Lexical Summary
minchah: offering, offerings, tribute
Original Word:מִנְחָה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:minchah
Pronunciation:min-KHAH
Phonetic Spelling:(min-khaw')
KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice
NASB:offering, offerings, tribute, present, meal offering, gift, sacrifice
Word Origin:[from an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. bestow]
1. a donation
2. euphemistically, tribute
3. specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
gift, oblation, meat offering, present, sacrifice
From an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. Bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary) -- gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom an unused word
Definitiona gift, tribute, offering
NASB Translationgift (5), gifts (2), meal offering (7), meal offerings (1), offering (152), offering* (1), offerings (14), present (12), sacrifice (3), tribute (14).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
153 (Late Hebrew
id.; Phoenician ; ; on Arabic see above); — absolute
Genesis 4:3 81t.; construct
Leviticus 2:7 22t.; suffix
Genesis 33:10 3t.; + 41 t. suffixes singular; plural suffix
Psalm 20:4;
Numbers 29:39;
Amos 5:22; —
gift, presentGenesis 32:14;Genesis 32:19;Genesis 32:21;Genesis 32:22 (E),Genesis 33:10;Genesis 43:11,15,25,26 (J),Judges 6:18;1 Samuel 10:27;1 Kings 10:25 2Chronicles 9:24;2 Kings 8:8,9;2 Kings 20:12 =Isaiah 39:1;Psalm 45:13; 2Chronicles 32:23.
tributeJudges 3:15,17,18 (twice in verse);2 Samuel 8:2,6 =1 Chronicles 18:2;1 Chronicles 18:6,1 Kings 5:1;2 Kings 17:3,4; 2Chronicles 17:5,11; 26:8;Hosea 10:6;Psalm 72:10.
offering made to God, of any kind, whether grain or animalsGenesis 4:3,4,5;Numbers 16:15 (J),1 Samuel 2:17,29;1 Samuel 26:19;Isaiah 1:13;Psalm 96:8;Zephaniah 3:10; + (probably)1 Kings 18:29,36;2 Kings 3:20 (Ehpraimitic source; usually regarded as = , but that much later usage). This General meaning possibly an also in following;1 Samuel 2:29 (see1 Samuel 2:29 b),1 Samuel 3:14;Isaiah 19:21;Jeremiah 14:12; ""Psalm 20:4; ""Amos 5:22 ( gloss, to explain ); or these may shew early stage of discrimination.
grain offering (whether raw, roasted, ground to flour, or prepared as bread or cakes, see below. AVmeat offering, misleading < RVmeal-offering. GFMJudges 3:22 renderscereal oblation); —Isaiah 66:20they bring the grain offering in clean vessels (restored Jews are brought as such an offering), compareMalachi 1:11; brought in handsJeremiah 41:5 (late addition Co); received from handsMalachi 1:10;1 Chronicles 21:23wheat for grain offering;1 Chronicles 23:29, mixed with oilEzekiel 46:14, bakedEzekiel 46:20; distinguished from other offerings1 Kings 8:64 (twice in verse) = 2Chronicles 7:7;2 Kings 16:13,15 (3 t. in verse);Isaiah 43:23;Isaiah 57:6;Isaiah 66:3;Jeremiah 17:26;Jeremiah 33:18;Jeremiah 41:5 (late editors Co),Ezekiel 42:13;Ezekiel 44:29;Ezekiel 45:15,17 (twice in verse);Ezekiel 45:25;Daniel 9:27;Psalm 40:7; used aloneNehemiah 13:5,9;Ezekiel 45:24;Ezekiel 46:5 (twice in verse);Ezekiel 46:7,11,14 (twice in verse);Ezekiel 46:15;Malachi 1:13;Malachi 2:12,13;Malachi 3:3,4;Judges 13:19,23 (R, GFMJud 322);evening grain offering2 Kings 16:15;Ezra 9:4,5;Daniel 9:21;Psalm 141:2;continual grain off.Nehemiah 10:34, compareLeviticus 6:13;Numbers 4:16 (all cases under
).
grain-offering, always with this meaning in P, in classificationsExodus 30:9;Exodus 40:29;Leviticus 7:37;Leviticus 23:37;Numbers 18:9;Numbers 29:39; —
grain in the ear parched with fire, with oil and frankincenseLeviticus 2:14,15.
