The Significance of the Omission of Leaven and Honey from Grain Offerings

Abstract

According to Lev 2:11, leaven and honey were not to be burned as a part of a grain offering, although they could be offered to YHWH as an offering of firstfruits, as mentioned in Lev 2:12. This article proposes that the purpose of the omission of leaven and honey from grain offerings was to foster the production of a pleasing odor, because these substances lengthen the burning process (in the case of leaven) and create a burning smell (in the case of honey). This article also suggests that their omission acts as a reminder of God’s mighty hand of salvation in the Exodus story. The lack of yeast and honey corresponds to the unleavened bread and bitter herbs in the Passover meal, providing a clear link to this meal and thus aiding our understanding of their omission in grain offerings.