Leviticus 5:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 5:11 mean?

Leviticus 5:11 explains that if someone cannot afford to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons as a sin offering, they may instead bring a small amount of fine flour—specifically, one-tenth of an ephah—without oil or frankincense, as their offering for sin. This verse shows that God made a way for even the poorest person to participate in the sacrificial system for forgiveness.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the Israelites about what to do when someone has sinned but cannot afford the usual animal offerings. The verse makes clear that the offering must be flour alone, with no oil or frankincense added, because it is a sin offering and not a regular grain offering. This detail sets the sin offering apart and highlights the seriousness of the occasion.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 5:11

• "tenth" (עִשָּׂרוֹן, ʿisaron): This word refers to one-tenth of an ephah, a specific measurement of flour, showing the exact amount required for this offering.
• "fine flour" (סֹלֶת, solet): This is high-quality wheat flour, which was considered valuable, even though it was less costly than birds or animals.
• "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) and "frankincense" (לְבוֹנָה, levonah): The instruction not to add oil or frankincense marks this offering as different from other grain offerings, which usually included these items as signs of joy or celebration.

Why Leviticus 5:11 matters

• Leviticus 5:11 shows that forgiveness was accessible to everyone, regardless of wealth, by allowing a less expensive offering for those who could not afford animals.
• The verse emphasizes the seriousness of a sin offering by requiring that no oil or frankincense—symbols of gladness and worship—be added, keeping the focus on repentance.
• This instruction fits into a larger section where God provides practical ways for all Israelites to maintain a right relationship with Him, highlighting both justice and compassion in the law.