fine flour with oil and frankincenseLeviticus 2:1;Leviticus 6:7; elsewhere mingled with oilLeviticus 14:10,21;Leviticus 23:13;Numbers 7:13 10t.Numbers 8:8;Numbers 15:4,6,9;Numbers 28:5 6t.Numbers 29:3,9,14, except sin offering of very poor where offered without oil and frankincenseLeviticus 5:11-13.
baked in an oven as perforated cakes, or flat cakesLeviticus 2:4;Leviticus 7:9;Numbers 6:15,on a flat panLeviticus 2:5;Leviticus 6:14;Leviticus 7:9, orfrying panLeviticus 2:7;Leviticus 7:9. All these always unleavened () and mixed with oil and saltLeviticus 2:11-13.
,new grain offering of two loaves of leavened breadLeviticus 23:16,17;Numbers 28:26
;grain offering of jealousy,Numbers 5:15,18,25. compare phrasesmorning oblationExodus 29:41;Numbers 28:8;Leviticus 2:1,4,13;Leviticus 2:14;Leviticus 6:14.
offering areGenesis 4:3 (J),Leviticus 2:2,8 (P),Isaiah 1:13;Isaiah 66:20 (twice in verse);Jeremiah 17:26;Malachi 1:13;Leviticus 2:1,8,11;Leviticus 6:7;Numbers 5:25;Numbers 6:17;Numbers 28:31;1 Kings 8:64 2Chronicles 7:7;Ezekiel 45:24;Ezekiel 46:7,14,15;2 Kings 16:13,15;Jeremiah 33:18;Isaiah 57:6;Isaiah 66:3;Jeremiah 14:12;Amos 5:25;Malachi 2:12;Malachi 3:3;Zephaniah 3:10;Psalm 96:8, also ( =tribute)2 Samuel 8:2,6 and "".
see below . see .
, , see .
see .
(Biblical Hebrewid., √ ); —
oblation, to God's representative, absoluteDaniel 2:46.
techn.meal-offering, plural suffixEzra 7:17.
see . above
Topical Lexicon
מִנְחָה – minchah
Scope of the Word
Minchah embraces every “gift” that passes from an inferior to a superior—human or divine. It ranges from Cain’s firstfruits, through Jacob’s appeasing tribute to Esau, to the regulated grain offerings of the tabernacle and temple, and finally to the prophetic vision of a pure offering from all nations (Malachi 1:11). Roughly one-half of the occurrences stand in ritual contexts, one-quarter in royal or diplomatic settings, and the remainder in general references to gifts, service, or the set times of prayer.
Sacrificial Context in the Pentateuch
Leviticus 2; 6:14-23; 7:9-10 set the foundational legislation. The minchah is always bloodless, composed of finely milled grain, oil, salt, and frankincense. It may be presented uncooked, baked, griddled, or fried, but never leavened or sweetened with honey (Leviticus 2:11). A memorial handful (’azkarah) is burned on the altar; the remainder sustains the priesthood, “a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD” (Leviticus 2:3). Daily burnt offerings (Numbers 28:3-8), Sabbath and festival sacrifices (Leviticus 23;Numbers 28–29) each include their proper grain offering, underscoring that life and livelihood alike belong to God.
Numbers 15 adds the libation and grain proportions required when an Israelite or sojourner brings a burnt or peace offering, teaching a unified standard of worship and anticipating Gentile participation.
Theological Themes
1. Thanksgiving and Consecration: The minchah expresses gratitude for God-given increase (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) and submission of labor’s fruit to Him.
2. Holiness Without Bloodshed: By its very nature it highlights that atonement’s central element is blood (Leviticus 17:11), yet the minchah accompanies and completes that atonement by dedicating daily provision.
3. Covenant Remembrance: The memorial portion rising in smoke dramatizes the LORD “remembering” His covenant mercies (Leviticus 2:2).
4. Fellowship: Because priests partake of the remainder, worshiper and mediator symbolically share a meal with God.
Prophetic Usage
Prophets often contrast formalistic minchah with sincere obedience:
• “I have no delight in your burnt offerings and grain offerings” (Jeremiah 6:20).
