Leviticus 2:12
Leviticus 2:12 in Multiple Translations
You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma.
¶ As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour.
As an oblation of first-fruits ye shall offer them unto Jehovah: but they shall not come up for a sweet savor on the altar.
You may give them as an offering of first-fruits to the Lord, but they are not to go up as a sweet smell on the altar.
You may give them to the Lord when you present your offerings of firstfruits, but they must not be offered on the altar to be accepted by the Lord.
In the oblation of the first fruits ye shall offer them vnto the Lord, but they shall not be burnt vpon the altar for a sweete sauour.
'An offering of first -[fruits] — ye bring them near to Jehovah, but on the altar they go not up, for sweet fragrance.
As an offering of first fruits you shall offer them to the LORD, but they shall not rise up as a pleasant aroma on the altar.
As for the oblation of the first-fruits, ye shall offer them to the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savor.
You shall offer only the firstfruits of them and gifts: but they shall not be put upon the altar, for a savour of sweetness,
You may bring to Yahweh an offering of the first part of your harvest, but that is not to be burned on the altar to produce an aroma that will be pleasing to Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 2:12
BAB
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קָרְבַּ֥ן
רֵאשִׁ֛ית
תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ
אֹתָ֖/ם
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
וְ/אֶל
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֥חַ
לֹא
יַעֲל֖וּ
לְ/רֵ֥יחַ
נִיחֹֽחַ
קָרְבַּ֥ן
qorbân
H7133
offering
N-ms
רֵאשִׁ֛ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֥חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַעֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לְ/רֵ֥יחַ
rêyach
H7381
aroma
Prep | N-ms
נִיחֹֽחַ
nîychôwach
H5207
soothing
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 2:12
קָרְבַּ֥ן
qorbân
H7133
"offering"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an offering or sacrifice brought near to the altar, and is used in the Bible to describe the sacrifices made by the Israelites. In Leviticus 1:2, it describes the burnt offering presented to God.
Definition: offering, oblation Also means: qur.ban (קֻרְבָּן "offering" H7133B)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: oblation, that is offered, offering. See also: Leviticus 1:2; Numbers 7:3; Ezekiel 40:43.
רֵאשִׁ֛ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ
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.
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
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.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֥חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לֹא
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.
יַעֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
לְ/רֵ֥יחַ
rêyach
H7381
"aroma"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pleasant aroma or fragrance, often associated with sacrifices to God. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe the soothing smell of offerings, and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) scent, fragrance, aroma, odour 1a) scent, odour 1b) odour of soothing (technical term for sacrifice to God) Aramaic equivalent: re.ach (רֵיחַ "smell" H7382)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: savour, scent, smell. See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:14; Jeremiah 48:11.
נִיחֹֽחַ
nîychôwach
H5207
"soothing"
N-ms
A soothing or pleasant feeling, like the peace that comes from trusting in God. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweet smell of incense or the delight of being in God's presence.
Definition: soothing, quieting, tranquillising Aramaic equivalent: ni.cho.ach (נִיחוֹחַ "soothing" H5208)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: sweet (odour). See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:3; Ezekiel 20:41.
Study Notes — Leviticus 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
- Sermons on Leviticus 2:12
Context — Laws for Grain Offerings
10But the remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD.
11No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD.
12You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they must not go up on the altar as a pleasing aroma.
