King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:12 Mean?

Leviticus 2:12 in the King James Version says “As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 2:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
קָרְבַּ֥ן1 of 11

“As for the oblation”

H7133

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

רֵאשִׁ֛ית2 of 11

“of the firstfruits”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ3 of 11

“ye shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֹתָ֖ם4 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַֽיהוָ֑ה5 of 11

“them unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וְאֶל6 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּ֥חַ7 of 11

“on the altar”

H4196

an altar

לֹֽא8 of 11
H3808

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

יַעֲל֖וּ9 of 11

“but they shall not be burnt”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לְרֵ֥יחַ10 of 11

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹֽחַ׃11 of 11

“for a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

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 2:12 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 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:192 Chronicles 31:5Genesis 23:17Leviticus 7:13Leviticus 23:10Deuteronomy 26:10

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