Leviticus 6:15 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:15 mean?

Leviticus 6:15 describes how the priest is to take a handful of flour, oil, and all the frankincense from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, serving as a memorial portion. This act is part of the instructions for handling offerings given to God in the tabernacle.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed instructions for the priests about how to present the grain (or "meat") offering. The priest’s action of burning a specific portion, including all the frankincense, sets apart part of the offering as a special remembrance before God. The rest of the offering would be used differently, but this portion is entirely for God, highlighting the care and respect shown in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:15

• "Handful" (קֹמֶץ, qometz) refers to the priest taking as much as he can hold in one hand, showing the personal involvement of the priest in the offering.
• "Frankincense" (לְבוֹנָה, levonah) is a fragrant resin, and the instruction to use all of it emphasizes the importance of the aroma and the idea of a pleasing scent rising to God.
• "Burn" (קָטַר, qatar) means to turn something into smoke on the altar, which is how the offering is symbolically given to God.
• "Memorial" (אַזְכָּרָה, azkarah) means something that brings to mind or serves as a reminder; here, it marks this part of the offering as a special act of remembrance before the LORD.

Why Leviticus 6:15 matters

• Leviticus 6:15 clarifies that not all of the grain offering was burned; only a specific, symbolic portion was set aside for God, while the rest had a different purpose.
• The verse highlights the careful, respectful process the priests followed, showing that worship involved both ritual and intention.
• By calling this portion a "memorial," Leviticus 6:15 connects the act of offering to the idea of remembering and honoring God, which is a key theme throughout the book.