Leviticus 2:11

No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven
Leaven, or yeast, is often symbolic of sin and corruption in the Bible. In the context of the grain offering, which was a voluntary act of worship and dedication to God, the absence of leaven signifies purity and holiness. This requirement underscores the need for offerings to be free from corruption, reflecting the holiness of God. The prohibition of leaven in offerings is also seen in the Passover (Exodus 12:15), where unleavened bread symbolizes the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the purity required in their relationship with God.

for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD
Honey, like leaven, can ferment and is thus associated with corruption. While honey is naturally sweet and often seen as a symbol of abundance and blessing (Proverbs 24:13), its exclusion from offerings suggests that the worship of God should not rely on human sweetness or natural goodness, but on divine standards of holiness. The burning of offerings was a way to transform the physical into a spiritual act of worship, and anything that could corrupt this process was prohibited. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God desires sincerity and purity in worship (Isaiah 1:11-17).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and requires holiness from His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's laws, including the instructions for offerings.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are given specific instructions on how to worship and offer sacrifices.

4. Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where offerings and sacrifices are made.

5. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to the LORD, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving, which must be free of leaven and honey.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Leaven and Honey
Leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in the Bible. Its exclusion from offerings signifies the need for purity and holiness in our worship and lives.

Honey, while sweet, can ferment and spoil, representing the potential for good things to become corrupt if not kept in check.

Holiness in Worship
God requires that our offerings and acts of worship be pure and sincere. This calls us to examine our hearts and motives when we come before Him.

Separation from Sin
Just as leaven is removed from grain offerings, believers are called to separate themselves from sin and live lives that reflect God's holiness.

Consistency in Faith
The prohibition of leaven in offerings reminds us to be consistent in our faith, avoiding hypocrisy and living authentically before God and others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the exclusion of leaven and honey in grain offerings teach us about the nature of God and His expectations for worship?

2. How can the symbolism of leaven as sin be applied to our personal lives and spiritual growth?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and service to God remain pure and sincere?

4. How does the concept of removing leaven relate to the New Testament teachings on holiness and sanctification?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to remove "leaven" from your life. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12:15-20
Discusses the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing the removal of leaven as a symbol of purity and separation from sin.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to describe sin and calls believers to live in sincerity and truth, connecting to the purity required in offerings.

Matthew 16:6-12
Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, referring to their corrupt teachings and hypocrisy.