Overview of Offerings
Old Testament Offerings
There are several Hebrew words found in the Old Testament that are translated offering, gift, present, oblation (from the Latin meaning offering), etc. The most common Hebrew word ‘qār·bǎn’[1] is typically used as a generic word for an offering,[2] it usually refers to gifts offered to God (however the word is not exclusive to those gifts offered to God, sadly it is also used to refer to offerings given to pagan gods too, see as an example, Ezekiel 20:28). Some specific items offered included wagons (see Numbers 7:3), silver plates and basins (see Numbers 7:13-79), various articles of gold (see Numbers 31:50), and wood for the bronze altar (see Nehemiah 10:34; 13:31).
Another, often-used word in the Old Testament translated either as offering or contribution, is the Hebrew word ‘terû·mā(h)’,[3] from the root word ‘rûm’,[4] meaning to lift up. It can refer to an offering of building materials (see Exodus 25:2; 35:5); an animal for sacrifice (see Exodus 29:27; Numbers 6:20); a financial offering to the priests (see Numbers 31:52); or even an allotment of land for the priests (see Ezekiel 45:6-7).
While the Hebrew word ‘min·ḥā(h)’[5] means gift or tribute, it is most often used to refer to a grain offering. The Aramaic equivalent[6] is found twice in the Bible, see Ezra 7:17; Daniel 2:46).
The New Testament records several references to sacrifices and offerings. While most of them are generic in nature, there are several that point to specific Old Testament sacrifices and are listed in the chart below. By using the often-translated phrase, “fragrant offering” or “sweet smell” (see Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18), the apostle Paul is not referring to a different form of sacrifice, he is connecting sacrifices of the Old Testament that were acceptable and pleasing to God. In the instructions for both the Burnt Offering and Grain Offering there are statements that the aroma produced by these sacrifices were pleasing to God (see Leviticus 1:9; 2:2).
Chart Summarizing Specific Offerings
|
Name |
Purpose |
Description |
Instruction |
Application |
|
Burnt Offering Hebrew: ‘ō·lā(h)’ Strong’s H5930 Greek: ‘holokaútōma’, meaning to burn whole New Testament application: Mark 12:33; Hebrews 10:6, 8 |
The most common of all offerings. Could be a freewill offering, such as to seek favor from God; or it could be required in scenarios like when one needed to remove any uncleanness. While the sum and substance of the offering is about atonement, one of the roles of a burnt offering was to express one’s desire to worship God. |
Depending on what a person could afford, the animal (or animals) to be sacrificed could be: 1) a bull without blemish. 2) a goat or a ram without blemish; or 3) either a turtledove or a pigeon. The procedure varied depending on which animal is chosen. For the first two above, the person offering the animal was to lay their hand on its head and kill it. However, regarding the birds, the priest handled the sacrifice alone, without involving the person. The entire animal, minus the skin, was burned on the bronze altar. None of the offering was to be eaten. |
Leviticus 1:1-17; 6:8-13 |
