King James Version

What Does Leviticus 2:8 Mean?

Leviticus 2:8 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt bring the meat offering that is made of these things unto the LORD: and when it is presented unto the pri...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt bring the meat offering that is made of these things unto the LORD: and when it is presented unto the priest, he shall bring it unto the altar.”

Leviticus 2:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And thou shalt bring the meat offering that is made of these things unto the LORD: and when it is presented unto the priest, he shall bring it unto the altar.

9

And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

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.

Read Leviticus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt bring the meat offering that is made of these things unto the LORD: and when it is presented unto the priest, he shall bring it unto the altar.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. 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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. 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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֣1 of 13

“And thou shalt bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

הַמִּנְחָ֗ה3 of 13

“the meat offering”

H4503

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

אֲשֶׁ֧ר4 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֛ה5 of 13

“that is made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מֵאֵ֖לֶּה6 of 13
H428

these or those

לַֽיהוָ֑ה7 of 13

“of these things unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהִקְרִיבָהּ֙8 of 13

“and when it is presented”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן10 of 13

“unto the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהִגִּישָׁ֖הּ11 of 13

“he shall bring”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֶל12 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃13 of 13

“it unto the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 2:8 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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