• Malachi laments blemished gifts (Malachi 1:7-14) yet foresees global renewal: “My name will be great among the nations… and in every place incense and a pure offering will be presented to My name” (Malachi 1:11).
•Zephaniah 3:10 envisions Cushite worshipers bringing their minchah to Jerusalem, indicating eschatological inclusion of Gentiles.
Interpersonal Gifts and Tribute
Genesis supplies the earliest narrative occurrences: Abel’s acceptable minchah (Genesis 4:4), Jacob’s peace-seeking tribute (Genesis 32:13-21; 33:10), and Joseph’s brothers’ “best products of the land” (Genesis 43:11). Elsewhere the term marks:
• Israel’s compulsory levy to Eglon (Judges 3:15-18).
• Royal vassalage payments to David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:2, 6;1 Kings 4:21).
• Diplomacy between nations, as when Hezekiah sends the temple treasure to Assyria (2 Kings 16:8).
These passages display minchah as a practical social instrument reflecting hierarchies and covenant loyalties.
Times of Prayer
By metonymy the afternoon worship hour became “the time of the evening offering.” Elijah rebuilt the altar “at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice” (1 Kings 18:36).Ezra 9:5 andDaniel 9:21 use the same temporal marker, linking minchah to intercessory prayer, a pattern echoed inActs 3:1.
Christological Foreshadowing
The grain offering, devoid of blood yet inseparable from the altar, prefigures the sinless humanity of Jesus Christ—“a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). As the finest flour is bruised, sifted, and mixed with oil, so Christ’s perfect life—anointed by the Spirit—was tested in every way yet without sin. His self-giving exhausts the typology; consequently believers “offer your bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), spiritual minchah rendered acceptable through Him (1 Peter 2:5). The anticipated “pure offering” of Malachi finds realization as redeemed people from every nation present worship in spirit and truth.
Practical Ministry Implications
• Worship planning should integrate thankful dedication of material resources, not merely monetary tithes but skills and daily labor.
• Ministers model integrity by treating the congregation’s “offerings of the LORD” with reverence, avoiding the sin of Eli’s sons who “treated the LORD’s offering with contempt” (1 Samuel 2:17).
• Prayer disciplines may profit from remembering fixed hours associated with morning and evening offerings, anchoring intercession in redemption history.
• Missions theology draws on prophetic visions of Gentile minchah, reinforcing the call to global evangelism.
Occurrences and Distribution
Approximately 211 attestations appear in:
• Torah – about 112 (chiefly Leviticus, Numbers).