Genesis 8:20-21; 22:2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 13 Exodus 10:25; 18:12; 20:24; 29:18, 25, 42; 30:9, 28; 31:9; 32:6; 35:16; 38:1; 40:6, 10, 29 Leviticus 3:5; 4:7, 10, 18, 24, 25, 29, 30, 33, 34; 5:7, 10; 6:25; 7:2, 8, 37; 8:18, 21, 28; 9:2, 3, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 22, 24; 10:19; 12:6, 8; 14:13, 19, 20, 22, 31; 15:15, 30; 16:3, 5, 24; 17:8; 22:18; 23:12, 18, 37 Numbers 6:11, 14, 16; 7:15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 45, 51, 57, 63, 69, 75, 81, 87; 8:12; 10:10; 15:3, 5, 8, 24; 23:3, 6, 15, 17; 28:3, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 24, 27, 31; 29:2, 6, 8, 11, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 39 Deuteronomy 12:6, 11, 13, 14, 12:27; 27:6; Joshua 8:31; 22:23, 26, 27, 28, 29; Judges 6:26; 11:31; 13:16, 23; 20:26; 21:4; 1 Samuel 6:14, 15; 7:9, 10; 10:8; 13:9, 10, 12; 15:22; 2 Samuel 6:17, 18; 24:22, 24, 25; 1 Kings 3:4, 15; 8:64; 9:25; 10:5; 18:33, 38; 2 Kings 16:13, 15; 1 Chronicles 6:49; 16:1, 2, 40; 21:23, 24, 26, 29; 22:1; 23:31; 29:21; 2 Chronicles 1:6; 2:4; 4:6; 7:1, 7; 8:12; 13:11; 23:18; 24:14; 29:7, 18, 24, 27, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35; 30:15; 31:2, 3; 35:12, 14, 16; Ezra 3:2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 8:35; Nehemiah 10:33; Job 1:5; 42:8; Psalms 20:3; 40:6; 50:8; 51:16, 19; 66:13, 15; Isaiah 1:11; 40:16; 43:23; 56:7; Jeremiah 6:20; 7:21, 22; 14:12; 17:26; 19:5; 33:18; Ezekiel 40:38, 39, 42; 43:18, 24, 27; 44:11, 45:15, 17, 23, 25; 46:2, 4, 12, 13, 15; Amos 5:22; Micah 6:6 |
|
Grain Offering Hebrew: ‘min·ḥā(h)’ Strong’s H4503 Also known as: Meal Offering, Meat Offering, Gift Offering Greek: ‘thusía’, only used in New Testament as a generic term for a sacrifice or an offering. |
A voluntary act of worship and devotion to God, typically in recognition of who He is and in response to His goodness and provision. Later required in conjunction with burnt offerings and other sacrifices required for vows and free-will offerings, together with a drink offering (see Numbers 15:1-21). |
Could be offered in a variety of ways, uncooked, baked in an oven, baked on a griddle or cooked on a pan. Main ingredients were fine flour, olive oil, frankincense, and salt. However, both leaven and honey were forbidden. A portion offered as a “Memorial” and the remainder to be consumed by the priests. |
Leviticus 2:1-16; 6:14-23; 7:9-10 |
Common term for an offering or gift (see above), this list for “grain offering” application only: Exodus 29:41; 30:9; 40:29; Leviticus 5:13; 9:17; 10:12; 14:10, 20, 21, 31; 23:13, 16, 18, 37 Numbers 4:16; 5:15, 18, 25, 26; 6:15, 17; 7:13, 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 79, 87; 8:8; 15:4, 6, 24; 18:9; 28:5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 20, 26, 28, 31; 29:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30 31, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39 Joshua 22:23, 29 Judges 13:19, 23 1 Kings 8:64 2 Kings 16:13, 15 1 Chronicles 21:23; 23:29 2 Chronicles 7:7 Nehemiah 10:33; 13:5, 9 Isaiah 57:6; 66:3, 20 Jeremiah 14:12; 17:26; 33:18; 41:5 Ezekiel 42:13; 44:29; 45:15, 17, 24, 25; 46:5, 7, 11, 14, 15, 20 Joel 1:9, 13; 2:14 Amos 5:22 |
|
Peace Offering Hebrew: ‘šě’·lēm’ Strong’s H8002 Also known as: Fellowship Offering, Thank Offering No reference to a peace offering in the New Testament. The word is translated in the Septuagint as the Greek word ‘sōtērion’, meaning saving, salvation or deliverance (used in New Testament to refer to the salvation offered by Jesus) |
Most often voluntary, with only a few mandatory applications. The only sacrifice permissible to be shared with the person making the offering and their guests. It is often thought to be a way for the participants to share a meal with God, thus enjoying His fellowship. |
The procedure was similar to those outlined for a burnt offering, except any animal from the herd or flock without blemish could be offered. The method varied depending on the purpose of the sacrifice (thanksgiving or completion of a vow to God, a freewill offering, etc.) The process included the person presenting a wave offering before God. |
