What is the meaning of Leviticus 2:11? “No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven” • Leaven in Scripture consistently pictures permeating influence; in Exodus 12:15 and 13:7 the LORD commands Israel to purge leaven during Passover, illustrating separation from Egypt’s corruption. • Jesus later applies the imagery when warning, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11–12). Paul echoes this: “A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough” (1 Corinthians 5:6–8). • By prohibiting leaven in grain offerings (Leviticus 6:17), the LORD teaches that worship must be offered without hidden sin or doctrinal compromise. • The grain offering symbolized the worshiper’s life and labor; excluding leaven signified dedicating those daily efforts in purity. “for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD” • “Burn” points to the altar fire consuming the offering (Leviticus 1:9); anything placed there had to reflect God’s holiness (Hebrews 12:29). • Honey—naturally sweet and prone to fermentation—shares with leaven the tendency to spoil when heated. Permitting it would undermine the picture of holiness and permanence (Proverbs 25:16; 27:7). • The restriction is not a blanket condemnation of leaven or honey; both could be eaten at home (Deuteronomy 12:7) and leavened bread appeared in peace offerings of thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:13). The key is that nothing subject to decay or symbolic of sin belonged on the altar flame. • By excluding both, the LORD highlights that only what is undefiled, enduring, and fully surrendered pleases Him (Romans 12:1). summary Leviticus 2:11 teaches that worship offered to God must be free from corrupting influences and decay. Leaven and honey, capable of fermentation, symbolize sin and impermanence. Removing them from the altar underscores the call to present lives and labor in purity, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion. |
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