Leviticus 6:16

KJV

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the remainder {H3498} thereof shall Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} eat {H398}: with unleavened bread {H4682} shall it be eaten {H398} in the holy {H6918} place {H4725}; in the court {H2691} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} they shall eat {H398} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rest of it Aharon and his sons are to eat; it is to be eaten without leaven in a holy place -they are to eat it in the courtyard of the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten without leaven in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And that which is left thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: it shall be eaten without leaven in a holy place; in the court of the tent of meeting they shall eat it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:16 meticulously outlines the specific regulations for Aaron and his priestly sons concerning the consumption of the "remainder" of the grain offering. This portion, distinguished as "most holy," was exclusively designated for male priests, mandated to be eaten with unleavened bread, and confined strictly to the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle court. These precise divine instructions profoundly underscore the inherent holiness of the offering itself, the consecrated status of the priesthood, and the exacting reverence required in all aspects of God's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:16 is strategically positioned within a comprehensive block of priestly legislation (Leviticus 6:8-7:38), which elaborates on the procedures for various offerings from the perspective of the priests. Specifically, this verse concludes the detailed instructions for the grain offering (`minchah`), which commenced in [Leviticus 6:14](/leviticus/6-14 "Leviticus 6:14 - Law of the Grain Offering"). Preceding this, [Leviticus 6:15](/leviticus/6-15 "Leviticus 6:15 - Memorial Portion") stipulates that a "memorial portion" of the offering, along with all its frankincense, must be entirely consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The remaining portion, addressed in verse 16, is then explicitly designated as sustenance for the priests, thereby delineating a clear distinction between what is wholly dedicated to God and what is provided for the sustenance of His consecrated servants. The subsequent verse, [Leviticus 6:17](/leviticus/6-17 "Leviticus 6:17 - Most Holy Offering"), further intensifies the emphasis on the extreme holiness of this priestly portion, explicitly prohibiting its preparation with leaven and reiterating its status as "most holy." This entire section collectively underscores the meticulous divine order governing sacrificial worship and the sacred, non-negotiable duties of the Levitical priesthood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priests held a uniquely consecrated status, set apart for sacred service as mediators between God and His covenant people. In stark contrast to the other tribes of Israel, the priests were granted no territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan, for the Lord Himself declared that He was their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance")). Consequently, their material sustenance was divinely ordained to be derived directly from the offerings brought by the people. The grain offering, often composed of flour, oil, and frankincense—staple components of the Israelite diet—provided both a practical and profoundly symbolic means of provision for the priestly family. The stringent requirement to consume this holy food with unleavened bread (`matzah`) carried significant historical and theological weight, serving as a perpetual reminder of the hasty, divinely orchestrated departure from Egypt during the [Passover](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Account"), when there was no time for bread to rise ([Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - Unleavened Bread of Haste")). This unleavened bread symbolized purity, sincerity, and freedom from the "leaven" of sin or corruption, which frequently represented moral decay or hypocrisy in biblical thought ([1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Leaven as Sin")). The designated location for consumption, "in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation," powerfully reinforced the profound sacredness of the food and the exclusive nature of priestly access to God's presence and provisions. This ensured that the priests, who ritually represented the people before the Holy God, maintained an exceptionally high standard of ritual purity and lived in constant, conscious awareness of their consecrated status.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 6:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God is utterly holy and demands holiness from His people, especially those who draw near to Him in service. The "most holy" status of the offering and the strict regulations for its consumption underscore this divine attribute. Another crucial theme is **Divine Provision**, illustrating God's faithfulness in sustaining those He has set apart for His service, ensuring their material needs are met through His ordained system of offerings ([Numbers 18:8-11](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8-11 - Priestly Portions")). This highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant: as the priests serve God, God provides for them. The verse also reinforces the theme of **Separation and Consecration**, as the priests are distinct from the common people, and their food and eating locations are set apart from the mundane. This separation ensures ritual purity and underscores the unique mediatorial role of the priesthood. Finally, the symbolism of unleavened bread ties into the theme of **Purity and Sin**, where the absence of leaven signifies freedom from corruption, a foundational concept for approaching a holy God, echoing the broader call for Israel to be a holy nation ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remainder (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** Derived from the primitive root H3498, this term refers to the portion of the grain offering that was "left" or "remained" after the "memorial portion" (`'azkarah`) had been burned on the altar. It signifies the part of the offering specifically designated for human consumption by the priests, distinguishing it from the portion entirely devoted to God. The fact that this "remainder" is still considered "most holy" ([Leviticus 6:17](/leviticus/6-17 "Leviticus 6:17 - Most Holy")) highlights that its sacredness is intrinsically derived from its association with the altar and its divine origin, even when consumed by humans.
* **Unleavened bread (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** H4682, this specific type of bread, prepared without yeast, is a central requirement for the consumption of the grain offering. Symbolically, `matstsâh` represents purity, sincerity, and freedom from corruption. In various biblical contexts, leaven (yeast) often symbolized sin, malice, or decay. By mandating `matstsâh`, the law emphasized the imperative for the priests to maintain ritual and moral purity in their consumption of holy food, reflecting both the uncorrupted nature of the offering itself and the profound holiness demanded in God's immediate presence.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** H6918, meaning "sacred" or "set apart," this term describes the "place" where the grain offering was to be eaten. It denotes something consecrated or dedicated exclusively for God's purposes, distinct from the common or profane. Eating in the "holy place" underscored the profound sacredness of the meal, the consecrated status of the priests, and the reverence required when interacting with anything pertaining to God's sanctuary. It was not a casual meal but a sacred act of partaking in divine provision within a divinely appointed, sanctified space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat:"** This opening clause precisely identifies the exclusive recipients of the designated portion of the grain offering: only the male priests, specifically Aaron and his direct descendants. This stipulation underscores the unique privilege and profound responsibility of the priesthood in partaking of holy food. It highlights God's specific provision for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their sustenance and acknowledging their lack of a tribal land inheritance.
* **"with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place;"** This clause establishes two essential conditions for the consumption of the offering. Firstly, the grain offering must be consumed with unleavened bread, emphasizing purity, sincerity, and freedom from corruption, thereby aligning with the inherently sacred nature of the offering itself. Secondly, the consumption is strictly confined to "the holy place," signifying that it must occur within the consecrated precincts of the Tabernacle. This reinforces the profound sanctity of the food and the sacred environment mandated for its consumption, clearly distinguishing it from ordinary, profane meals.
* **"in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it."** This final clause provides a further, precise clarification of the exact location for consumption: the outer court of the Tabernacle. This detail is critically significant as it defines the specific boundary of the "holy place" where the priests were permitted to eat. While not inside the Holy Place or the Most Holy Place, the court was nonetheless consecrated ground, accessible only to priests performing their sacred duties. This meticulous specification served to maintain the strict separation between the sacred and the common, upholding the reverence due to God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning and practical instruction. **Prescription** is the dominant device, as the verse functions as a direct, imperative divine instruction, characteristic of the legal and ritual texts found throughout Leviticus. This precise command structure emphatically highlights divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of God's requirements for proper worship and priestly conduct. **Symbolism** is richly present, particularly in the mandate for "unleavened bread." As previously discussed, `matzah` powerfully symbolizes purity, sincerity, and freedom from corruption, standing in stark contrast to leaven, which frequently symbolizes sin or moral decay in biblical contexts. The "holy place" itself serves as a potent symbol of God's transcendent presence and the consecrated space where humanity can draw near to Him, albeit under specific, divinely ordained conditions. Furthermore, the meticulous **Detailing** of location ("in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation") and preparation (with unleavened bread) serves to underscore the profound **Holiness** of the offering and the exacting reverence demanded in all aspects of priestly service. This precise, prescriptive language reinforces the foundational idea that God's worship is not arbitrary but is governed by divine order, sanctity, and an uncompromising standard of purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:16, while deeply embedded within the specific rituals of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, reveals enduring theological principles concerning God's absolute holiness, His faithful provision for His consecrated servants, and the very nature of true worship. The "most holy" status of the grain offering, even in its consumable form, teaches a foundational truth: anything intimately associated with God's presence and service carries an inherent, profound sanctity. This principle extends directly to the lives of those who serve Him, implying an unwavering demand for purity, reverence, and intentionality in all their actions. Furthermore, the divine provision for the priests through these meticulously prescribed offerings powerfully highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain those who dedicate their lives entirely to Him, ensuring that their spiritual duties are not impeded by material lack. This intricate system also underscores the profound concept of participation in the offering: the priests, by eating the holy food, were not merely sustained physically but were also ritually identified with the offering itself, thereby partaking in its sacredness and the covenant relationship it profoundly represented.

