And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

LEVITICUS 2:1KJV
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Leviticus 2:1 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 2:1 mean?

Leviticus 2:1 describes how someone in ancient Israel could bring a “meat offering” (better understood as a grain offering) to the LORD: the person was to bring fine flour, pour oil on it, and add frankincense. This verse sets out the basic ingredients and actions required for this type of offering.

In Leviticus, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about how to approach Him with offerings. The “meat offering” here does not refer to animal flesh, but to a tribute of grain, showing respect and gratitude. The use of fine flour, oil, and frankincense points to care, value, and reverence in what the worshiper brings.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 2:1

  • “Meat offering” is מִנְחָה (minchah), which means a gift or tribute, often of grain, not animal meat. This helps clarify that the offering is plant-based.
  • “Fine flour” is סֹלֶת (solet), referring to high-quality, sifted wheat flour, showing that the offering was to be the best, not leftovers.
  • “Frankincense” is לְבוֹנָה (levonah), a fragrant resin. Its inclusion shows that the offering was meant to be pleasing, not just practical.

Why Leviticus 2:1 matters

  • Leviticus 2:1 clears up the common misunderstanding that “meat offering” means animal flesh; the original word points to a grain-based gift.
  • The verse emphasizes that offerings to God were to be of the highest quality and prepared thoughtfully, not given carelessly.
  • This instruction fits into a larger set of laws in Leviticus about different kinds of offerings, showing the variety of ways people could express devotion and gratitude.

Where else these words appear

“frankincense” Hebrew H3828 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 30:34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
  • Leviticus 24:7 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.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“pour” Hebrew H3332 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • 2 Kings 4:40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

“flour” Hebrew H5560 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Numbers 7:13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
  • Numbers 7:41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.