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Leviticus 2:11

Leviticus 2:11 in Multiple Translations

No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.

No meal-offering, which ye shall offer unto Jehovah, shall be made with leaven; for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, as an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

No meal offering which you give to the Lord is to be made with leaven; no leaven or honey is to be burned as an offering made by fire to the Lord.

No grain offering that you give to the Lord may be made using yeast. Don't burn any yeast or honey as a food offering to the Lord.

All the meate offrings which ye shall offer vnto the Lord, shalbe made without leauen: for ye shall neither burne leauen nor honie in any offring of the Lord made by fire.

No present which ye bring near to Jehovah is made fermented, for with any leaven or any honey ye perfume no fire-offering to Jehovah.

“‘No meal offering which you shall offer to the LORD shall be made with yeast; for you shall burn no yeast, nor any honey, as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

No meat-offering which ye shall bring to the LORD shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.

Every oblation that is offered to the Lord shall be made without leaven, neither shall any leaven or honey be burnt in the sacrifice to the Lord.

‘Every offering that is made from grain and that you bring to Yahweh must be made without yeast, because you must not put any yeast or honey in any offering to Yahweh that is burned on the altar.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 2:11

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כָּל הַ/מִּנְחָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר תַּקְרִ֨יבוּ֙ לַ/יהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א תֵעָשֶׂ֖ה חָמֵ֑ץ כִּ֤י כָל שְׂאֹר֙ וְ/כָל דְּבַ֔שׁ לֹֽא תַקְטִ֧ירוּ מִמֶּ֛/נּוּ אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽ/יהוָֽה
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הַ/מִּנְחָ֗ה minchâh H4503 offering Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
תַּקְרִ֨יבוּ֙ qârab H7126 to present V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
לַ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תֵעָשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
חָמֵ֑ץ châmêts H2557 leaven N-ms
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms
שְׂאֹר֙ sᵉʼôr H7603 leaven N-ms
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
דְּבַ֔שׁ dᵉbash H1706 honey N-ms
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
תַקְטִ֧ירוּ qâṭar H6999 to offer V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
מִמֶּ֛/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
אִשֶּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H801 food offering N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 2:11

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מִּנְחָ֗ה minchâh H4503 "offering" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּקְרִ֨יבוּ֙ qârab H7126 "to present" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לַ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵעָשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
חָמֵ֑ץ châmêts H2557 "leaven" N-ms
This word refers to leaven or yeast, used to make bread rise, but also symbolizing corruption or evil influence. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the leaven of the Pharisees, representing hypocrisy and false teachings. It appears in Matthew and Luke.
Definition: the thing leavened, leaven
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: leaven, leavened (bread). See also: Exodus 12:15; Exodus 34:25; Amos 4:5.
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שְׂאֹר֙ sᵉʼôr H7603 "leaven" N-ms
Leaven, like yeast, makes dough rise, as in Exodus 12:15. It represents corruption or sin in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 16:6. Jesus warns against the leaven of the Pharisees.
Definition: leaven
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: leaven. See also: Exodus 12:15; Exodus 13:7; Deuteronomy 16:4.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּבַ֔שׁ dᵉbash H1706 "honey" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַקְטִ֧ירוּ qâṭar H6999 "to offer" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
מִמֶּ֛/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
אִשֶּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H801 "food offering" N-ms
An ishshah is a food offering or sacrifice given to God, often by fire or eaten by priests, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: food offering, offering given to God by fire or eaten by priests, sacrificial offering
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire. See also: Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:28.
לַֽ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Leviticus 2:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Galatians 5:9 A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.
2 Luke 12:1 In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
3 Exodus 23:18 You must not offer the blood of My sacrifices with anything leavened, nor may the fat of My feast remain until morning.
4 Proverbs 24:13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
5 Mark 8:15 “Watch out!” He cautioned them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod.”
6 Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.
7 1 Peter 4:2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
8 Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
9 Leviticus 6:16–17 Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten without leaven in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.
10 Proverbs 25:16 If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

Leviticus 2:11 Summary

[This verse means that when we come to God with an offering, we should make sure it's pure and free from anything that represents sin or corruption, like leaven. We want to give God our best and make sure our hearts are pure, as seen in Matthew 5:8, where Jesus says, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.' By doing so, we can become a sweet and pleasing aroma to Him, like the fragrance of a beautiful perfume, as described in 2 Corinthians 2:15.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are leaven and honey not allowed in grain offerings to the Lord?

Leaven represents sin and corruption, and honey, although a sweet and desirable substance, was likely associated with pagan offerings, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:13, where the Israelites were instructed to give their offerings to the Levites, not to offer them to foreign gods.

What does the Bible mean by 'an offering made by fire to the Lord' in this verse?

An offering made by fire to the Lord refers to a sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing the worshiper's complete dedication to God, as seen in Leviticus 1:9, where the burnt offering is described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and holiness in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of separating oneself from sin, represented by leaven, and striving for holiness, as commanded in Leviticus 11:45 and repeated in 1 Peter 1:16, where believers are called to be holy as God is holy.

What is the significance of the grain offering in the context of worship?

