marked the beginning of the barley harvest, the earliest grain to ripen. This period was critical, as the success of the entire year's food supply depended on the initial yields. Culturally, the act of offering the firstfruits was a profound demonstration of trust and gratitude. It acknowledged God as the ultimate owner of the land and the provider of all sustenance, preempting any human tendency to claim credit for the harvest. By presenting the best and earliest portion of their produce—represented by the "two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil" and "the fourth part of a hin" of wine—the Israelites affirmed their covenant relationship with Yahweh, demonstrating obedience and dependence. This ritual ensured that the community's first act concerning the new harvest was one of worship and dedication to the One who made it possible, setting a precedent for all subsequent consumption, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 23:14](/leviticus/23-14 "Leviticus 23:14 - Prohibition on Eating New Grain Before Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew term *minchah* (מִנְחָה), which refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering," not an offering of animal flesh. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and sometimes baked. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, the *minchah* was a voluntary offering of tribute, often expressing gratitude, devotion, or seeking favor. In the context of Leviticus 23:13, it symbolizes the dedication of the fruit of human labor and God's provision back to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty over the harvest.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _reah nichoach'_):** The phrase "sweet savour" translates the Hebrew *reah nichoach* (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ), literally meaning "soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor." This term appears frequently in the Pentateuch in connection with various sacrifices, signifying God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering. It is not a literal olfactory sensation for God, but rather a theological declaration that the offering, made in obedience and faith according to His commands, is acceptable and brings delight to Him, establishing or reaffirming fellowship between God and His people.
* **Drink Offering (Hebrew, _nesek'_):** The "drink offering" is from the Hebrew *nesek* (נֶסֶךְ), meaning "a pouring out" or "libation." This offering typically involved pouring out wine (as here) or sometimes water, often accompanying burnt offerings or grain offerings. It symbolized an outpouring of devotion, joy, or covenant commitment. Its inclusion alongside the grain offering for the Feast of Firstfruits underscores the completeness of the worship, dedicating not only the solid produce of the land but also its liquid bounty to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the meat offering thereof [shall be] two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil":** This clause specifies the precise components and quantity of the grain offering. "Two tenth deals" (two-tenths of an ephah, roughly 4.4 liters) indicates a significant and specific measure, emphasizing the meticulousness required in worship. "Fine flour" represents the best quality, signifying that only the choicest produce was acceptable to God. The flour "mingled with oil" suggests a prepared, unified offering, with oil often symbolizing anointing, blessing, or the presence of God's Spirit, adding richness and consecration to the offering.
* **"an offering made by fire unto the LORD [for] a sweet savour":** This phrase describes the method of presentation and the divine reception of the offering. "Made by fire" indicates that a portion, or sometimes the entirety, of the offering was burned on the altar, symbolizing its ascension to God and its transformation from the earthly realm to the divine. The purpose, "unto the LORD [for] a sweet savour," reiterates that the offering's ultimate aim was to be pleasing and acceptable to God, a demonstration of obedience and devotion that God found satisfying.
* **"and the drink offering thereof [shall be] of wine, the fourth [part] of a hin":** This final clause details the accompanying liquid offering. The "drink offering" was a libation, specifically "of wine," symbolizing joy, covenant, and the outpouring of life. The quantity, "the fourth part of a hin" (approximately 1.5 liters), again highlights the precise and prescribed nature of the worship, ensuring that every aspect of the offering was performed according to divine instruction, completing the act of dedication.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:13, like much of the Pentateuchal legal material, employs **Precision** and **Detail** as primary literary devices. The meticulous enumeration of quantities ("two tenth deals," "fourth part of a hin") and ingredients ("fine flour mingled with oil," "wine") underscores the divine demand for exactitude in worship. This precision is not merely technical; it conveys the seriousness and sanctity of approaching God, where every element matters. **Symbolism** is also profoundly at play: the "fine flour" symbolizes the best of human labor and God's provision; "oil" often represents anointing, blessing, or the Holy Spirit; "wine" signifies joy, covenant, and life poured out; and "fire" symbolizes consecration and the ascent of the offering to God. The recurring phrase "sweet savour" functions as a **Theological Marker**, indicating divine acceptance and pleasure, transforming a physical act into a spiritual communion. The entire passage, through its detailed instructions, implicitly uses **Didacticism**, teaching the Israelites about God's holiness, their dependence on Him, and the proper means of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:13, though focused on ancient ritual, profoundly illustrates timeless theological truths concerning God's sovereignty, human dependence, and the nature of acceptable worship. The prescribed offerings underscore the principle that all provision originates from God, demanding a grateful return of the "first and best" as an act of faith and acknowledgment. This ritual cultivated a spirit of humility and reliance, reminding Israel that their sustenance was a gift, not an entitlement. The "sweet savour" aspect highlights God's desire for offerings given in obedience and a right heart, signifying divine acceptance and the restoration of fellowship.

