And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 2:16KJV
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Leviticus 2:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 2:16 mean?

Leviticus 2:16 describes how the priest is to burn a portion of the grain offering—specifically some of the crushed grain, some oil, and all the frankincense—as a memorial portion on the altar, making it an offering by fire to the LORD. This act sets apart part of the offering to be completely given to God, marking it as holy and dedicated.

In the context of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites on how to present grain offerings at the tabernacle. The priest’s role is to take a representative part of the offering and burn it, which is called the “memorial” portion. This burning, with oil and frankincense, creates a pleasing aroma and symbolizes giving the best part directly to God, while the rest of the offering could be used by the priests.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 2:16

  • The word for “priest” (כֹּהֵן, kohen) refers to the person set apart to serve in the sanctuary, highlighting the special role of mediating between the people and God.
  • “Burn” (קָטַר, qatar) means to turn something into smoke on the altar, often with the sense of making a fragrant offering, not just destroying it by fire.
  • “Memorial” (אַזְכָּרָה, azkarah) refers to the portion meant to bring the offerer to remembrance before God, emphasizing that this act is about being remembered by God in a favorable way.
  • “Frankincense” (לְבוֹנָה, levonah) is a fragrant resin, and burning all of it (not just a part) with the offering highlights the importance of the aroma and the act of complete dedication.

Why Leviticus 2:16 matters

  • Leviticus 2:16 clarifies that not the entire grain offering was burned, but only a specific portion, helping readers understand the practical process of Old Testament offerings.
  • The verse emphasizes the idea of a “memorial” portion, showing that offerings were not just about giving things up, but about being remembered by God through a dedicated act.
  • This instruction connects to the larger theme in Leviticus of holiness and proper worship, showing how even everyday things like grain and oil could be set apart for God in a meaningful way.

Where else these words appear

“corn” Hebrew H1643 · used in 2 verses

  • Leviticus 2:14 And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears.

“memorial” Hebrew H234 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 2:2 And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:
  • Leviticus 5:12 Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.
  • 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.

“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:

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:18 All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.
  • 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.