* [Numbers 18:8-11](/numbers/18-8-11 "Numbers 18:8-11 - Priestly Portions and Offerings") - Details God's specific and comprehensive provision for the priests and Levites from various offerings.
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - Priests' Inheritance and Dues") - Reiterates that the Levitical priests have no territorial inheritance among Israel but shall live by the offerings made to the Lord.
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministry") - Articulates the New Testament principle of supporting those who minister the Gospel, drawing a direct parallel to the Old Testament priesthood's sustenance from the temple.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 6:16, though rooted in the precise rituals of the Old Covenant, offers profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers. The meticulous care prescribed for handling and consuming the holy offering serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the reverence, intentionality, and purity with which we, as God's New Covenant people, should approach Him and His sacred work. Our "offerings" today are not animal sacrifices but rather spiritual acts of worship, dedicated service, and the complete consecration of our lives to God. Just as the priests were commanded to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and sincerity, we are called to live lives free from the "leaven" of sin, hypocrisy, and malice, approaching God with genuine hearts and truth. The divine provision for the priests also speaks powerfully to the church's ongoing responsibility to faithfully support those who dedicate their lives to full-time ministry, ensuring they are free to serve the Lord without undue material burden or distraction. Ultimately, this verse challenges each of us to deeply consider: What "holy places" do we inhabit in our lives—our homes, our local churches, our personal time in prayer and Scripture, our very bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit—and how do we ensure that these spaces and our actions within them are treated with the profound sanctity and reverence they truly deserve, reflecting the holiness of the God whom we serve?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to cultivate a deeper and more consistent sense of reverence for God's holiness and His presence?**
* **How does the biblical principle of "unleavened bread" (symbolizing purity, sincerity, and freedom from corruption) practically apply to my daily walk, my worship, and my interactions with others?**
* **Considering the divine provision for the priests, how can I better understand and fulfill my responsibility to support those who serve in full-time ministry, recognizing their dedication as a vital "offering" to God?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "eat in the holy place" in a New Covenant context, and how does that understanding shape my personal spiritual disciplines and my corporate worship?**

