Leviticus 6:23

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 6:23 is part of a larger section (Leviticus 6:14-23) detailing the specific laws concerning the "meat offering," more accurately understood as the grain offering. This particular verse concludes instructions regarding a special type of grain offering: the one made by the high priest. Unlike other grain offerings, where a portion was consumed by the priests as their sustenance from the altar, this offering, specifically associated with the high priest's daily service and possibly his consecration (Leviticus 6:20-22), was to be entirely burnt. This distinction highlights its unique sacredness within the Mosaic Law.

Key Themes

  • Absolute Dedication: The command that the high priest's grain offering be "wholly burnt" signifies total consecration and dedication to God. Nothing was to be left for human consumption, emphasizing that this offering was entirely for the Lord, underscoring the absolute holiness required of the high priest and his service.
  • Priestly Purity and Responsibility: This instruction reinforces the stringent standards of purity and holiness expected of the priests, especially the high priest, who served as the mediator between God and the people. Their offerings had a unique quality that set them apart, reflecting their sacred office.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ: The concept of an offering entirely consumed by fire, leaving nothing for human partaking, can be seen as a shadow of the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His offering on the cross was a once-for-all, wholly sufficient atonement, entirely dedicated to God for the redemption of humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat offering" often causes confusion for modern readers. The Hebrew word is minchah (ืžึดื ึฐื—ึธื”), which literally means "gift" or "tribute," and in the context of the sacrificial system, refers specifically to a grain offering (typically fine flour, oil, and frankincense), not an offering of animal flesh. The phrase "wholly burnt" translates the Hebrew kaliyl (ื›ึผึธืœึดื™ืœ), meaning "complete" or "entire." This emphasizes that the offering was to be completely consumed by fire on the altar, distinguishing it from other offerings where parts were returned to the priests or offerers for consumption, such as in the peace offering.

Practical Application

Leviticus 6:23 serves as a powerful reminder of the principle of total surrender and dedication in our walk with God. Just as the high priest's offering was to be entirely given to the Lord, we are called to offer our lives as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1), wholly committed to Him. For those in spiritual leadership, it highlights the elevated standard of consecration and purity required in their service, reflecting the seriousness of representing God to His people. Ultimately, this command points us to the completeness of Christ's sacrifice, which demands nothing less than our wholehearted devotion in response to His perfect love.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 6:16 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.