King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:13 Mean?

Leviticus 2:13 in the King James Version says “And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 2:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering.

Read Leviticus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְכָל1 of 17
H3605

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

קָרְבָּֽנְךָ֖2 of 17

“And every oblation”

H7133

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

מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ3 of 17

“from thy meat offering”

H4503

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

מֶֽלַח׃4 of 17

“neither shalt thou suffer the salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

תִּמְלָח֒5 of 17

“shalt thou season”

H4414

to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt)

וְלֹ֣א6 of 17
H3808

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

תַשְׁבִּ֗ית7 of 17

“to be lacking”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

מֶֽלַח׃8 of 17

“neither shalt thou suffer the salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

בְּרִ֣ית9 of 17

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ10 of 17

“of thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מֵעַ֖ל11 of 17
H5921

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

מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ12 of 17

“from thy meat offering”

H4503

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

עַ֥ל13 of 17
H5921

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

כָּל14 of 17
H3605

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

קָרְבָּֽנְךָ֖15 of 17

“And every oblation”

H7133

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

תַּקְרִ֥יב16 of 17

“thou shalt offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מֶֽלַח׃17 of 17

“neither shalt thou suffer the salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 43:24Matthew 5:13Colossians 4:6Mark 9:49-50Numbers 18:192 Chronicles 13:5

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