Leviticus 7:10

KJV

And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one [as much] as another.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every meat offering {H4503}, mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, and dry {H2720}, shall all the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} have, one {H376} as much as another {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But every grain offering which is mixed with olive oil or is dry will belong to all the sons of Aharon equally.

Berean Standard Bible

and every grain offering, whether dry or mixed with oil, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron.

American Standard Version

And every meal-offering, mingled with oil, or dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one as well as another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:10 concludes a detailed section on the grain offering, specifically addressing its distribution among the Aaronic priesthood. This verse clarifies that all forms of the grain offering—whether prepared with oil or offered dry—were to be equally shared among all the active priests, ensuring their sustenance and promoting fairness within the divinely appointed ministry. It underscores God's meticulous provision for those serving Him and the importance of equitable distribution within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:10 is situated within a larger block of priestly instructions spanning [Leviticus 6](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6 - Priestly Instructions for Offerings") and [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Further Laws for Offerings"). These chapters elaborate on the general laws of offerings introduced in [Leviticus 1-5](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-5 - Laws of the Offerings") by providing specific, practical directives for the priests regarding the handling, preparation, and consumption of sacrificial portions. Following detailed instructions for the burnt offering, grain offering, sin offering, and guilt offering, this verse specifically pertains to the priests' share of the grain offering, reinforcing the sanctity and proper administration of these "most holy" portions. It builds upon the foundational principles of the grain offering outlined in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"), specifying how the priests were to be sustained by the people's offerings. The preceding verses in [Leviticus 7:1-9](/leviticus/7-1-9 "Leviticus 7:1-9 - Portions for Priests") detail the portions of other offerings, making [Leviticus 7:10](/leviticus/7-10 "Leviticus 7:10 - Priestly Share of Grain Offering") a concluding statement on the grain offering's distribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priesthood, specifically the "sons of Aaron," were set apart for sacred service at the tabernacle. Unlike other tribes, they did not receive a territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan, as God Himself was to be their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - God is the Priests' Inheritance")). Their livelihood was therefore dependent on the offerings brought by the people, as stipulated in various Mosaic laws. The grain offering, or *minchah*, was a common and essential part of Israelite worship, often representing thanksgiving, devotion, or a vow. The meticulous regulations for its distribution, as seen in [Leviticus 7:10](/leviticus/7-10 "Leviticus 7:10 - Priestly Share of Grain Offering"), ensured that the priests, who ministered on behalf of the entire nation, were adequately and justly provided for, allowing them to focus solely on their sacred duties without concern for material sustenance. This system highlighted God's covenant faithfulness in caring for His chosen servants and maintaining order within His sacred economy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Provision and Sustenance** for those dedicated to God's service, demonstrating God's faithfulness in caring for His appointed ministers. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the priests, set apart for sacred duties, were sustained by "most holy" portions of the offerings. Thirdly, the phrase "one as much as another" underscores the crucial theme of **Equity and Justice** within the community, particularly concerning the distribution of sacred resources. This principle prevents favoritism and promotes unity among the priestly families, reflecting God's character as a God of order and fairness, themes prevalent throughout the laws given in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From H4503, this term, though translated as "meat offering" in the KJV, refers exclusively to a grain or cereal offering. It was a bloodless sacrifice, typically made of fine flour, often prepared with oil and frankincense. It served as a voluntary gift, expressing thanksgiving, devotion, or a vow. A portion was burned on the altar as a "memorial portion" to the Lord, and the remainder became the property of the priests for their sustenance.
* **Mingled (Hebrew, _bâlal'_):** From H1101, this primitive root means "to mix" or "to overflow (specifically with oil)." In the context of the grain offering, it refers to the preparation where flour was mixed or saturated with oil, indicating a specific method of preparation for the offering. This highlights the precise culinary instructions involved in the presentation of these sacred gifts.
* **Another (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** From H251, this word primarily means "brother" and is used in the widest sense of literal relationship or metaphorical affinity. In the phrase "one as much as another" (literally "a man as his brother"), it conveys the principle of equality, impartiality, and mutual sharing among those who are related or belong to the same group, in this case, the Aaronic priests.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry":** This clause specifies the comprehensive scope of the regulation. It encompasses all variations of the grain offering (*minchah*). "Mingled with oil" refers to preparations where oil was incorporated into the flour (e.g., baked cakes or unleavened wafers). "And dry" refers to the raw fine flour offering, which was also presented with oil and frankincense before a portion was burned. This inclusive language ensures that all forms of the grain offering were subject to the same distribution rule.
* **"shall all the sons of Aaron have":** This identifies the exclusive recipients of the priestly portion of the grain offering. It explicitly states that *all* legitimate descendants of Aaron who were consecrated for service were entitled to a share. This emphasizes the divine provision for the entire priestly class, ensuring their livelihood was secured through their sacred duties at the tabernacle.
* **"one [as much] as another":** This concluding phrase dictates the equitable manner of distribution. It mandates an impartial and equal division of the grain offerings among all the priests. This principle of equal sharing was crucial to prevent disputes, ensure no priest was favored or neglected, and reinforce the idea of a unified priestly body serving the Lord. It speaks to God's concern for justice and fairness even in the allocation of sacred resources.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:10 primarily employs **Legal Language** and a **Prescriptive Tone**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law. The verse functions as a clear, unambiguous command, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the distribution of the grain offering. The specific mention of "mingled with oil, and dry" functions as a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (wet vs. dry preparations) represent the entire category of grain offerings, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the rule. The phrases "all the sons of Aaron" and the concluding "one [as much] as another" serve as **Emphasis** through repetition of the concept of universality and equality, reinforcing the divine mandate for fair and inclusive provision for the priesthood. This precise and detailed language underscores the meticulousness of God's law and His concern for order and justice within the sacred economy of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:10 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His appointed ministers. It reveals a divine economy where those dedicated to spiritual service are sustained by the offerings of the faithful, highlighting the principle of provision for ministry. Beyond mere sustenance, the emphasis on "one as much as another" establishes a foundational principle of equality and justice within the community, particularly among those in leadership. This ensures that divine resources are distributed fairly, preventing envy, favoritism, and division, and fostering unity and mutual respect among the priests. The detailed nature of these regulations also speaks to God's concern for order, holiness, and the proper stewardship of all things, even seemingly small details related to worship and administration.