### FAQ
**What was the "remainder" of the grain offering, and why was it so important?**

Answer: The "remainder" (H3498, _yâthar'_) refers to the portion of the grain offering that was left after a small, symbolic part, known as the "memorial portion" or `'azkarah`, had been burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord ([Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "Leviticus 2:2 - Memorial Portion")). This remaining part was considered "most holy" ([Leviticus 6:17](/leviticus/6-17 "Leviticus 6:17 - Most Holy Offering")) because it had been consecrated through its association with the altar and was divinely designated as sacred food for Aaron and his sons, the priests. It was profoundly important because it served as God's ordained provision for the priests, who, having no land inheritance among the tribes of Israel, relied entirely on these offerings for their sustenance as they faithfully performed their sacred duties in the Tabernacle.

**Why was it specifically required to be eaten with unleavened bread?**

Answer: The stringent requirement to eat the grain offering with unleavened bread (H4682, _matstsâh'_) carried significant symbolic and historical meaning. Historically, unleavened bread was eaten during the original Passover to commemorate the hasty and divinely orchestrated departure from Egypt, where there was no time for bread to rise ([Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Unleavened Bread at Passover")). Symbolically, leaven (yeast) in various biblical contexts often represented corruption, sin, or malice ([1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Leaven as Sin")). Therefore, eating unleavened bread emphasized purity, sincerity, and freedom from moral decay, powerfully underscoring the inherent holiness of the offering itself and the uncompromising purity demanded of the priests who consumed it in God's holy presence.

**Why could only Aaron and his sons eat this portion, and only in the Tabernacle court?**

Answer: Only Aaron and his sons (H1121, _bên'_), who constituted the male priests, were permitted to eat this portion because they were uniquely consecrated and set apart for sacred service to God. Their distinct status as mediators between God and Israel granted them exclusive access to the "most holy" offerings. The restriction to eat it "in the court (H2691, _châtsêr'_) of the tabernacle (H168, _ʼôhel'_) of the congregation (H4150, _môwʻêd'_)" ([Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priestly Consumption of Grain Offering")) reinforced both the profound sanctity of the food and the sacred nature of the designated space. It ensured that the holy food was consumed exclusively within the consecrated boundaries of God's dwelling, thereby maintaining ritual purity and distinguishing it from common food, and upholding the reverence due to God's holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:16, with its meticulous instructions for the priestly consumption of the "most holy" grain offering, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in multiple, interwoven ways. Christ Himself is the ultimate and perfect grain offering, the true "bread of life" who descended from heaven to give life to the world ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Unlike the Levitical offerings, which were mere shadows and types, Jesus offered His own body as the perfect, unblemished, and once-for-all sacrifice, thereby fulfilling and superseding all the Old Covenant types and shadows ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). As believers in Christ, we are now called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Royal Priesthood")), no longer limited to a specific earthly lineage, and through our union with Christ, we are invited to "eat" of Him, to partake spiritually in His divine nature and the inexhaustible benefits of His finished work. This profound spiritual reality is powerfully symbolized in the Lord's Supper, where we partake of bread (often unleavened, echoing the Passover's purity) and wine, commemorating His body broken and blood shed, thereby participating in the New Covenant established through His perfect sacrifice ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Just as the Levitical priests were sustained by the holy food within the holy precincts, believers are spiritually nourished by Christ, our true and eternal sustenance, and are called to live holy lives, set apart in Him, as we now dwell in the "holy place" of His very presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit, being built together into a dwelling place for God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")).

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

Ezekiel 44:29

They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.

Leviticus 2:3

And the remnant of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.

Leviticus 10:12

¶ And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it [is] most holy:

Leviticus 10:13

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it [is] thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.

Leviticus 6:26

The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Corinthians 9:13

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?