King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:15 Mean?

Leviticus 2:15 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 2:15 · KJV

Context

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

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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. 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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤1 of 8

“And thou shalt put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙2 of 8
H5921

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

שֶׁ֔מֶן3 of 8

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְשַׂמְתָּ֥4 of 8

“upon it and lay”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עָלֶ֖יהָ5 of 8
H5921

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

לְבֹנָ֑ה6 of 8

“frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

מִנְחָ֖ה7 of 8

“thereon it is a meat offering”

H4503

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

הִֽוא׃8 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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