Leviticus 2:13

Authorized King James Version

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And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

Original Language Analysis

וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קָרְבָּֽנְךָ֖ And every oblation H7133
קָרְבָּֽנְךָ֖ And every oblation
Strong's: H7133
Word #: 2 of 17
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ from thy meat offering H4503
מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ from thy meat offering
Strong's: H4503
Word #: 3 of 17
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
מֶֽלַח׃ neither shalt thou suffer the salt H4417
מֶֽלַח׃ neither shalt thou suffer the salt
Strong's: H4417
Word #: 4 of 17
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
תִּמְלָח֒ shalt thou season H4414
תִּמְלָח֒ shalt thou season
Strong's: H4414
Word #: 5 of 17
to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt)
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַשְׁבִּ֗ית to be lacking H7673
תַשְׁבִּ֗ית to be lacking
Strong's: H7673
Word #: 7 of 17
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
מֶֽלַח׃ neither shalt thou suffer the salt H4417
מֶֽלַח׃ neither shalt thou suffer the salt
Strong's: H4417
Word #: 8 of 17
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
בְּרִ֣ית of the covenant H1285
בְּרִ֣ית of the covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 9 of 17
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ of thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ of thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מֵעַ֖ל H5921
מֵעַ֖ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 11 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ from thy meat offering H4503
מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ from thy meat offering
Strong's: H4503
Word #: 12 of 17
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
עַ֥ל H5921
עַ֥ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 13 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 14 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קָרְבָּֽנְךָ֖ And every oblation H7133
קָרְבָּֽנְךָ֖ And every oblation
Strong's: H7133
Word #: 15 of 17
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
תַּקְרִ֥יב thou shalt offer H7126
תַּקְרִ֥יב thou shalt offer
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 16 of 17
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
מֶֽלַח׃ neither shalt thou suffer the salt H4417
מֶֽלַח׃ neither shalt thou suffer the salt
Strong's: H4417
Word #: 17 of 17
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

Analysis & Commentary

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

This verse falls within the section on Grain Offerings. The grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) was a tribute offering acknowledging God's provision and expressing devotion through the fruits of human labor.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

Historical Context

The grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) was a tribute offering acknowledging God's provision and expressing devotion through the fruits of human labor. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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