Old Testament
Leviticus 6:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 6:17, God instructs that certain offerings made by fire must not contain yeast, which symbolizes corruption and sin.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
It must not be baked with yeast. I have given it to the priests as their share of my fire offerings. It is most holy, just like the sin offering and the trespass offering.
It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 6:17, God instructs that certain offerings made by fire must not contain yeast, which symbolizes corruption and sin. The absence of yeast signifies purity and holiness. The offerings are designated for the priests, who serve as mediators between God and the people. This verse emphasizes the sacredness of these offerings, equating them with sin and trespass offerings, which are also considered most holy. The priests receive these offerings as their portion, highlighting their role in the community and their need for sustenance from the offerings made to God. This instruction reflects the importance of maintaining holiness in worship and the significance of the priests' duties in the sacrificial system.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 6:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of purity in our spiritual lives. Just as yeast represents corruption, we should strive to eliminate sin from our lives. We can also support our spiritual leaders, recognizing their role in guiding us in our faith and worship.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 6:17 mean?
Leviticus 6:17 means that certain offerings made to God must not contain yeast, symbolizing the need for purity and holiness in worship. The verse highlights the sacredness of these offerings, which are given to the priests as their share.
What is the significance of yeast in Leviticus 6:17?
In Leviticus 6:17, yeast represents corruption and sin. The instruction to avoid yeast in offerings signifies the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in the worship practices of the Israelites.
Who receives the offerings mentioned in Leviticus 6:17?
The offerings mentioned in Leviticus 6:17 are given to the priests, who serve as mediators between God and the people. This provision underscores their role in the community and their need for sustenance from these offerings.
What types of offerings are compared in Leviticus 6:17?
Leviticus 6:17 compares the offerings made without yeast to the sin offering and the trespass offering, indicating that they are all considered most holy. This emphasizes the sacred nature of these offerings in the sacrificial system.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
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