Leviticus 6:21

KJV

In a pan it shall be made with oil; [and when it is] baken, thou shalt bring it in: [and] the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

In a pan {H4227} it shall be made {H6213} with oil {H8081}; and when it is baken {H7246}, thou shalt bring {H935} it in: and the baken {H8601} pieces {H6595} of the meat offering {H4503} shalt thou offer {H7126} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is to be well mixed with olive oil and fried on a griddle; then bring it in, break it in pieces and offer the grain offering as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

It shall be prepared with oil on a griddle; you are to bring it well-kneaded and present it as a grain offering broken in pieces, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

On a baking-pan it shall be made with oil; when it is soaked, thou shalt bring it in: in baken pieces shalt thou offer the meal-offering for a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:21 provides precise, divinely ordained instructions for the priests regarding the preparation of a specific portion of the grain offering (KJV: "meat offering"). This segment, distinct from the portion consumed by the priests, was to be meticulously prepared "in a pan with oil" and "baken," then entirely offered by fire as "a sweet savour unto the LORD." This detailed command underscores the sacredness and meticulousness required for acceptable worship, emphasizing that only an offering presented according to God's exact specifications would be fully received and pleasing to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:21 is situated within a broader section of Leviticus (chapters 6-7) that meticulously details the priestly laws concerning various offerings, serving as an expansion and clarification of the general regulations presented in chapters 1-5. Specifically, [Leviticus 6:14-23](/leviticus/6-14-23 "Leviticus 6:14-23 - Priestly Instructions for the Grain Offering") focuses on the priests' duties in handling the grain offering (*minchah*). While [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering") outlines the worshiper's role in bringing this offering, chapter 6 shifts the focus to the intricate responsibilities of Aaron and his sons. Verse 21 describes the preparation of the "memorial portion," which was the part of the offering dedicated exclusively to God and consumed by fire on the altar. This portion was distinct from the remainder of the grain offering, which, as specified in [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priests' Portion of Grain Offering"), was designated as food for the priests, to be eaten in a holy place. The meticulous instructions for baking and offering in verse 21 underscore the unique sacredness of this particular offering as a wholly consumed dedication to God, ensuring its divine acceptance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the bedrock of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, providing the divinely appointed means for atonement, communion, and the expression of devotion. The Tabernacle served as the central hub for worship, and the priests, exclusively from the Aaronic lineage, were consecrated to mediate between God and His people through these elaborate rituals. Offerings like the grain offering, comprising flour, oil, and frankincense, were common in the ancient Near East as expressions of tribute or homage to various deities. However, Israel's system was profoundly unique, being directly prescribed by God Himself, thereby emphasizing His absolute holiness and the imperative for purity and obedience in approaching Him. The precise instructions for preparation, such as making it "in a pan with oil" and "baken," were far from arbitrary; they ensured ritual purity, proper presentation, and a clear distinction from common food preparation, thereby signifying the offering's sacred, consecrated purpose. The concept of a "sweet savour" (Hebrew: *reyach nihoach*) was universally understood as an aroma pleasing to God, signifying His acceptance and favor, a recurring theological theme found throughout the sacrificial laws, from the [burnt offering in Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Savor") to Noah's post-flood sacrifice in [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 6:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute separateness and the necessity for His people to approach Him with meticulous adherence to His holy standards. The detailed instructions for the grain offering highlight the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, demonstrating that God's acceptance of an offering is contingent upon its precise preparation and presentation according to His revealed will. This verse also powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Acceptance and Pleasure**, symbolized by the "sweet savour." When an offering is presented correctly and with the right heart, it is pleasing to God, signifying His favor and the establishment or maintenance of a right relationship. Furthermore, the distinction between the priest's portion and the wholly burned portion underscores the theme of **Consecration and Dedication**, where a part of the offering is set apart entirely for God, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and worthiness of total devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From H4503, this term, as translated in the KJV, can be misleading to modern readers, as it refers not to animal flesh but to a grain or cereal offering. The Hebrew word *minchâh* (מִנְחָה) broadly signifies a "gift," "present," or "tribute." In the context of the Mosaic sacrificial system, it specifically denotes a bloodless offering, typically composed of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was a voluntary offering, distinct from sin or guilt offerings, and served as an expression of dedication, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's provision and sustenance.
* **Baken (Hebrew, _râbak'_):** From H7246, this primitive root means "to soak (bread in oil)" or "to fry." In this context, it refers to the specific method of preparing the grain offering, indicating that it must be cooked on a griddle or in a pan. This precise instruction highlights the meticulous care and adherence to divine specifications demanded in sacred service. The act of baking signifies a transformation of the raw ingredients into a prepared state, ready for presentation and consumption by fire, underscoring the offering's readiness for its sacred purpose and its distinction from common food.
