Leviticus 6:17

KJV

It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it [unto them for] their portion of my offerings made by fire; it [is] most holy, as [is] the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall not be baken {H644} with leaven {H2557}. I have given {H5414} it unto them for their portion {H2506} of my offerings made by fire {H801}; it is most {H6944} holy {H6944}, as is the sin offering {H2403}, and as the trespass offering {H817}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is not to be baked with leaven. I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire; like the sin offering and the guilt offering, it is especially

Berean Standard Bible

It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.

American Standard Version

It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as the sin-offering, and as the trespass-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:17 meticulously outlines the non-negotiable regulations for the priestly portion of the grain offering (Minchah), emphasizing its profound sacredness and the stringent purity required for its preparation and consumption. This verse explicitly prohibits the inclusion of leaven in this sustenance, declaring it "most holy"—a status shared with the sin offering and the trespass offering—thereby underscoring the supreme sanctity of both the offering itself and the consecrated role of the Aaronic priesthood it sustained.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Leviticus 6-7, a section that transitions from the worshiper's instructions for various offerings (Leviticus 1-5) to the detailed duties and rights of the priests concerning these sacrifices. Specifically, [Leviticus 6:14-18](/leviticus/6-14-18 "Leviticus 6:14-18 - The Law of the Grain Offering for Priests") elaborates on the grain offering, distinguishing between the "memorial portion" burned on the altar for the Lord and the remainder designated as sustenance for the priests. Verse 17 directly addresses the preparation of this priestly portion, reinforcing the absolute purity demanded for anything consumed by those consecrated to God's service and for anything that had been presented to Him. The verses immediately preceding establish the priest's entitlement to eat from the offering, while those following further specify the sacred location and manner of its consumption within the tabernacle precincts, all reinforcing the sanctity of the offering and the priestly office.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus were given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, establishing the framework for their covenant relationship with Yahweh and defining the principles of holiness essential for a people in direct communion with a holy God. The Tabernacle served as the central locus of divine presence and worship, with the divinely appointed Aaronic priesthood mediating between God and His people through sacrificial rituals. The priests' sustenance, derived directly from the offerings, symbolized God's faithful provision for those dedicated to His service, a principle further articulated in passages like [Numbers 18:8-10](/numbers/18-8-10 "Numbers 18:8-10 - Priestly Portions and Sacred Dues"). The prohibition of leaven (`chametz`) in most offerings, particularly the grain offering, was a consistent and significant theme in Israelite worship, most prominently observed during the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Unleavened Bread at Passover"), where it symbolized a break from the past and a commitment to purity. Leaven frequently represented corruption, decay, or the pervasive nature of sin in biblical thought, making its exclusion a powerful theological statement about the unblemished purity required in God's presence and in acts of worship.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute sanctity and His demand that all who approach Him, and all that pertains to His worship, be set apart and undefiled. The prohibition of leaven and the designation of the offering as "most holy" (`qodesh qadashim`) powerfully convey this. Another key theme is **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, as God explicitly designates a portion of His offerings for the livelihood of His consecrated priests, demonstrating His faithfulness to care for those who serve Him. This is a recurring concept, as seen in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties of Levites and Priests"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Sacredness of the Priestly Office**, underscoring that the priests, as mediators, were themselves set apart, and even their food was imbued with a unique sanctity, reflecting their proximity to God and the gravity of their responsibilities in the Tabernacle. This aligns with the broader emphasis on priestly consecration found in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leaven (Hebrew, _châmêts'_):** This term refers to fermented dough or yeast, which causes bread to rise. In the context of offerings, `châmêts` consistently symbolized corruption, impurity, or the pervasive nature of sin. Its prohibition in most offerings, especially the grain offering, underscored the demand for absolute purity and unblemished devotion in worship. The unleavened bread (matzah) was a staple of the Passover, symbolizing the haste of the exodus and the purity required for a new beginning with God, free from the "leaven" of Egypt.
