King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:14 Mean?

Leviticus 2:14 in the King James Version says “And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstf...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 2:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִם1 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּקְרִ֕יב2 of 14

“And if thou offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מִנְחַ֥ת3 of 14

“a meat offering”

H4503

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

בִּכּוּרֶֽיךָ׃4 of 14

“of thy firstfruits”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

לַֽיהוָ֑ה5 of 14

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אָבִ֞יב6 of 14

“green ears”

H24

green, i.e., a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month abib or nisan

קָל֤וּי7 of 14

“of corn dried”

H7033

to toast, i.e., scorch partially or slowly

בָּאֵשׁ֙8 of 14

“by the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

גֶּ֣רֶשׂ9 of 14

“even corn beaten”

H1643

a kernel (collectively), i.e., grain

כַּרְמֶ֔ל10 of 14

“out of full ears”

H3759

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

תַּקְרִ֕יב11 of 14

“And if thou offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵ֖ת12 of 14
H853

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

מִנְחַ֥ת13 of 14

“a meat offering”

H4503

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

בִּכּוּרֶֽיךָ׃14 of 14

“of thy firstfruits”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:10Proverbs 3:9-101 Corinthians 15:20Isaiah 53:2-10Numbers 28:2Revelation 14:4

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