Bible Strands
Leviticus 2:9
The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text issues a direct ritual command for the priest to handle a specific subset of the grain offering during the establishment of Mosaic worship protocol. It occurs at the moment of presentation, immediately after the offering is brought to the altar and before the remainder is distributed.
The words — The Hebrew verb הֵרִים (he.Rim) literally means "he will lift up," while אַזְכָּרָתָהּ ('az.Ka.ra.Ta/h) denotes the "memorial portion" set apart from the bulk. These terms establish the precise physical action of removal and the designated subset of the sacrifice.
The thread — The pattern of burning a designated portion as a pleasing aroma appears in Leviticus 2:2 and Exodus 29:18, while the metaphor of a fragrant offering is later applied to material gifts in Philippians 4:18.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that worship involves a strict sequence of separation, burning, and distribution with no deviation. It demands precise obedience to ritual boundaries rather than subjective expression.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 2:2 and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
- Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
- Exodus 29:18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.
- Leviticus 6:15 The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
- Romans 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
- Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- Psalms 22:13 They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.
- Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
- Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.