* [Numbers 18:8](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8 - Priestly Portions")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministry")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Sharing with Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:10, though rooted in ancient sacrificial law, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that God is deeply concerned with the practical well-being of those who serve Him, establishing a pattern of provision for vocational ministry. Just as the priests were sustained by the offerings, so too is there a biblical precedent for supporting those who dedicate their lives to teaching, preaching, and leading in the church today. Furthermore, the emphasis on "one as much as another" is a powerful call to fairness, transparency, and equity in the distribution of resources and opportunities within any community, especially within the body of Christ. It challenges us to guard against favoritism, promote unity, and ensure that all members, particularly those in leadership, are treated justly and provided for adequately. This verse encourages us to reflect God's own meticulous care and justice in our stewardship of resources and our relationships with one another, recognizing that true spiritual health is often reflected in practical, equitable care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of divine provision for the priests in Leviticus 7:10 inform our understanding of supporting those in full-time ministry today?**
* **In what ways can the principle of "one as much as another" be applied to foster greater fairness and unity within our own faith communities or organizations?**
* **What does God's attention to seemingly small details, like the distribution of offerings, teach us about His character and His expectations for our lives and service?**

### FAQ
**What is the "meat offering" mentioned in Leviticus 7:10?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word *minchah* (מִנְחָה), which refers to a grain or cereal offering, not animal flesh. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often prepared with oil and frankincense, and was a voluntary gift of thanksgiving or devotion. A portion of it was burned on the altar as a memorial to the Lord, and the remainder was given to the priests for their sustenance, as detailed in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering").

**Why was it important for the "sons of Aaron" to have these offerings, and why "one as much as another"?**

Answer: The "sons of Aaron" were the priests, consecrated by God to serve in the tabernacle. Unlike other tribes, they did not receive a land inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - God is the Priests' Inheritance")), so their livelihood depended on the offerings brought by the Israelites. This ensured they could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties. The phrase "one as much as another" (Hebrew: *ish ke'achiv*) emphasizes equality in distribution. This was crucial to prevent favoritism, avoid disputes among priestly families, and ensure that all priests, regardless of their specific role or status, received equitable provision, fostering unity and justice within the priestly community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:10, with its meticulous instructions for the provision of the Aaronic priesthood, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest, not of the order of Aaron, but of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A Priest Like Melchizedek")), who has offered the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Himself. As our perfect High Priest, He not only offers the ultimate sacrifice—His own body and blood—but also continually intercedes for His people and provides for those who serve in His name. The sustenance of the Old Testament priests through the grain offerings foreshadows Christ's spiritual and practical provision for His New Covenant ministers. Just as the priests were sustained to perform their duties, so too does Christ provide for those He sends out, as He promised His disciples that they would lack nothing ([Luke 22:35](/luke/22-35 "Luke 22:35 - Jesus Sends Out Disciples")). Furthermore, the principle of "one as much as another," ensuring equitable distribution among the priests, points to Christ's teaching on humility, service, and equality within His kingdom, where the greatest among us is the servant of all ([Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Greatness Through Service")). Ultimately, Jesus Himself is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the true spiritual provision that sustains all believers, enabling them to serve God faithfully, regardless of their earthly circumstances.

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

2 Corinthians 8:14

But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:

Exodus 16:18

And when they did mete [it] with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.