Leviticus 3:1-17; 7:11-36 |
Exodus 20:24; 24:5; 29:28; 32:6 Leviticus 4:10, 26, 31, 35; 6:12; 7:37; 9:4, 18, 22; 10:14; 17:5; 19:5; 22:21; 23:19 Numbers 6:14, 17, 18; 7:17, 23, 29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59, 65, 71, 77, 83, 88; 10:10; 15:8; 29:39; Deuteronomy 27:7 Joshua 8:31; 22:23, 27 Judges 20:26; 21:4 1 Samuel 10:8; 11:15; 13:9 2 Samuel 6:17, 18; 24:25 1 Kings 3:15; 8:63, 64; 9:25 2 Kings 16:13 1 Chronicles 16:1, 2; 21:26 2 Chronicles 7:7; 29:35; 30:22; 31:2; 33:16; Proverbs 7:14; Ezekiel 43:27; 45:15, 17; 46:2, 12 Amos 5:22 |
|
Sin Offering Hebrew: ‘ḥǎṭ·ṭā(’)ṯ’ Strong’s H2403 Greek: “perí hamartia” pertaining to sin New Testament application: Hebrews 10:6, 8, 18 Greek: ‘hamartia’ is the primary word for sin in the New Testament (used 172 times) |
In response to un-intentional sins committed in violation of God’s commandments, both those of omission (things not done that should have been done) and commission (doing something that should not have been done). To seek atonement for sin. |
Variations of the procedure are based on who committed the sin, either the high priest (being guilty of a sin would affect the entire people of Israel, therefore a more serious offense); the people of Israel collectively; leaders of the people; or for three different classes of individuals. Depending on affluence, sacrifices could be bulls, goats, lambs, doves, pigeons, or flour, each having the same efficacy. Meat from sin offering could be eaten by the priests under specific circumstance (see Leviticus 6:30). |
Leviticus 4:1-5:13 |
Often found referring to ‘sin’, this list for “sin offering” application only: Exodus 29:14, 36; 30:10; Leviticus 6:17, 25, 30; 7:7, 37; 8:2, 14; 9:2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 15, 22; 10:16, 17, 19; 12:6, 8; 14:13, 19, 22, 31; 15:15, 30; 16:3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 15, 16, 21, 25, 27; 23:19 Numbers 6:11, 14, 16; 7:22, 28, 34, 40, 46, 52, 58, 64, 70, 76, 82, 87; 8:8, 12; 15:24, 25, 27; 18:9; 19:9, 17; 28:15, 22; 29:5, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 38 2 Kings 12:16 2 Chronicles 29:21, 23, 24; Ezra 8:35; Nehemiah 10:33 Ezekiel 40:39; 42:13; 43:19, 21, 22, 25, 44:27, 29; 45:17, 19, 22, 23, 25; 46:20 |
|
Guilt Offering Hebrew: ‘ā·šām’ Strong’s H817 Also known as: Trespass Offering, Penalty Offering, Compensation to God No reference to a guilt offering in the New Testament. The word is translated in the Septuagint as Greek: ‘plēmmelō’, meaning to offend or trespass. |
Offered by a person seeking forgiveness, in response to being unfaithful to God or for action against Him. The main difference between this and a sin offering, is the concept of compensation, to include a form of restitution. |
The sacrifice is to be a ram without blemish plus a twenty percent restitution in silver. If the sin was done out of ignorance or forgetfulness, the requirement for restitution was not required. |
Leviticus 5:14-6:7; 7:1-10 |
Leviticus 6:17; 7:37; 14:12, 13, 14, 17, 21, 24, 25, 28; 19:21, 22 Numbers 6:12; 18:9 1 Samuel 6:3, 4, 8, 17 2 Kings 12:16; Proverbs 14:9; Isaiah 53:10; Ezekiel 40:39 42:13; 44:29; 46:20 |
|
Wave Offering Hebrew: ‘tenû·pā(h)’ Strong’s H8573 Also known as: Sheaf Offering, Heave Offering, Elevation Offering, Omer Offering No reference to a wave offering in the New Testament. The word is translated in the Septuagint as Greek: ‘epithema’, meaning cover or contribution. |
Done in conjunction with other offerings, usually involving the portion of the sacrifice being presented to God, which is then released by God to be given to the priests to consume. |
