This verse underscores that offerings dedicated to the Lord must remain pure, reflecting His set-apart nature and reminding believers of the deep significance of atonement.
Leviticus 6:17 speaks of a specific grain offering, stating, “It shall not be baked with leaven. I have given it as their share from My offerings by fire; it is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.” (v.17) The restriction against leaven likely symbolizes the need for purity, as leaven often represented corruption (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). By prohibiting its use, God sets this offering apart, emphasizing the holiness required when approaching Him. This grain offering was “most holy,” showing how it was set aside for the priests and to be regarded with the same sacred significance as the sin offering and the guilt offering, each of which dealt with restoring fellowship between the worshiper and God through atonement.
The sin offering itself was introduced in Leviticus 4, providing atonement for unintentional sins so that the community might remain pure before the Lord. Meanwhile, the guilt offering (Leviticus 5) was typically offered for trespass or wrongdoing requiring reparation, symbolizing an additional step of restitution to those wronged and reconciliation before God. Both offerings, as pictured throughout Leviticus, pointed forward to the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who renders Himself as a complete and final atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14; 10:10). By likening the grain portion to these important sacrifices, Leviticus 6:17 underscores the high value God places on every expression of worship offered in sincere devotion.
Even in these detailed instructions, we see that God’s intention is to cultivate holiness and gratitude among His people through specific acts of worship.
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 6:17 meaning
Leviticus 6:17 speaks of a specific grain offering, stating, “It shall not be baked with leaven. I have given it as their share from My offerings by fire; it is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.” (v.17) The restriction against leaven likely symbolizes the need for purity, as leaven often represented corruption (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). By prohibiting its use, God sets this offering apart, emphasizing the holiness required when approaching Him. This grain offering was “most holy,” showing how it was set aside for the priests and to be regarded with the same sacred significance as the sin offering and the guilt offering, each of which dealt with restoring fellowship between the worshiper and God through atonement.
The sin offering itself was introduced in Leviticus 4, providing atonement for unintentional sins so that the community might remain pure before the Lord. Meanwhile, the guilt offering (Leviticus 5) was typically offered for trespass or wrongdoing requiring reparation, symbolizing an additional step of restitution to those wronged and reconciliation before God. Both offerings, as pictured throughout Leviticus, pointed forward to the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who renders Himself as a complete and final atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14; 10:10). By likening the grain portion to these important sacrifices, Leviticus 6:17 underscores the high value God places on every expression of worship offered in sincere devotion.
Even in these detailed instructions, we see that God’s intention is to cultivate holiness and gratitude among His people through specific acts of worship.