Thou shalt part it in pieces, and pour oil thereon: it is a meat offering.

LEVITICUS 2:6KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 2:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 2:6 mean?

Leviticus 2:6 gives instructions for preparing a grain offering: the person bringing the offering is to break it into pieces and pour oil on it before presenting it. This verse is part of a larger set of directions about how Israelites were to bring offerings to God in the tabernacle.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, who is to relay these instructions to the people of Israel. The context is the detailed laws for various types of offerings, with this verse focusing on the “meat offering” (more accurately, a grain or meal offering). The process described—breaking the offering and adding oil—shows the care and specific steps involved in worship practices at that time.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 2:6

  • The word “part” (פָּרַר, parar) means to break or divide. Here, it directs the offerer to break the grain offering into smaller pieces, not just present it whole.
  • “Pieces” (פִּתִּים, pittim) refers to fragments or small parts. This emphasizes that the offering is to be divided up, possibly to help with burning it or sharing it among the priests.
  • “Pour” (יָצַק, yatsaq) means to pour or spread out, specifically referring to pouring oil over the broken pieces.
  • “Oil” (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) is olive oil, a valuable and common ingredient in offerings, symbolizing richness or dedication.
  • “Offering” (מִנְחָה, minchah) is the word for a grain or meal offering, not meat, despite the KJV wording. This offering was made from flour, oil, and sometimes frankincense.

Why Leviticus 2:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the “meat offering” in the KJV actually refers to a grain offering, not animal flesh, which can prevent confusion about what was being offered.
  • The instructions to break the offering and pour oil show that worship in ancient Israel involved specific, meaningful actions, not just the materials themselves.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the careful, step-by-step process God expected for offerings, highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

Where else these words appear

“pieces” Hebrew H6595 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • 1 Samuel 2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
  • Psalms 147:17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

“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.