The remainder of the grain offeringIn the context of Leviticus, the grain offering, also known as the "meal offering" or "cereal offering," was a voluntary act of worship, expressing devotion and thanksgiving to God. It consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. The offering symbolized the fruits of human labor and the dedication of one's sustenance to God. The "remainder" refers to what is left after a portion is burned on the altar as a memorial portion to the LORD.
shall belong to Aaron and his sons;
Aaron and his sons, the priests, were set apart to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple. This provision ensured their sustenance, as they did not have a land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. The priests' portion of the offerings was a practical means of support, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties. This system underscores the principle of providing for those who minister in spiritual matters, a concept echoed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).
it is a most holy part
The designation "most holy" indicates the highest level of sanctity. Items or offerings deemed "most holy" were to be treated with the utmost reverence and were restricted in their use. Only the priests could consume this portion, and it had to be eaten in a holy place. This reflects the sacredness of the offerings and the seriousness of approaching God’s holiness.
of the food offerings
The term "food offerings" encompasses various sacrifices made to God, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. These offerings were integral to the worship and covenant relationship between God and Israel. They served as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God. The grain offering, as part of the food offerings, highlighted the importance of dedicating everyday sustenance to God.
to the LORD.
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes that the offerings were ultimately directed to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. The offerings were not merely ritualistic but were acts of worship and devotion. This reflects the broader biblical theme of offering one's best to God, as seen in the sacrifices of Abel (Genesis 4:4) and the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The grain offering, like all offerings, pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly to God on behalf of humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He and his descendants were set apart to serve as priests.
2.
Aaron's SonsThe descendants of Aaron who were also designated as priests to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple.
3.
Grain OfferingA type of offering made to the LORD, consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving.
4.
The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, to whom the offerings are made.
5.
Offerings Made by FireSacrifices that were burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, signifying worship and atonement.
Teaching Points
Holiness of OfferingsThe grain offering is described as "most holy," emphasizing the sacredness of what is dedicated to God. Believers are called to treat their offerings to God—whether time, resources, or talents—with reverence.
Provision for PriestsThe portion given to Aaron and his sons underscores God's provision for those who serve Him. This principle encourages the support of those in ministry today.
Symbolism of the Grain OfferingRepresents dedication and thanksgiving. Believers are encouraged to live lives of gratitude and dedication to God, offering themselves as living sacrifices.
Continuity and FulfillmentThe priestly system points forward to Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Understanding the Old Testament offerings enriches our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice.
Community and WorshipThe communal aspect of offerings highlights the importance of corporate worship and community in the life of faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 2:3?
2.What does Leviticus 2:3 teach about offerings being "most holy" to the LORD?
3.How can we apply the concept of holiness in our daily lives today?
4.What connections exist between Leviticus 2:3 and New Testament teachings on holiness?
5.How does the priests' portion in Leviticus 2:3 reflect God's provision for leaders?
6.In what ways can we honor God with our resources, as seen in Leviticus 2:3?
7.What is the significance of the grain offering in Leviticus 2:3?
8.How does Leviticus 2:3 relate to the concept of holiness?
9.Why is the remainder of the grain offering considered "most holy" in Leviticus 2:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 2?
11.How do we resolve the apparent contradiction between God's mercy in other passages and His severe judgment here (Lev 10)?
12.Who were Nadab and Abihu in the Bible?
13.How can Leviticus 8's insistence on a seven-day ordination period be reconciled with other references in the Old Testament that imply different consecration timelines?
14.What is sacred in Matthew 7:6?What Does Leviticus 2:3 Mean
The remainder of the grain offeringWhen Israel brought a grain offering, only a handful was burned on the altar (Leviticus 2:2).
• God always received the first, choicest portion, underscoring His supreme worth (Proverbs 3:9).
• By stating “the remainder,” Scripture shows that after God’s portion, something tangible still remained for His servants—nothing was wasted (John 6:12).
• This rhythm of divine first, human second mirrors the manna pattern: gather, set aside for Sabbath, trust God, then enjoy His provision (Exodus 16:22–30).