* **Portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "to allot," `chêleq` refers to an assigned share, inheritance, or allotment. In this verse, it specifically denotes the part of the offerings that God has divinely apportioned to the priests for their sustenance. This emphasizes that the priests' livelihood was not merely a human arrangement but a sacred, God-given inheritance, directly tied to their service in the Tabernacle and their participation in the offerings made to Yahweh. It signifies a divine right and provision.
* **Most Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word, often repeated as `qôdesh qadashim` ("holy of holies"), signifies the highest possible degree of sanctity or sacredness. Objects, places, or offerings designated as `qôdesh qadashim` were set apart exclusively for God and could only be handled or consumed by consecrated priests within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle or Temple, under strict conditions. This status elevates the priest's portion of the grain offering to the same level of sanctity as the sin offering and trespass offering, emphasizing its divine origin and the profound reverence it commanded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall not be baken with leaven."**: This absolute prohibition against leaven in the priest's portion of the grain offering reinforces the overarching principle of purity in all things pertaining to God's worship and the sustenance of His consecrated servants. Leaven, symbolizing corruption or sin, was to be entirely absent, signifying that the offering and those who consumed it must be unblemished and wholly devoted to God, free from any taint of impurity.
* **"I have given it [unto them for] their portion of my offerings made by fire;"**: This clause highlights God's divine provision and explicit designation for the Aaronic priesthood. The grain offering, part of the "offerings made by fire" (sacrifices consumed on the altar), was specifically designated by God as the means of sustenance for the priests. This divinely ordained system ensured that those who dedicated their lives to serving in the Tabernacle would be cared for, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His ministers and the sacred nature of their livelihood, which came directly from His altar.
* **"it [is] most holy, as [is] the sin offering, and as the trespass offering."**: This declaration elevates the sanctity of the priest's portion of the grain offering to the highest possible degree. By equating its holiness with that of the sin offering and trespass offering—which were inherently tied to atonement, purification, and the removal of guilt—the text underscores that this priestly food was not merely sustenance but a sacred communion. Its "most holy" status meant it could only be eaten by male priests within the holy place, under strict conditions, reflecting the profound reverence due to God's provisions and the sacredness of the priestly office.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:17 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "leaven" representing impurity, corruption, or sin, and its explicit prohibition symbolizing God's unwavering demand for unblemished purity in worship and the lives of His people and priests. The unleavened nature of the offering thus symbolizes a state of spiritual cleanliness and total dedication. **Repetition** of the concept of "most holy" (`qodesh qadashim`) across various offerings (grain, sin, trespass) serves to emphasize the supreme sanctity of these particular sacrifices and the strict regulations surrounding their handling and consumption. This repetition reinforces the gravity of their purpose and their unique consecration to God. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Contrast** between the common, everyday bread (which typically contained leaven and was part of daily life) and the sacred, unleavened bread of the offering, highlighting the distinction between the profane and the holy, and the special requirements for approaching and serving a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:17 powerfully articulates several enduring theological truths that transcend the specific context of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute holiness and His unyielding demand for purity in all aspects of worship and service. The prohibition of leaven serves as a timeless symbol for the necessity of removing sin, corruption, and spiritual impurity from our offerings and our lives when we approach a holy God. Secondly, the verse reveals God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness in providing for those consecrated to His service. The priest's portion, explicitly designated by God, ensured their sustenance, demonstrating that those who faithfully serve the Lord are sustained by His hand, and His provisions are sacred. Lastly, the "most holy" status of the offering emphasizes the profound reverence due to divine things and the inherent sacredness of the priestly role, which mediated between a holy God and His people, demanding the highest standards of conduct and purity.

