King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:5 Mean?

Leviticus 2:5 in the King James Version says “And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil. in a pan:...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil. in a pan: or, on a flat plate, or, slice”

Leviticus 2:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the remnant 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.

4

And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.

5

And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil. in a pan: or, on a flat plate, or, slice

6

Thou shalt part it in pieces, and pour oil thereon: it is a meat offering.

7

And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in the fryingpan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil.

Read Leviticus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִם1 of 10
H518

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

מִנְחָ֥ה2 of 10

“be a meat offering”

H4503

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

עַל3 of 10
H5921

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

הַֽמַּחֲבַ֖ת4 of 10

“baken in a pan”

H4227

a pan for baking in

קָרְבָּנֶ֑ךָ5 of 10

“And if thy oblation”

H7133

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

סֹ֛לֶת6 of 10

“it shall be of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּלוּלָ֥ה7 of 10

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן8 of 10

“with oil”

H8081

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

מַצָּ֥ה9 of 10

“unleavened”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

תִֽהְיֶֽה׃10 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 7:9Leviticus 6:21

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