* **Savour (Hebrew, _rêyach'_):** From H7381, this word means "odor (as if blown)," "savour," or "smell." When combined with H5207 (*nîychôwach*, "restful" or "pleasant"), the phrase "sweet savour" (*reyach nihoach*) is a recurring theological term in Leviticus and other Pentateuchal books. It describes an offering that is acceptable, pleasing, and satisfying to God. It signifies divine approval, satisfaction, and the establishment or restoration of a right relationship between God and the worshiper. The aroma is a metaphorical representation of God's positive reception and delight in an offering presented according to His commands and with the proper heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In a pan it shall be made with oil;":** This clause specifies the precise vessel and a crucial ingredient for preparing this particular grain offering. The "pan" (מַחֲבַת, *machăbath*, H4227) refers to a flat griddle or baking plate, indicating a specific method of cooking that differs from other grain offering preparations (e.g., in an oven). The inclusion of "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, *shemen*, H8081) was standard for grain offerings, symbolizing anointing, blessing, and perhaps the presence of the Holy Spirit, while also enriching the offering. This detail underscores the precise, ritualistic nature of the preparation, leaving no room for improvisation.
* **"[and when it is] baken, thou shalt bring it in:":** This phrase emphasizes the prerequisite of the cooking process—the offering must be thoroughly "baken" or cooked—before it can be presented. The command "thou shalt bring it in" (from H935, *bôw’*, "to come" or "to bring") refers to the priest's action of presenting the prepared offering to the altar. This highlights the sequential and orderly nature of the sacrificial ritual, where each step must be completed correctly before proceeding to the next, signifying its readiness for dedication to the LORD.
* **"[and] the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.":** This final clause clarifies the ultimate purpose and divine outcome of the meticulously prepared offering. The "baken pieces" (פִּתִּים, *path*, H6595, meaning "bits" or "morsels") of the grain offering were to be presented on the altar (from H7126, *qârab*, "to approach" or "to offer"). The concluding phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" (from H5207, *nîychôwach*, and H7381, *rêyach*, and H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*) confirms God's acceptance, pleasure, and delight in this offering when it was prepared and presented precisely according to His divine instructions. It signifies that the offering, in its proper form and intention, was fully pleasing and acceptable to God, evoking His favor.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:21 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message regarding sacred worship. **Precision** and **Detailing** are paramount, as the verse meticulously outlines the method of preparation ("in a pan," "with oil," "baken") and presentation, reflecting the Law's unwavering emphasis on exact adherence to divine commands for sacred acts. The **Repetition** of the concept of "baken" (implied in "baken pieces") reinforces the critical importance of this specific cooking method for the offering's acceptability. **Symbolism** is richly embedded throughout the verse: the "oil" often symbolizes anointing, consecration, and the presence of divine blessing; the act of "baking" represents a process of transformation, purification, and readiness for offering; and the phrase "sweet savour" is a powerful **Metaphor** for divine acceptance and pleasure, portraying God as receiving the offering as a pleasing aroma. This metaphorical language humanizes God's interaction with His people while simultaneously maintaining His transcendence. The entire verse functions as a prescriptive **Instruction**, guiding the priests in their sacred duties and ensuring the sanctity, efficacy, and divine approval of the Tabernacle worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:21, though part of ancient ceremonial law, conveys enduring theological truths about the nature of worship, the essence of dedication, and the principles of divine acceptance. The meticulous instructions for the grain offering underscore that God values not only the act of worship itself but also the manner, intentionality, and heart behind it. It teaches that true worship involves offering our very best, prepared with utmost care and in humble obedience to God's revealed will. The concept of a "sweet savour" signifies that when we approach God on His terms, with sincerity, purity, and according to His commands, our offerings—whether material possessions, spiritual acts, or our very lives—are pleasing and acceptable to Him. This principle transcends the specific ritual, pointing to the universal truth that God desires wholehearted devotion and a life lived in humble obedience, recognizing His supreme holiness and sovereignty.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering Pleasing to God")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions in Leviticus 6:21 for preparing the grain offering serve as a profound and challenging reminder for believers today regarding the quality and intentionality of our spiritual offerings. While we no longer offer grain on a physical altar, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: God desires our "best" and our "whole" selves, presented with meticulous care, reverence, and absolute obedience. Just as the baked pieces of the grain offering were a "sweet savour" to the LORD, our acts of worship, our service to others, and indeed, our daily living can become a pleasing aroma to Him when offered with a sincere heart and in accordance with His divine will. This verse challenges us to move beyond perfunctory or half-hearted religious acts to a life of genuine, consecrated dedication, where our time, talents, resources, and even our innermost thoughts are intentionally consecrated to God. It encourages us to deeply consider how we "prepare" our lives and actions, ensuring they are "baked" in the fire of devotion, purified by His Spirit, and offered as a fragrant, intentional expression of love, gratitude, and humble obedience to our holy God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness required for the grain offering challenge my current approach to worship and service in my daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life can I offer a more "baked" and "sweet-smelling" sacrifice to the Lord, demonstrating deeper commitment and complete dedication?**
* **Considering God's desire for a "sweet savour," what does this imply about the quality, sincerity, and heart behind my daily obedience and acts of love towards Him and others?**

