Leviticus 2:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 2:13 mean?

Leviticus 2:13 commands that every grain offering brought to God must be seasoned with salt, and specifically says not to leave out "the salt of the covenant of thy God" from these offerings. The verse emphasizes that salt must be included with all offerings, making it a required element in Israel’s worship rituals.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about how to prepare their grain offerings, which were gifts of food brought to the altar. The mention of "the salt of the covenant" points to salt as a symbol of lasting agreement or relationship between God and His people, highlighting the seriousness and permanence of their covenant.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 2:13

• "Salt" (מֶלַח, melach): Salt was valuable in the ancient world for preserving and flavoring food. Its use here is often understood as a symbol of preservation and faithfulness in the covenant relationship.
• "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a binding agreement or promise. Calling it "the salt of the covenant" connects the physical act of adding salt to the spiritual idea of a lasting, unbreakable bond with God.
• "Lacking" (תִּשְׁבִּית, tishbit): This word means "to withhold" or "to leave out." The instruction not to let the salt be lacking stresses that this is not optional—salt must always be present in these offerings.

Why Leviticus 2:13 matters

• Leviticus 2:13 clarifies that salt was not just a seasoning but a required symbol in offerings, representing the enduring nature of God’s promises to Israel.
• The verse shows that even small details in worship, like adding salt, were meant to teach deeper truths about God’s relationship with His people.
• This instruction connects to the broader theme in Leviticus of holiness and careful obedience in approaching God, showing that every aspect of worship had meaning.