* [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Aroma to the Lord")
* [Numbers 15:1-10](/numbers/15-1 "Numbers 15:1-10 - Laws for Grain and Drink Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering the Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:13 invites us to consider the profound implications of offering our "first and best" to God, not merely as a ritual, but as a posture of the heart. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and hoarding, this verse calls us to a radical dependence on the Creator, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. It challenges us to examine what we prioritize and whether our "offerings"—our time, talents, resources, and very lives—are presented with the same meticulous care and heartfelt devotion as the ancient Israelites were commanded to show. When we offer ourselves in obedience and gratitude, our lives become a "sweet savour" to the Lord, not because of our inherent worth, but because of His gracious acceptance through Christ. This passage encourages us to live lives that are continually poured out in worship, recognizing that true abundance is found not in what we accumulate, but in what we surrender to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength or provision rather than acknowledging God as the ultimate source?**
* **How can I practically apply the principle of offering my "first and best" to God in my daily life, beyond just financial giving?**
* **What does it mean for my life to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord, and how can I cultivate a heart of obedience and gratitude that pleases Him?**

### FAQ
**What is a "meat offering" in Leviticus 23:13?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation for what is more accurately understood as a grain offering or meal offering. The Hebrew word is *minchah* (מִנְחָה), which consistently refers to an offering made from grain, such as fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was a non-blood sacrifice, typically offered as an act of devotion, gratitude, or tribute to the LORD, signifying the dedication of the fruits of one's labor and God's provision. This is distinct from animal sacrifices, which involved "meat" in the modern sense. You can see other instances of the grain offering described in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering").

**Why was the offering described as a "sweet savour" to the LORD?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: *reah nichoach*) signifies that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to God. It's not about a literal smell, but a theological declaration of divine approval and satisfaction. When an offering was made according to God's precise instructions, with a heart of obedience and faith, it was considered a "soothing aroma" to Him, fostering reconciliation and fellowship. This concept is found throughout the Old Testament regarding various sacrifices, such as in [Exodus 29:41](/exodus/29-41 "Exodus 29:41 - Daily Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:13, with its detailed instructions for the grain and drink offerings accompanying the Feast of Firstfruits, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Feast of Firstfruits itself is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's resurrection, as He is declared the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits"). Just as the first sheaf of the barley harvest guaranteed a full harvest to follow, Christ's resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all believers. The grain offering, made of "fine flour mingled with oil," subtly points to Christ's perfect humanity (the flour) united with the anointing of the Holy Spirit (the oil), presenting Himself as the spotless, perfect sacrifice. His life and death were indeed "an offering made by fire unto the LORD [for] a sweet savour," as [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering") states that Christ "gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Furthermore, the drink offering of wine powerfully prefigures the pouring out of Christ's blood on the cross, the ultimate act of covenant and devotion, which He Himself instituted in the Lord's Supper, inviting us to remember His body broken and blood shed for the new covenant (cf. [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, these ancient rituals, with their precise elements and symbolic meaning, converge in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every requirement and became the ultimate acceptable offering, securing our reconciliation and eternal fellowship with God.

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 2:14

And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, [even] corn beaten out of full ears.

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.

Ezekiel 45:24

And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah.

Numbers 28:10

[This is] the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Exodus 30:24

And of cassia five hundred [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:

Exodus 30:9

Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.

Leviticus 14:10

¶ And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.