King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:15 Mean?

Leviticus 6:15 in the King James Version says “And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 6:15 · KJV

Context

13

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

14

And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar.

15

And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.

16

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

17

It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Instructions for Offerings. Detailed regulations for priests administering the sacrificial system, emphasizing holiness and proper handling of sacred things.

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

Detailed regulations for priests administering the sacrificial system, emphasizing holiness and proper handling of sacred things. 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהֵרִ֨ים1 of 18

“And he shall take”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֜נּוּ2 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בְּקֻמְצ֗וֹ3 of 18

“of it his handful”

H7062

a grasp, i.e., handful

מִסֹּ֤לֶת4 of 18

“of the flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

הַמִּנְחָ֑ה5 of 18

“of the meat offering”

H4503

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

וּמִשַּׁמְנָ֔הּ6 of 18

“and of the oil”

H8081

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

וְאֵת֙7 of 18
H853

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

כָּל8 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַלְּבֹנָ֔ה9 of 18

“thereof and all the frankincense”

H3828

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר10 of 18
H834

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

עַל11 of 18
H5921

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

הַמִּנְחָ֑ה12 of 18

“of the meat offering”

H4503

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

וְהִקְטִ֣יר13 of 18

“and shall burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ14 of 18

“it upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

רֵ֧יחַ15 of 18

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֛חַ16 of 18

“for a sweet”

H5207

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

אַזְכָּֽרָתָ֖הּ17 of 18

“even the memorial”

H234

a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering

לַֽיהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“of it unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 6:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:2Leviticus 2:9

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