Leviticus 6:23

KJV

For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.

KJV (with Strong's)

For every meat offering {H4503} for the priest {H3548} shall be wholly burnt {H3632}: it shall not be eaten {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

every grain offering of the cohen is to be entirely made to go up in smoke -it is not to be eaten."

Berean Standard Bible

Every grain offering for a priest shall be burned completely; it is not to be eaten.”

American Standard Version

And every meal-offering of the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:23 concludes a specific set of instructions regarding the grain offering (*minchah*), particularly focusing on the unique requirements for the high priest's daily offering. Unlike other grain offerings where a portion was consumed by the priests, this verse mandates that the high priest's offering must be "wholly burnt" on the altar, signifying its complete dedication to God and prohibiting any human consumption. This distinction underscores the unparalleled holiness and absolute consecration demanded of the high priest and his service, setting his personal offering apart as entirely belonging to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:23 serves as the emphatic conclusion to the regulations concerning the grain offering (*minchah*), specifically those pertaining to the high priest's daily offering (Leviticus 6:14-23). This broader passage meticulously differentiates between grain offerings brought by common Israelites, from which priests were permitted to eat a portion as their sustenance from the altar, and a unique grain offering prescribed for the high priest. Verses [Leviticus 6:20-22](/leviticus/6-20-22 "Leviticus 6:20-22 - The High Priest's Daily Offering") detail that the high priest's offering was to be entirely consumed by fire, a rule emphatically reinforced by Leviticus 6:23. This strict prohibition against consumption contrasts sharply with the general rules for grain offerings, highlighting the exceptional sacred status of the high priest's personal offering. The entire section of [Leviticus 6-7](/leviticus/6-7 "Leviticus 6-7 - Laws of Offerings for Priests") elaborates on the practical application of the sacrificial laws introduced in [Leviticus 1-5](/leviticus/1-5 "Leviticus 1-5 - Types of Offerings"), providing the priests with specific instructions regarding their duties and their designated portions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, offerings were foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as vital expressions of worship, atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication. The meticulously detailed sacrificial system, as outlined in the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws and Sacrifices"), established strict protocols for approaching a holy God. Fire played a crucial symbolic role in these rituals, often representing divine presence, purification, and acceptance, as seen when God's fire consumed offerings to signify His approval (e.g., [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord Consumes the Offering")). The high priest, as the chief mediator between God and Israel, held a uniquely sacred and weighty office. His offerings, particularly those pertaining to his daily service or consecration, were held to an exceptionally high standard of holiness and purity. The command for his personal grain offering to be "wholly burnt" (a *kalil* offering) underscored that his service, and indeed his very being, was entirely dedicated to the Lord. This left no part for human benefit or consumption, thus emphasizing the absolute purity, unreserved devotion, and complete separation from common use required of the one who stood in God's presence on behalf of the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 6:23 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Holiness and Purity"). Foremost among these is **Holiness**, particularly the concept of God's absolute holiness and His demand for holiness from His people, especially those in sacred office. The "wholly burnt" offering for the high priest underscores the elevated standard of consecration required of the chief mediator. This verse also highlights the theme of **Dedication and Consecration**, emphasizing that certain offerings, particularly those made by the high priest, must be entirely given over to God without reservation, symbolizing a complete surrender of self and service. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Distinction and Separation**, as the high priest's offering is explicitly set apart from other offerings that provide sustenance for the priests (e.g., [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priests' Share of the Grain Offering")), underscoring the unique nature of his office and the unparalleled purity required for his personal approach to God. The act of burning also speaks to **Divine Acceptance**, where fire symbolizes God's consumption and acceptance of the offering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** The KJV term "meat offering" is an archaic translation that can be misleading to modern readers. The Hebrew word *minchâh* (H4503) literally means "a donation," "tribute," or "present." In the context of the Mosaic sacrificial system, it specifically refers to a **grain offering**, which was a bloodless offering typically composed of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It was distinct from animal sacrifices and could accompany other offerings or be presented independently as an act of devotion, thanksgiving, or remembrance. The *minchâh* was a foundational element of Israelite worship, symbolizing the dedication of one's produce and labor to God.
* **Wholly burnt (Hebrew, _kâlîyl'_):** The phrase "wholly burnt" translates the Hebrew *kâlîyl* (H3632), which means "complete," "entire," or "whole." When applied to an offering, it signifies that the entire offering was to be consumed by fire on the altar, leaving no portion for human consumption, whether by the priests or the offerer. This term emphasizes the absolute and unreserved dedication of the offering to God alone. It stands in stark contrast to other offerings, such as the peace offering ([Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Peace Offering Regulations")), where portions were eaten by the priests and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and communion.
* **Eaten (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** The verb *ʼâkal* (H398) is a primitive root meaning "to eat" or "to consume." In the context of Leviticus 6:23, the prohibition "it shall not be eaten" is a direct and forceful command. It underscores the unique sacredness of the high priest's grain offering, setting it apart from other offerings that provided sustenance for the priests. This explicit prohibition emphasizes that the offering was exclusively for God, signifying that no human, not even the consecrated priests, could partake in it. It highlights the unapproachable holiness of God and the complete surrender required in the high priest's personal devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every meat offering for the priest":** This clause specifies the particular type of offering and its originator/recipient. It refers to the *minchâh* (grain offering) that is presented *by* the priest, specifically the high priest, as detailed in the preceding verses ([Leviticus 6:20-22](/leviticus/6-20-22 "Leviticus 6:20-22 - The High Priest's Daily Offering")). This is not a grain offering brought by a layperson for the priest to consume, but rather the high priest's own personal or official daily offering. The emphasis is on the unique status and profound responsibility of the high priest.
* **"shall be wholly burnt":** This is the central command of the verse. It dictates that the entire offering must be consumed by fire on the altar. The term "wholly burnt" (*kâlîyl*) signifies total dedication and consumption, leaving no residue for human use. This act symbolizes that the offering is entirely given over to God, accepted by fire, and completely removed from the realm of human possession or benefit. It speaks to the absolute nature of the high priest's consecration and the unreserved devotion required in his sacred office.
* **"it shall not be eaten":** This concluding prohibition reinforces the command to wholly burn the offering. It explicitly forbids any human consumption of this specific grain offering, whether by the high priest himself, other priests, or any other individual. This negative command serves to emphasize the offering's unique sacredness and its exclusive dedication to Yahweh. It highlights the profound distinction between this offering and other priestly portions, underscoring the high priest's unique relationship with God and the elevated standard of holiness associated with his personal offerings.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message with impactful clarity. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct and absolute language, particularly the double assertion: "shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten." This phrasing leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the offering's prescribed fate. This creates a strong **Contrast** with other grain offerings mentioned in the preceding chapters, where portions were explicitly designated for priestly consumption, thereby highlighting the exceptional and unique nature of the high priest's offering. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, with the act of being "wholly burnt" representing complete dedication, purification, and acceptance by God. Fire itself is a powerful and recurring symbol of divine presence, holiness, and consuming judgment throughout Scripture. The high priest's offering thus functions as a **Metonymy** for his entire consecrated life and service, symbolizing that his devotion must be total and unreserved, completely surrendered to God alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:23 powerfully articulates the themes of absolute dedication, unreserved holiness, and the unique nature of priestly mediation. The command for the high priest's offering to be "wholly burnt" signifies that certain aspects of service and devotion to God must be entirely for Him, with no portion retained for human benefit or consumption. This principle underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for unblemished purity from those who draw near to Him, especially those in leadership. It highlights the stringent standards of consecration required of the high priest, who served as the primary intercessor for Israel, emphasizing that his personal walk and offerings had to reflect an unparalleled commitment to divine holiness. This offering, consumed entirely by fire, points to the idea of complete surrender and the ultimate acceptance of a perfect sacrifice by God.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 6:23, though rooted in ancient sacrificial law, offers profound spiritual truths for believers today. The command for the high priest's offering to be "wholly burnt" serves as a powerful metaphor for the total surrender and unreserved dedication God calls us to. Just as no part of that offering was for human consumption, so too are we called to offer our entire lives—our talents, time, resources, and even our very selves—as a "living sacrifice" to God, holding nothing back for our own selfish purposes. This verse challenges us to examine the sincerity and completeness of our devotion. Are there areas of our lives we are holding back from God? For those in spiritual leadership, it underscores an even higher standard of purity, integrity, and wholehearted commitment, reminding us that representing a holy God requires a life set apart and consecrated to His purposes alone. Ultimately, this ancient law directs our gaze to the perfect, complete offering of Christ, which demands nothing less than our full and loving response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to hold back from God, rather than offering a "wholly burnt" sacrifice of dedication?**
* **How does the concept of the high priest's unconsumed offering challenge my understanding of what it means to truly consecrate something to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more fully as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), allowing God to consume all of me for His glory?**

