Leviticus 2:3 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 2:3 mean?

Leviticus 2:3 explains that whatever is left over from the grain offering, after part has been burned, belongs to Aaron and his sons, the priests. This leftover portion is considered “most holy” among the offerings made by fire to the LORD.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about the grain offering, a type of sacrifice brought to the tabernacle. The priests, Aaron and his sons, are allowed to eat the remainder of the offering, but it is set apart as especially holy, meaning it must be treated with great respect and only eaten by those who are consecrated for priestly service.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 2:3

• “Remnant” (יֶתֶר, yeter): This word means what is left over or remaining. It highlights that the priests do not take from the main part offered to God, but only from what remains after the ritual.
• “Most holy” (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qodesh qadashim): This phrase means “a holiness of holinesses,” stressing that this part of the offering is not just holy, but set apart to the highest degree. Only those who are ritually clean and authorized (the priests) can partake of it.
• “Offerings made by fire” (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh): This term refers to sacrifices that are burned on the altar, indicating that the offering has already been partly given to God through fire before the priests receive their share.

Why Leviticus 2:3 matters

• Leviticus 2:3 clarifies that not all offerings were completely burned; some parts were meant to support the priests, showing how God provided for those serving in the tabernacle.
• The verse emphasizes the seriousness and sacredness of the priests’ role, since only they could eat what was “most holy.”
• This instruction ties into the wider passage by showing the careful balance between what is given to God and what is given to those who serve Him, reflecting the order and respect built into Israel’s worship practices.