Leviticus 6:14

KJV

¶ And this [is] the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the law {H8451} of the meat offering {H4503}: the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} shall offer {H7126} it before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, before {H6440} the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the law for the grain offering: the sons of Aharon are to offer it before ADONAI in front of the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar.

American Standard Version

And this is the law of the meal-offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before Jehovah, before the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:14 introduces the specific priestly regulations for the grain offering, shifting the focus from the worshiper's responsibility to the duties of the sons of Aaron in handling this particular sacrifice. This verse marks the beginning of a detailed set of instructions ensuring that the grain offering, an act of devotion and thanksgiving, was presented to the LORD according to divine protocol, emphasizing the sacredness of the altar and the precise role of the priesthood in Israel's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:14 initiates a new section within the book of Leviticus, transitioning from the general laws of offerings for the common Israelite (Leviticus 1-5) to the specific duties and portions of the priests concerning these offerings. While [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") through [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - The Guilt Offering") describe *what* was to be offered (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings) and *why*, [Leviticus 6](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6 - Priestly Duties for Offerings") and [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Priestly Portions and Laws") detail *how* the priests were to handle these sacrifices and what portions were allocated to them. Specifically, [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering") previously outlined the composition and general regulations for the grain offering from the worshiper's perspective; Leviticus 6:14-18 now provides the priestly instructions for its handling, consumption of the remainder, and the requirement for it to be eaten in a holy place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means by which a holy God could dwell among His people and by which they could approach Him. The "meat offering," more accurately translated as the "grain offering" or "meal offering" (Hebrew: _minchah_), was distinct from animal sacrifices. It typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, sometimes baked, and was often a voluntary offering expressing thanksgiving, devotion, or a recognition of God's provision. The "sons of Aaron" were the designated priestly class, set apart by God to mediate between Him and the people. Their role was crucial in maintaining the purity and integrity of the worship system. The altar, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), was the focal point of sacrifice, representing the sacred space where God met with His people and where atonement or communion was facilitated. The meticulous instructions underscored God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (תּוֹרָה, _torah_):** This term signifies divine instruction, teaching, or precept. It's not merely a suggestion but a binding command from God, revealing His will and establishing the framework for Israel's covenant relationship with Him. In this context, it emphasizes the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of the priestly duties concerning the grain offering.
* **Meat Offering (מִנְחָה, _minchah_):** While the KJV uses "meat offering," reflecting an older English usage of "meat" as any food, the Hebrew _minchah_ specifically refers to a "gift," "tribute," or "offering," particularly a grain or meal offering. Unlike animal sacrifices which involved blood and atonement for sin, the _minchah_ was typically a bloodless offering, often presented as an act of homage, thanksgiving, or dedication of one's labor and sustenance to God.
* **Sons of Aaron (בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן, _b'nei Aharon_):** This phrase specifically identifies the hereditary priesthood, descendants of Aaron, who were consecrated by God for sacred service. Their exclusive right and responsibility to handle the offerings underscore the divinely established order and the unique mediatorial role of the priesthood in Israelite worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [is] the law of the meat offering:"**: This clause serves as an introductory heading, signaling a shift in focus to the specific regulations governing the _minchah_ (grain offering), particularly from the perspective of the priests. It emphasizes that what follows is a divine ordinance, not a human suggestion.
* **"the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD,"**: This designates the specific individuals responsible for handling the offering – the priests, descendants of Aaron. The phrase "before the LORD" highlights the sacred nature of the act, indicating that the offering is presented directly into God's presence, underscoring His holiness and the reverence required.
* **"before the altar."**: This specifies the precise location for the offering. The altar was the divinely appointed place of sacrifice, the focal point of the Tabernacle/Temple worship, where God's presence was manifested and where offerings were consecrated. This detail reinforces the meticulousness of God's instructions for worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Prescription** or **Instruction**, laying down a clear and authoritative command regarding the handling of the grain offering. This is characteristic of the legal and ritualistic sections of Leviticus, which are replete with detailed divine directives for worship and daily life. There is also an element of **Specification**, as the verse precisely identifies the "sons of Aaron" as the sole agents and "the altar" as the exclusive location for this sacred act, leaving no room for ambiguity. Furthermore, the meticulous nature of these instructions, even for a seemingly simple grain offering, highlights **Symbolism** – the idea that every aspect of Israel's approach to God must be ordered, holy, and in accordance with His divine will, reflecting His perfect character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:14 underscores several profound theological truths: God's absolute sovereignty over worship, His meticulous demand for holiness, and the necessity of a divinely appointed mediator. The detailed instructions for the grain offering, like all other offerings, reveal that worship is not a casual human endeavor but a sacred encounter governed by divine law. The emphasis on the "sons of Aaron" highlights the principle of delegated authority and the crucial role of priesthood in bridging the gap between a holy God and His people, ensuring that offerings were presented acceptably. This system foreshadows the ultimate mediation.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Priests") - Details the divine appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood.
* [Numbers 18:8-10](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8-10 - Priests' Portion of Offerings") - Specifies the portions of the offerings, including the grain offering, that were given to the priests for their sustenance.
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") - Contrasts the limitations of the Old Covenant priestly system and its sacrifices with the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal performance of grain offerings ceased with the fulfillment of the Law in Christ, the underlying principles of Leviticus 6:14 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to consider the seriousness with which God views worship and our approach to Him. Just as the sons of Aaron were to offer the best "before the LORD, before the altar," we are called to offer our lives as spiritual sacrifices, bringing our best in devotion, service, and praise. It reminds us that our worship is not merely a formality but a sacred encounter with the Holy God, demanding intentionality, purity, and adherence to His revealed will. We are to be mindful that our acts of worship, whether in private devotion or corporate gathering, are "before the LORD" and should reflect His holiness and our gratitude for His provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of the Old Testament laws, like those for the grain offering, inform our understanding of God's holiness and His expectations for worship today?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are truly "before the LORD" and reflective of His glory?**
* **Considering the priests' role in handling the offerings, how does the concept of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) apply to our daily lives and our service to God and others?**

