King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:5 Mean?

Leviticus 24:5 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

Leviticus 24:5 · KJV


Context

3

Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.

4

He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.

5

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

6

And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.

7

And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

This verse falls within the section on Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy. Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name.


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

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name. 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. 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 practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣1 of 12

And thou shalt take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

סֹ֔לֶת2 of 12

fine flour

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

וְאָֽפִיתָ֣3 of 12

and bake

H644

to cook, especially to bake

אֹתָ֔הּ4 of 12
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שְׁנֵי֙5 of 12

thereof two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה6 of 12

twelve

H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

הַֽחַלָּ֥ה7 of 12

cake

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

שְׁנֵי֙8 of 12

thereof two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים9 of 12

tenth deals

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה10 of 12
H1961

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

הַֽחַלָּ֥ה11 of 12

cake

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

הָֽאֶחָֽת׃12 of 12

shall be in one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first


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 24:5 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 24:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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