Not much in instruction is provided. The waving of portion overhead or side to side. Depending on the passage, the items to be waved vary, however, the concept of lifting them up and waving them before God is consistent. |
Leviticus 7:30-34 |
Exodus 29:24, 26, 27 Leviticus 8:27, 29; 9:21; 10:14, 15; 14:12, 21, 24; 23:15, 17, 20 Numbers 6:20; 8:11, 13, 15, 21; 18:11, 18 |
|
Food Offering Hebrew: ‘iš·šě(h)’ Strong’s H801 Also known as: Fire Offering, an offering by fire. No reference to a food or fire offering in the New Testament. The word is translated in the Septuagint as Greek: ‘karpōma’, referring to an offering by fire. |
The food (or fire) offerings was a classification of sacrifices, not a separate type of offering. |
The term can be used in conjunction with any offering made by means of fire. The name does not refer to food for the priests, as the reference is also included in the instructions for burnt offering, which is completely burned on the bronze altar. |
Leviticus 1:9, 13 |
Exodus 29:18, 25, 41; 30:20 Leviticus 1:17; 2:2, 3, 9, 11, 16; 3:3, 5, 9, 11, 14, 16; 4:35; 5:12; 6:17, 18; 7:5, 25, 30, 35; 8:21, 28; 10:12, 13, 15; 21:6, 21; 22:22, 27; 23:8, 13, 18, 25, 27, 36, 37; 24:7, 9 Numbers 15:3, 10, 13, 14, 25; 18:17; 28:2, 3, 6, 8, 13, 19, 24; 29:6, 13, 36 Deuteronomy 18:1 Joshua 13:14 1 Samuel 2:28 |
|
Drink Offering Hebrew: ‘ně’·sěḵ’ Strong’s H5262 Also known as: Liquid Offering, Poured Out Offering Greek: ‘spéndō’, meaning to pour out. New Testament application: Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6 |
Done in conjunction with other offerings, usually on feast days. Created a pleasing aroma to God. Later required in conjunction with burnt offerings and sacrifices required for vows and free-will offerings, together with a grain offering (see Numbers 15:1-21). Used as a metaphor in New Testament to refer to the blood of Jesus (see Luke 22:20; John 19:34). Also by Paul to describe his own service to God. |
Depending on instructions, one-quarter to one-half hin of liquid (usually wine) was poured out. |
Exodus 29:40-41; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 15:7 |
Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:40-41; 30:9; Leviticus 23:18, 37 Numbers 4:7; 6:15, 17; 15:5, 10, 24; 28:7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 24, 31; 29:6, 11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39 2 Kings 16:13, 15 1 Chronicles 29:21 2 Chronicles 29:35 Psalm 16:4; Isaiah 57:6; Jeremiah 7:18; 19:13; 32:29; 44:17, 18, 19, 25 Ezekiel 20:28; 45:17 Joel 1:9, 13; 2:14 |
|
Ordination Offering Hebrew: ‘mil·lû·’îm’ Strong’s H4394 Also known as: Consecration Offering, Installation Offering No reference to an ordination offering in the New Testament. The word is translated in the Septuagint as Greek: ‘teleiōsis’, meaning fulfillment, completion, consecration, sacrifice for alliance, ordination. |
The ordination, consecration and installation of Aaron and his sons (the Aaronic priesthood). |
One bull and two rams without blemish. The bull to be sacrificed in the same manner as a sin offering. One ram is then offered as a burnt offering and the other ram is to be killed and its blood applied on the priests at different locations on their bodies. A wave offering is done using unleavened bread followed by a wave offering of breast of the second ram. The priests are to eat of the meat from the second ram after it is boiled. |
Exodus 29:1-34; Leviticus 6:19-23 |
Leviticus 7:37; 8:22, 28, 29, 31, 33 |
⇐Previous Chapter (Introduction/Index) Next Chapter⇒
[1] Strong’s Hebrew 7133.
[2] See commentary under Leviticus 1:1.
[3] Strong’s Hebrew 8641.
[4] Strong’s Hebrew 7311.
[5] Strong’s Hebrew 4503.
[6] Strong’s Hebrew 4504 (Aramaic words are included in Strong’s Hebrew listings).