King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:13 Mean?

Leviticus 23:13 in the King James Version says “And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.”

Leviticus 23:13 · KJV

Context

11

And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

12

And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

13

And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.

14

And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15

And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:

Read Leviticus 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.

This verse falls within the section on Appointed Feasts. God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּמִנְחָתוֹ֩1 of 14

“And the meat offering”

H4503

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

שְׁנֵ֨י2 of 14

“thereof shall be two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים3 of 14

“tenth deals”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

סֹ֣לֶת4 of 14

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּלוּלָ֥ה5 of 14

“mingled”

H1101

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

בַשֶּׁ֛מֶן6 of 14

“with oil”

H8081

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

אִשֶּׁ֥ה7 of 14

“an offering made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָ֖ה8 of 14

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

רֵ֣יחַ9 of 14

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֑חַ10 of 14

“for a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

וְנִסְכֹּ֥ה11 of 14

“and the drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

יַ֖יִן12 of 14

“thereof shall be of wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

רְבִיעִ֥ת13 of 14

“the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

הַהִֽין׃14 of 14

“part of an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

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 23:13 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 23:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:14-16Ezekiel 46:14Numbers 28:10Leviticus 6:20Joel 2:14Exodus 29:40-41

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