• Historical Books – about 58 (Genesis, Judges, Samuel–Kings, Chronicles, Ezra–Nehemiah).
• Wisdom and Psalms – 12.
• Major and Minor Prophets – about 29.
This spread mirrors Israel’s worship evolution, political life, and prophetic critique.
Related Terms
olah (burnt offering), zebah (sacrifice), shelamim (peace offering), terumah (heave offering), korban (general gift).
Forms and Transliterations
בְּ֭מִנְחָה בְּמִנְחָ֔ה בַּמִּנְחָה֙ במנחה הַמִּנְחָ֑ה הַמִּנְחָ֔ה הַמִּנְחָ֖ה הַמִּנְחָ֗ה הַמִּנְחָ֛ה הַמִּנְחָ֣ה הַמִּנְחָ֥ה הַמִּנְחָ֨ה הַמִּנְחָֽה׃ הַמִּנְחָה֒ הַמִּנְחָה֙ המנחה המנחה׃ וְהַמִּנְחָה֙ וְהַמִּנְחָה֮ וְכַמִּנְחָ֖ה וּבְמִנְחַ֣ת וּבְמִנְחָ֖ה וּבְמִנְחָתִ֔י וּלְמִנְחֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם וּמִנְחַ֣ת וּמִנְחַ֥ת וּמִנְחָ֑ה וּמִנְחָ֔ה וּמִנְחָ֖ה וּמִנְחָ֗ה וּמִנְחָ֛ה וּמִנְחָ֜ה וּמִנְחָ֣ה וּמִנְחָ֤ה וּמִנְחָ֨ה ׀ וּמִנְחָה֙ וּמִנְחָה֩ וּמִנְחָת֔וֹ וּמִנְחָת֖וֹ וּמִנְחָת֥וֹ וּמִנְחָתָ֑ם וּמִנְחָתָ֔הּ וּמִנְחָתָ֔ם וּמִנְחָתָ֖הּ וּמִנְחָתָ֖ם וּמִנְחָתָ֗הּ וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם וּמִנְחָתָם֙ וּמִנְחָתוֹ֩ וּמִנְחֹתֵיכֶ֖ם ובמנחה ובמנחת ובמנחתי והמנחה וכמנחה ולמנחתיכם ומנחה ומנחת ומנחתה ומנחתו ומנחתיכם ומנחתם כְּמִנְחַ֨ת כַּמִּנְחָֽה׃ כמנחה׃ כמנחת לְמִנְחַ֥ת לְמִנְחָ֑ה לְמִנְחָ֖ה לְמִנְחָ֣ה לְמִנְחָֽה לְמִנְחָֽה׃ לְמִנְחָה֙ לַמִּנְחָ֔ה לַמִּנְחָ֖ה למנחה למנחה׃ למנחת מִ֝נְחָ֗ה מִנְחַ֣ת מִנְחַ֤ת מִנְחַ֥ת מִנְחַ֨ת מִנְחַת־ מִנְחָ֑ה מִנְחָ֔ה מִנְחָ֖ה מִנְחָ֗ה מִנְחָ֛ה מִנְחָ֣ה מִנְחָ֣ה ׀ מִנְחָ֤ה מִנְחָ֥ה מִנְחָֽה׃ מִנְחָה֙ מִנְחָת֔וֹ מִנְחָת֖וֹ מִנְחָת֗וֹ מִנְחָת֡וֹ מִנְחָתְךָ֮ מִנְחָתִ֔י מִנְחָתִ֖י מִנְחָתִֽי׃ מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ מִנְחָתָ֑ם מִנְחָתָ֖הּ מִנְחָתָ֞ם מִנְחָתָ֣ם מִנְחָתֽוֹ׃ מִנְחֹתֶ֑ךָ מנחה מנחה׃ מנחת מנחת־ מנחתה מנחתו מנחתו׃ מנחתי מנחתי׃ מנחתך מנחתם bam·min·ḥāh bamminChah bamminḥāh bə·min·ḥāh Beminchah bəminḥāh ham·min·ḥāh hamminChah hamminḥāh kam·min·ḥāh kamminChah kamminḥāh kə·min·ḥaṯ keminChat kəminḥaṯ lam·min·ḥāh lamminChah lamminḥāh lə·min·ḥāh lə·min·ḥaṯ leminChah leminChat ləminḥāh ləminḥaṯ min·ḥā·ṯāh min·ḥā·ṯām min·ḥā·ṯe·ḵā min·ḥā·ṯə·ḵā min·ḥā·ṯî min·ḥā·ṯōw min·ḥāh min·ḥaṯ min·ḥaṯ- min·ḥō·ṯe·ḵā minChah minChat minchaTah minchaTam minchateCha minchaTi minchaTo minchoTecha minḥāh minḥaṯ minḥaṯ- minḥāṯāh minḥāṯām minḥāṯeḵā minḥāṯəḵā minḥāṯî minḥāṯōw minḥōṯeḵā ū·ḇə·min·ḥā·ṯî ū·ḇə·min·ḥāh ū·ḇə·min·ḥaṯ ū·lə·min·ḥō·ṯê·ḵem ū·min·ḥā·ṯāh ū·min·ḥā·ṯām ū·min·ḥā·ṯōw ū·min·ḥāh ū·min·ḥaṯ ū·min·ḥō·ṯê·ḵem ūḇəminḥāh ūḇəminḥaṯ ūḇəminḥāṯî uleminChoteiChem ūləminḥōṯêḵem uminChah uminChat uminchaTah uminchaTam uminchaTo uminchoteiChem ūminḥāh ūminḥaṯ ūminḥāṯāh ūminḥāṯām ūminḥāṯōw ūminḥōṯêḵem uveminChah uveminChat uveminchaTi vechamminChah vehamminChah wə·ham·min·ḥāh wə·ḵam·min·ḥāh wəhamminḥāh wəḵamminḥāh
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