King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:11 Mean?

Leviticus 2:11 in the King James Version says “No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any ho... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 2:11 · KJV


Context

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

13

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כָּל1 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמִּנְחָ֗ה2 of 18

No meat offering

H4503

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּקְרִ֙יבוּ֙4 of 18

which ye shall bring

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַֽיהוָֽה׃5 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֹ֥א6 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵֽעָשֶׂ֖ה7 of 18

shall be made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חָמֵ֑ץ8 of 18

with leaven

H2557

ferment, (figuratively) extortion

כִּ֤י9 of 18
H3588

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

כָל10 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שְׂאֹר֙11 of 18

no leaven

H7603

barm or yeast-cake (as swelling by fermentation)

וְכָל12 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דְּבַ֔שׁ13 of 18

nor any honey

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

לֹֽא14 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַקְטִ֧ירוּ15 of 18

for ye shall burn

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

מִמֶּ֛נּוּ16 of 18
H4480

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

אִשֶּׁ֖ה17 of 18

in any offering

H801

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃18 of 18

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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