Shall belong to Aaron and his sonsHaving fed His priests, God visibly cared for those who served at the tabernacle.
• Priests owned no tribal land (Numbers 18:20), so the Lord Himself became their inheritance, often through offerings like this one (Deuteronomy 18:1–2).
• This principle carries forward: “The worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18), and “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13–14).
• By assigning the remainder to Aaron’s family, God knit together worship and daily bread—service to Him was never meant to starve His servants.
It is a most holy partThe phrase “most holy” (Leviticus 6:17;Numbers 18:9) lifts the grain offering above ordinary meals.
• Priests could not treat it casually; they ate it “in a holy place” (Leviticus 6:16).
• Holiness protected both priest and people. Mishandling holy food led to judgment, as Eli’s sons discovered when they treated offerings with contempt (1 Samuel 2:12–17).
• Calling common flour “most holy” reminds us that daily provisions turn sacred when devoted to God (Colossians 3:23–24).
Of the food offerings to the LORD“Food offerings” is an umbrella term for grain, burnt, and fellowship sacrifices (Leviticus 1–3).
• Every aroma rising from the altar belonged to the Lord first (Leviticus 1:9).
• By linking priestly rations to “food offerings,” God showed that ministry and table fellowship intertwine; worship feeds the soul while sustaining the body (Psalm 23:5).
• Ultimately, these offerings foreshadowed the Bread of Life, Jesus, who both satisfies God’s righteous requirements and feeds His people eternally (John 6:32–35;Hebrews 10:10).
summaryLeviticus 2:3 paints a vivid picture of worship that meets real needs. God receives the first portion, priests receive the remainder, and the whole process is stamped “most holy.” In this simple arrangement of flour and fire, the Lord demonstrates His priority, His provision, and His persistent call to treat sacred things with reverence—lessons that still shape how we honor Him and care for His servants today.
(3)
And the remnant.--With the exception of the memorial or the handful of flour and oil, and of all the frankincense, this meat offering belonged to the priests, who divided it among them, and by whom alone it was to be consumed in the court of the sanctuary.
A thing most holy.--The offerings consisted of two classes,less holyandmost holy.The thank offerings (Leviticus 23:20;Numbers 6:20), the firstborn of clean sacrificed animals (Numbers 18:17), the firstlings of oil, wine, and corn, and the paschal sacrifices, belonged to the less holy, and might be eaten entirely or partially in any clean place within the holy city by the officiating priests and their families (Leviticus 10:12-14). The incense offering, the shew-bread (Exodus 30:26;Leviticus 24:9), the sin and trespass offerings (Leviticus 6:25-28;Leviticus 7:1;Leviticus 7:6;Leviticus 14:13, &c.), and the meat offerings here described, belonged to the most holy class. They could only be eaten in the court of the sanctuary by the priests alone. . . .
Verse 3. - The remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons'. The meat offerings must have gone far to supply the priests with farinaceous food, as, for every handful of flour burnt on the altar, nearly a gallon went to the priests. They had to eat it within the precincts of the tabernacle, as was the case with all meats that were
most holy, viz. the minchahs, the shew-bread, and the flesh of the sin offering and of the trespass offering (
Leviticus 10:12). Other meats assigned to the priests might be eaten in any clean place (
Leviticus 10:14). The priests' own meat offerings were wholly burnt (
Leviticus 6:23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The remainderוְהַנּוֹתֶ֙רֶת֙(wə·han·nō·w·ṯe·reṯ)Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3498:To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserveofמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe grain offeringהַמִּנְחָ֔ה(ham·min·ḥāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503:A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offeringwill belong to Aaronלְאַהֲרֹ֖ן(lə·’a·hă·rōn)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand his sons;וּלְבָנָ֑יו(ū·lə·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonit is a mostקֹ֥דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityholy partקָֽדָשִׁ֖ים(qā·ḏā·šîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityof the offerings made by fireמֵאִשֵּׁ֥י(mê·’iš·šê)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 801:A burnt-offering, a sacrificeto the LORD.יְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 2:3 That which is left of the meal (Le Lv Lev.) 