The grain offering represents the worshiper's thanksgiving and dedication to God, as seen in Psalm 50:14, where the psalmist says, 'Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be 'adding leaven' to my life, and how can I remove it to become a more pleasing offering to God?
  2. In what ways can I apply the principle of separating myself from sin and corruption in my daily life, as represented by the prohibition on leaven in grain offerings?
  3. How can I cultivate a heart of thanksgiving and dedication to God, as represented by the grain offering, in my own worship and devotion?
  4. What are some areas of my life where I may be 'mixing' worldly or sinful influences with my faith, and how can I 'purify' them to become a more acceptable offering to God?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 2:11

No meat offering which ye shall bring unto the Lord shall be made with leaven,.... It might be used in peace offerings, and in the wave loaves, Leviticus 7:13 but not in meat offerings; not only in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 2:11

No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire. No leaven, nor any honey.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 2:11

No meat offering, to wit, which is offered of free will; for in other offerings it might be used, 23:17. Shall be made with leaven: this was forbidden, partly to mind them of their deliverance out of Egypt, when they were forced through haste to bring away their meal or dough (which was the matter of this oblation) unleavened; partly to signify what Christ would be, and what they should be, pure and free from all error in the faith and worship of God, and from all hypocrisy and malice or wickedness, all which are signified by leaven, . Nor any honey; either, 1. Because it hath the same effect with leaven in paste or dough, making it sour, and swelling. Or, 2. In opposition to the sacrifices of the Gentiles, in which the use of honey was most frequent. Or, 3. To teach us that God’ s worship is not to be governed by men’ s fancies and appetites, to which honey might have been grateful, but by God’ s will. The Jews conceive, that under the name of honey all sweet fruits, as figs, dates, &c., are contained and forbidden.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 2:11

Leviticus 2:11 No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.Ver. 11. Nor any honey.] Which hath a leavening virtue in it. Sweet sins are to be abandoned there will be bitterness in the end.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 2:11

(11) No meat offering.—Leviticus 2:11-13 add some general rules respecting meat offerings. As honey was used in olden times to produce fermentation, it is excluded, like fermented dough, from these offerings. (See Leviticus 11:20.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 2:11

Verse 11. No meat-offering - shall be made with leaven] See the reason of this prohibition in the note on Exodus 12:8. See Clarke on Exodus 12:8. Nor any honey] Because it was apt to produce acidity, as some think, when wrought up with flour paste; or rather because it was apt to gripe and prove purgative. On this latter account the College of Physicians have totally left it out of all medicinal preparations. This effect which it has in most constitutions was a sufficient reason why it should be prohibited here, as a principal part of all these offerings was used by the priests as a part of their ordinary diet; and these offerings, being those of the poorer sort, were in greater abundance than most others. On this account, the griping, and purgative quality of the honey must render it extremely improper. As leaven was forbidden because producing fermentation, it was considered a species of corruption, and was therefore used to signify hypocrisy, malice, c., which corrupt the soul it is possible that honey might have had a moral reference, also, and have signified, as St. Jerome thought, carnal pleasures and sensual gratifications. Some suppose that the honey mentioned here was a sort of saccharine matter extracted from dates. Leaven and honey might be offered with the first-fruits, as we learn from the next verse; but they were forbidden to be burnt on the altar,

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 2:11

11. Leaven and honey are not to be mixed with any offering made by fire; they shall be offered as an oblation of firstfruits (Heb. rçshîth) but not on the altar (Leviticus 2:12). See Driver (C. B.) on Am. iv. 5. By ‘honey’ is meant not only that prepared by bees, but a syrup made from grapes, called by the Arabs dibs, the same as Heb. dĕ ?básh. Both leaven and honey produce fermentation, a process which has been associated in thought with the working of unruly desires, and considered as a symbol of evil. The idea of corruption in connexion with leaven was familiar to the Romans. Plutarch (Quaest. Rom. 109) says: ‘Leaven is born of corruption, and corrupts that with which it is mixed … all fermentation is a kind of putrefaction.’ The Flamen Dialis, a priest of Jupiter in one of the oldest Roman cults, among many other restrictions of ancient date, was not allowed to touch leavened bread (Sir J. G. Frazer, Golden Bough3, Pt II. 13 and his references on p. 14, note 3, to Aulus Gellius x. 15, Pliny, Nat. Hist. xxviii. 146, and other writers: see also Pauly’s Real Encyc. (ed. G. Wissowa) vi. 2485 ff.). This idea is in the N.T., where ‘leaven’ is used figuratively of the corrupt doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:16; Luke 12:1), and by St Paul as representing ‘malice and wickedness’ in contrast with ‘the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth’ (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). But there is no such contrast implied in the prohibition of leaven at the feast of the Passover (Exodus 12:15; Exodus 12:19; Exodus 13:7). The unleavened bread is regarded as ‘bread of affliction’ (Deuteronomy 16:3), less pleasant than ordinary leavened bread, reminding the Israelites of bondage as well as deliverance.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 2:11

As for the oblation of the firstfruits - Rather, As an oblation of firstfruits.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 2:11

11. Burn no leaven — See note on Leviticus 2:4. Nor any honey — This prohibition is surprising. There must be a good reason.

Sermons on Leviticus 2:11

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala Celebrate the Feast by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, Pastor Symbola emphasizes the importance of living a life that is true to one's identity as a Christian. He highlights the destructive nature of sin and how it can
Jackie Pullinger Missions Fest Sunday by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Caleb from the Bible and encourages the audience to run the race of faith in order to reach the prize. He emphasizes the importance
Shane Idleman Follow Me by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving the sinner but hating the sin. It challenges the listeners to have a balance in showing compassion without compromise, to follow Jes
Phil Beach Jr. The Dangers of Self Deception Part 5 - Evil Association by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly through evil associations, urging believers to recognize how their company and lifestyle can corrupt their mor
Elizabeth Ashbridge The Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge by Elizabeth Ashbridge Elizabeth Ashbridge, a woman of strong faith and perseverance, shares her life story of trials and tribulations, including her journey from being a disobedient wife to a devoted Qu
Thomas Brooks It Is but a Little Sin! by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive nature of 'little sins,' emphasizing that even minor transgressions can lead to significant spiritual danger. He illustrates how small sin
Thomas Brooks Divine Leaven by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of regeneration, describing it as a divine leaven that permeates the entire soul of a penitent believer at conversion. This princi

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