13And you shall season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering; you are to add salt to each of your offerings. 14If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you shall offer crushed heads of new grain roasted on the fire.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:19 | Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk. |
| 2 | Genesis 23:10–11 | Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham, “No, my lord. Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.” |
| 3 | Exodus 22:29 | You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 26:10 | And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O LORD, have given me.” Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him. |
| 5 | Numbers 15:20 | From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor. |
| 6 | Exodus 23:10–11 | For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove. |
| 7 | Genesis 23:17 | So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over |
| 8 | Revelation 14:4 | These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. |
| 9 | Leviticus 23:10 | “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 31:5 | As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. |
Leviticus 2:12 Summary
[This verse is talking about giving the first and best of what we have to the Lord as an act of worship and gratitude. The Israelites were instructed to bring their firstfruits to the Lord, but not to offer them on the altar as a sacrifice. This means that they were to give their best to the Lord, but not necessarily as a sacrifice that required burning. We can apply this principle to our lives today by giving our best time, talents, and resources to the Lord, as an act of worship and gratitude, just as the Israelites did, and as encouraged in Romans 12:1 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are firstfruits in the context of Leviticus 2:12?
Firstfruits refer to the initial produce of a harvest, which were offered to the Lord as a symbol of gratitude and recognition of His provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Exodus 23:19.
Why can't the firstfruits be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma?
The reason for this restriction is not explicitly stated, but it may be because the firstfruits were not necessarily a sacrifice that required burning, unlike other offerings mentioned in Leviticus 1:9 and 2:2, which were to be consumed by fire as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Is this verse related to the concept of tithing?
While Leviticus 2:12 specifically addresses firstfruits, the principle of giving the first and best to the Lord is related to the concept of tithing, as seen in Malachi 3:10 and Proverbs 3:9-10, where giving to the Lord is a demonstration of faith and trust in His provision.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
As believers, we can apply the principle of offering our firstfruits to the Lord by giving our best time, talents, and resources to Him, as an act of worship and gratitude, just as the Israelites did, and as encouraged in Romans 12:1 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'firstfruits' in my life that I can offer to the Lord as an act of worship and gratitude?
- How can I prioritize giving my best to the Lord, just as the Israelites were instructed to do with their harvest?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in the Lord's provision by giving generously and cheerfully, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of offering my firstfruits to the Lord in my daily life, such as with my time, talents, or resources?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 2:12
As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the Lord,.... Or "in" or "with the oblation", as some render it; that is, along with the oblation of the firstfruits leaven and honey
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 2:12
As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
Or, the offering, or, for the offering of the first-fruits you shall or may offer them, or either of them, to wit, leaven or honey, which were offered and accepted in that case, . They shall not be burnt; but reserved for the priests, .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
Leviticus 2:12 As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour.Ver. 12. Ye shall offer them,] i.e., With the firstfruits ye shall offer both leaven and honey. Both which are sometimes taken in the better part.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
(12) As for the oblation.—Better, as an oblation of firstfruits ye may offer them. This verse mentions an exception to the rule laid down in the previous one. i.e., leaven and honey, which are excluded from the meat offerings, may be used with firstfruits. Hence they are mentioned with firstfruits (Leviticus 23:17; 2 Chronicles 31:5).
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 2:12
12. Firstfruits — This oblation was to be made publicly by the nation at the three great annual festivals, but individuals could make it at any time.
Sermons on Leviticus 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Overcomers and the Church by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two pictures from Revelation chapter 14. The first picture is of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with a hundred and forty-four thousand peop |
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Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 4 by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of giving and tithing. One person shares a testimony of how they continued to tithe even after their income decreased, and God faith |
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The Reluctant God - Part 8 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus 34:27, where God instructs Moses to write down the words of the covenant He has made with Israel. The speaker highlights the significa |
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The Call to Battle by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | The preacher delves into the concept of 'First Fruits' as an Old Testament term used to describe offerings set apart for God, symbolizing thanksgiving for His provision. James and |
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(God-Centered Praying) 4. the Kingdom of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of God-centered praying, particularly the petition 'Thy kingdom come.' He explains that true salvation leads to a desire to be free from self-c |
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An Anonymous Benefactor by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the story of an anonymous benefactor who generously provided for Dr. Barnardo's village for orphan girls and how God's provision often comes at the right |
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The Way of Cain by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden preaches about the contrasting ways of Cain and Abel in relating to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of giving God our first and best with a heart of worship and l |