### FAQ

**What does "meat offering" mean in Leviticus 6:14?**

Answer: In modern English, "meat" typically refers to animal flesh. However, in 17th-century English, when the King James Version was translated, "meat" was a general term for any food or provisions. Therefore, "meat offering" in [Leviticus 6:14](/leviticus/6-14 "Leviticus 6:14 - The Law of the Grain Offering") refers to what is more accurately translated as the "grain offering" or "meal offering." The original Hebrew word is _minchah_ (מִנְחָה), which denotes a gift or tribute, specifically a bloodless offering made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and sometimes baked. This offering was distinct from animal sacrifices and typically symbolized thanksgiving, devotion, or a recognition of God's provision of sustenance.

**Why were the priests so central to this process?**

Answer: The "sons of Aaron" were divinely appointed to serve as priests in ancient Israel, a role established by God Himself (see [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Priests")). Their centrality to the sacrificial system, including the handling of the grain offering, was due to their unique mediatorial position. They were consecrated and set apart to approach God on behalf of the people and to ensure that all worship and offerings were conducted according to God's precise instructions. This was crucial for maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) and for ensuring that the people's offerings were acceptable to a holy God. Their role underscored the seriousness of approaching God and the need for a designated, pure conduit for worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:14, with its focus on the grain offering and the priestly duties, finds its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The grain offering, a bloodless sacrifice of sustenance and dedication, pointed to the ultimate provision and perfect offering that is Christ Himself. He is the true "bread of life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the perfect sustenance for our souls, freely given. Furthermore, just as the "sons of Aaron" were the designated mediators, Christ is our Great High Priest, who "has obtained a more excellent ministry" (as detailed in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ's Superior Ministry")). He offered Himself, not just a portion of grain, as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (as explained in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), fulfilling every requirement of the Law and making direct access to God possible for all believers. The meticulousness of the Old Testament law, exemplified in this verse, highlights the absolute holiness of God, which Christ perfectly satisfied, allowing us to now offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving through Him (as encouraged in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifices of Praise")).

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

Numbers 15:4

Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth [part] of an hin of oil.

Leviticus 2:1

¶ And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be [of] fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

Leviticus 2:2

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:

John 6:32

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

Numbers 15:6

Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare [for] a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third [part] of an hin of oil.

Numbers 15:9

Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.