King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:10 Mean?

Leviticus 2:10 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 2:10 · KJV

Context

8

And thou shalt bring the meat offering that is made of these things unto the LORD: and when it is presented unto the priest, he shall bring it unto the altar.

9

And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

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.

11

No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.

12

As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. be burnt: Heb. ascend

Read Leviticus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. 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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהַנּוֹתֶ֙רֶת֙1 of 9

“And that which is left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִן2 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּנְחָ֔ה3 of 9

“of the meat offering”

H4503

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

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן4 of 9

“shall be Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּלְבָנָ֑יו5 of 9

“and his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים6 of 9

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים7 of 9

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

מֵֽאִשֵּׁ֥י8 of 9

“made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:3

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