Every grain offering for a priestIn the Levitical system, grain offerings were a type of sacrifice that involved presenting fine flour, oil, and frankincense. These offerings were typically given as an act of worship and thanksgiving to God. The grain offering for a priest, however, had specific regulations. Priests, who were descendants of Aaron, had a unique role in the sacrificial system, serving as mediators between God and the people. This particular regulation highlights the distinct nature of offerings made by priests, setting them apart from those made by the general Israelite population.
shall be burned completely
The complete burning of the grain offering signifies total dedication to God. Unlike other grain offerings where a portion could be consumed by the priests, this offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing the priest's complete devotion and service to God. The act of burning also represents purification and the transformation of the offering into a pleasing aroma to the Lord, as seen in other parts of Leviticus. This complete consumption by fire underscores the holiness required of the priestly office.
it is not to be eaten.
This prohibition against eating the priest's grain offering further emphasizes the sanctity and exclusivity of the priestly role. In other offerings, priests were allowed to partake as a means of sustenance, but in this case, the offering is wholly given to God. This regulation serves as a reminder of the priest's unique position and the need for purity and dedication in their service. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself completely to God, fulfilling the law and providing eternal atonement for sin.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PriestsThe descendants of Aaron, chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple, performing sacrifices and rituals on behalf of the people.
2.
Grain OfferingA type of offering made from fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God.
3.
TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness.
4.
Burnt OfferingA sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.
5.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions for offerings.
Teaching Points
Total Dedication to GodThe complete burning of the priest's grain offering symbolizes total dedication and surrender to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives wholly to God, holding nothing back.
Role of the PriesthoodThe priest's offering being entirely burned signifies the unique role and responsibility of the priesthood. In the New Covenant, all believers are called to be a royal priesthood, dedicated to serving God and others.
Sacrificial LivingJust as the grain offering was not to be eaten, our lives should be a sacrifice that is not consumed by worldly desires but wholly devoted to God's purposes.
Symbolism of FireFire in the Bible often represents purification and the presence of God. The burning of the offering signifies the purifying work of God in our lives as we dedicate ourselves to Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 6:23?
2.How does Leviticus 6:23 emphasize the holiness required in sacrificial offerings?
3.Why must the sin offering be "burned up" and not consumed by priests?
4.How does Leviticus 6:23 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice for sin?
5.What can we learn about God's holiness from Leviticus 6:23?
6.How should Leviticus 6:23 influence our understanding of sin and atonement today?
7.What is the significance of Leviticus 6:23 in the context of Old Testament sacrifices?
8.How does Leviticus 6:23 reflect the holiness required in offerings to God?
9.Why must the sin offering in Leviticus 6:23 not be eaten?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 6?
11.How can one harness spiritual power through rituals?
12.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?
13.(Leviticus 6:14-18) Is the precise handling of grain offerings reasonable given the nomadic conditions of the Israelites, and is there archaeological support for these meticulous procedures?
14.(Leviticus 6:24-30) How can a 'most holy' offering simultaneously require burning outside the camp, and does this present a logical or theological contradiction?What Does Leviticus 6:23 Mean
Every grain offering- The verse begins, “Every grain offering…” (Leviticus 6:23). Grain offerings were gifts of flour, oil, and frankincense that symbolized devotion and thanksgiving (Leviticus 2:1-2).
- By saying “every,” the text makes no exceptions; all such offerings brought by a priest fall under this rule, underscoring God’s unwavering standard (Malachi 1:11).
- Whereas regular Israelites could have a portion of certain offerings, this verse singles out the priest’s personal grain offering, setting it apart from those made by the people (Leviticus 6:14-18).
for a priest- The phrase “for a priest” identifies the offerer as one already serving at God’s altar. His unique role required a higher level of consecration (Exodus 29:1).
- A priest’s ministry pointed forward to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 7:26), so his personal offering had to reflect flawless dedication.
- This distinction reminds believers today that leadership carries additional responsibility (James 3:1).
shall be burned completely- “Shall be burned completely” (Leviticus 6:23) means the entire offering ascended in smoke to God; nothing was left for human use.
- Total consumption by fire symbolized total surrender, echoing the burnt offering’s picture inLeviticus 1:9.
- The fire on the altar was never to go out (Leviticus 6:12-13), portraying God’s continual acceptance of wholehearted devotion.
- This foreshadows Christ’s full self-sacrifice, “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
it is not to be eaten.- Unlike grain offerings from laypeople that furnished food for priests (Leviticus 2:3, 6:16-18), the priest’s own offering was “not to be eaten.”
- Withholding any portion from human consumption highlights God’s sole ownership of this gift (1 Samuel 2:28-29 contrasts disobedient priests).
- The principle safeguards against turning ministry into personal gain (1 Peter 5:2-3), calling servants of God to seek His glory, not their own appetite (Philippians 3:19).
summaryLeviticus 6:23 teaches that when priests brought their own grain offerings, every bit had to be utterly burned. No portion could be reserved for eating because the gift expressed total consecration to God alone. The rule elevates the priest’s responsibility, guards against self-interest, and ultimately points to the complete, self-giving sacrifice of Christ, whose offering was wholly for the Father and fully sufficient for us.
(23)
For every meat offering for the priest.--Better,
and every meat offering of a priestThis rule applies to every meat offering brought by the priests themselves for the same reason.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Every
וְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
grain offering
מִנְחַ֥ת(min·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4503:A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering
for a priest
כֹּהֵ֛ן(kō·hên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest
shall be burned
תִּהְיֶ֖ה(tih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be
completely;
כָּלִ֥יל(kā·lîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3632:Complete, the whole, as, fully
it is not
לֹ֥א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
to be eaten.”
תֵאָכֵֽל׃(ṯê·’ā·ḵêl)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 398:To eat
Links
Leviticus 6:23 NIV
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Leviticus 6:23 Biblia Paralela
Leviticus 6:23 Chinese Bible
Leviticus 6:23 French Bible
Leviticus 6:23 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Leviticus 6:23 Every meal offering of a priest shall (Le Lv Lev.) 