### FAQ

**What is the "meat offering" mentioned in Leviticus 6:21?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word *minchah* (מִנְחָה, H4503), which actually refers to a grain or cereal offering, not an offering of animal flesh. In most modern translations, it is accurately rendered as "grain offering" or "cereal offering." This offering typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could be prepared in various ways—such as baked in an oven, on a griddle, or in a pan, as described in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"). It was a voluntary offering, symbolizing dedication, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's provision and sustenance, and it was a bloodless sacrifice, distinct from sin or burnt offerings.

**Why was this specific portion of the grain offering to be wholly burned, unlike other parts?**

Answer: The grain offering had a dual purpose: a "memorial portion" that was burned on the altar for the LORD, and the remainder that was given to the priests for their sustenance. Leviticus 6:21 specifically describes the preparation of this "memorial portion," which was to be entirely consumed by fire as "a sweet savour unto the LORD." This complete burning signified total dedication and consecration, indicating that this part of the offering was exclusively for God. Unlike the priests' portion, which was eaten in a holy place as part of their entitlement (see [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priests' Portion of Grain Offering")), the wholly burned portion represented an offering that was exclusively for God. This symbolized His absolute holiness, His supreme authority, and the worshiper's complete submission and devotion to Him, acknowledging that He alone is worthy to receive the entirety of such a consecrated offering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:21, with its emphasis on a perfectly prepared, "baken" offering presented as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect "grain offering," not of flour and oil, but of His very life, impeccably prepared through His sinless obedience and consecrated existence. His entire earthly journey, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the ultimate "sweet savour," a fragrant offering supremely pleasing and acceptable to God the Father. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus offered Himself "through the eternal Spirit without blemish to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), a sacrifice that perfectly fulfilled all the requirements and typologies of the Old Testament offerings. Furthermore, as our Great High Priest, Jesus continually presents not only His own perfect sacrifice but also our spiritual sacrifices—our praise, our service, our very lives—to God, making them acceptable through His own perfect mediation ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Through Him, our lives, offered in faith and obedience, become a "fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"); [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering")).

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 2:5

And if thy oblation [be] a meat offering [baken] in a pan, it shall be [of] fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

Leviticus 7:9

And all the meat offering that is baken in the oven, and all that is dressed in the fryingpan, and in the pan, shall be the priest's that offereth it.

1 Chronicles 9:31

And Mattithiah, [one] of the Levites, who [was] the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.