King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:1 Mean?

Leviticus 2:1 in the King James Version says “And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon i...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:”

Leviticus 2:1 · KJV

Context

1

And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

2

And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

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.

Read Leviticus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

This verse falls within the section on Grain Offerings. The grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) was a tribute offering acknowledging God's provision and expressing devotion through the fruits of human labor.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) was a tribute offering acknowledging God's provision and expressing devotion through the fruits of human labor. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְנֶ֗פֶשׁ1 of 15

“And when any”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּֽי2 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַקְרִ֞יב3 of 15

“will offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ4 of 15

“his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

מִנְחָה֙5 of 15

“a meat”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

לַֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

סֹ֖לֶת7 of 15

“shall be of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה8 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ9 of 15

“his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

וְיָצַ֤ק10 of 15

“and he shall pour”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙11 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שֶׁ֔מֶן12 of 15

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְנָתַ֥ן13 of 15

“upon it and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלֶ֖יהָ14 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְבֹנָֽה׃15 of 15

“frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 2:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:14-18Revelation 8:3Isaiah 66:20Leviticus 9:17Numbers 7:19Jude 1:20

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