### FAQ

**Why was the high priest's grain offering to be "wholly burnt" and not eaten, unlike other grain offerings?**

Answer: The high priest's grain offering was unique because it was a personal offering made by the one who stood as the chief mediator between God and Israel. Unlike other grain offerings, where a portion was given to the priests for their sustenance as their share from the altar (e.g., [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priests' Portion of the Grain Offering")), the high priest's offering was considered so holy and so intimately connected to his sacred office that it had to be entirely consumed by fire. This signified its complete dedication to God alone, emphasizing that his service and his very being were wholly consecrated to the Lord. It underscored the absolute purity and unreserved devotion required of the high priest, leaving no part for human benefit or consumption. This distinction highlights the elevated standard of holiness for the high priest and the profound sacredness of his personal offerings before God.

**What is the significance of "wholly burnt" (*kâlîyl*) in the context of Old Testament sacrifices?**

Answer: The term "wholly burnt" (Hebrew: *kâlîyl*) signifies a complete and entire consumption by fire, leaving nothing for human use. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, this indicated an offering that was exclusively and unreservedly dedicated to God. It was not a communal meal or a portion for the priests, but an act of total surrender and devotion. The fire consuming the entire offering symbolized God's acceptance and the complete removal of the offering from the earthly realm into the divine. This type of offering, often seen in the context of specific vows or high levels of consecration, emphasized God's absolute ownership and the worshiper's unreserved commitment, as seen in the high priest's daily offering in [Leviticus 6:23](/leviticus/6-23 "Leviticus 6:23 - The High Priest's Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:23, with its command for the high priest's grain offering to be "wholly burnt" and not eaten, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wholly burnt" aspect, signifying complete dedication and consumption by fire for God alone, powerfully foreshadows Christ's singular and perfect sacrifice on the cross. Unlike the Levitical offerings, which were imperfect and had to be repeated, Jesus offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), a complete and sufficient atonement that perfectly satisfied God's righteous demands. His sacrifice was not for human consumption in the sense of a shared meal, but was entirely dedicated to God as a fragrant offering and sacrifice ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), bringing about eternal redemption. As the true High Priest, Jesus's offering of Himself was the ultimate *kâlîyl* sacrifice, utterly consumed by divine judgment for our sin, leaving nothing lacking and requiring no further additions. His perfect, unblemished life, offered in death, was the ultimate act of total surrender and consecration, making Him the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His complete self-offering, we are made holy and brought near to God, not by our own imperfect sacrifices, but by His one, perfect, "wholly burnt" 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 6:16

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.

Leviticus 6:17

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.

Leviticus 2:10

And that which is left 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.