* [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Prohibition of Leaven at Passover")
* [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - General Rule Against Leaven in Grain Offerings")
* [Numbers 18:8](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8 - Priestly Portions from Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 6:17 remain profoundly relevant and instructive for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices—our lives, our praise, our service—to God. The command that the priest's portion "shall not be baken with leaven" serves as a timeless reminder for us to purify our lives and our worship from the "leaven" of sin, malice, hypocrisy, and worldly compromise ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Remove the Old Leaven")). Our offerings, whether our time, talents, resources, or daily work, must be presented with integrity, sincerity, and a heart unblemished by corruption, reflecting the holiness of the God we serve. Furthermore, this verse powerfully reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to provide for those who dedicate their lives to His service. Whether we are in full-time vocational ministry or serving God in our daily vocations, we can trust that as we faithfully serve Him, He will sustain us, and His provisions for us are sacred and set apart. Our lives, consecrated to Christ and indwelt by His Spirit, are themselves "most holy" offerings, to be lived with reverence, purity, and profound gratitude before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be allowing "leaven" (sin, impurity, compromise, or worldly attitudes) to subtly hinder my worship or service to God?**
* **How does the concept of God's divine provision for the priests encourage me in my own walk of faith, particularly concerning my trust in His sustenance for my life and ministry?**
* **Considering that our lives, consecrated in Christ, are now considered "most holy" offerings, what practical steps can I take to live with greater reverence, purity, and intentionality before God each day?**

### FAQ

**Why was leaven forbidden in this specific offering and others?**

Answer: Leaven (Hebrew: `châmêts`) was forbidden in many offerings, including the grain offering for priests, primarily due to its pervasive symbolic association with corruption, decay, and sin. In ancient thought, leaven was seen as a fermenting agent that caused things to spoil or become impure over time, and its ability to spread quickly through dough made it a fitting metaphor for the insidious nature of sin. Its exclusion from offerings underscored God's absolute demand for purity, perfection, and unblemished holiness in all that was presented to Him. It symbolized a desire for worship and a life free from the pervasive influence of sin, as vividly seen in the broader context of the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Unleavened Bread"), where the removal of all leaven from homes symbolized a break from the past and a new, pure beginning with God.

**What does "most holy" (qôdesh qadashim) signify for the priest's portion of the grain offering?**

Answer: The designation "most holy" (`qôdesh qadashim`) signifies the highest degree of sanctity and sacredness within the Israelite sacrificial system. When applied to the priest's portion of the grain offering, it meant that this food was uniquely consecrated to God and thus required the strictest handling and consumption protocols. It could only be eaten by male priests, within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle or Temple, and only by those who were ceremonially clean. This status elevated the priest's sustenance to the same level of reverence as the sin offering and trespass offering, emphasizing that the priest's very livelihood was a sacred gift from God, demanding profound respect and purity from those who consumed it. It underscored the sacredness of the priest's role and the divine origin of their provision, reinforcing the idea that God's provisions are holy and must be treated with utmost reverence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:17, with its emphasis on unleavened purity and "most holy" status, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The prohibition of leaven in the grain offering, symbolizing freedom from sin and corruption, points directly to Christ, who is our [Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). He was "without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood")), the perfectly pure and undefiled offering whose sacrifice cleanses us from all sin. Unlike the temporary and repeated offerings of the Old Covenant, Christ's sacrifice was the ultimate, once-for-all atonement, offered by His [eternal Spirit, without blemish to God](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). Furthermore, the "most holy" status of the priest's portion foreshadows Christ as the true Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), whose body was broken for us, providing eternal spiritual sustenance for all who believe. As the Great High Priest, He not only offers the perfect sacrifice but also sustains His "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood"))—believers who are now made holy and acceptable to God through Him. The purity demanded in the Old Covenant offerings is fully realized in Christ, who makes us holy and enables us to draw near with confidence to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"), presenting our lives as living, holy, and acceptable sacrifices to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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 2:3

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 6:25

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it [is] most holy.

Numbers 18:9

This shall be thine of the most holy things, [reserved] from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, [shall be] most holy for thee and for thy sons.

Numbers 18:10

In the most holy [place] shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall be holy unto thee.

Leviticus 2:11

¶ No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.

Leviticus 6:29

All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it [is] most holy.

Leviticus 7:1

¶ Likewise this [is] the law of the trespass offering: it [is] most holy.