Leviticus 2:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here, leaven symbolizes deceitfulness, which can refer not only to those deserving of censure but also to the commendable virtues that wisdom promises to bestow upon the righteous (Proverbs 1:4). Furthermore, honey may represent worldly desires or physical pleasures, evident in: "The lips of a strange wife ooze honey, and her speech is softer than oil" (Proverbs 5:3). At times, it signifies good things, as seen in: "Eat, my son, honey, because it is pleasant, and honeycomb, which is sweet to your throat" (Proverbs 24:13). Therefore, the commandment forbids the offering of leaven and honey as gifts to God, as such offerings do not truly carry a "pleasant savour" to Him (Eph. 5:2).

Palladius sought clarification on this subtle point. Cyril responded that understanding the balance of valuing something with insufficient worth yet refraining from presenting it as a legitimate offering is indeed complex. He suggested that even the shrewdness of a holy individual, when applied appropriately and rooted in reverence for God, may not be dismissed by Him. However, such wisdom cannot be equated with genuine virtue and should not be considered a true mental sacrifice. Simplicity holds greater esteem in the eyes of God, reflected in Scripture's marvel at Jacob, who is described as "a meek man, dwelling in tents" (Genesis 25:27). Cunning belongs to the ungracious; nonetheless, the Savior instructed His disciples: "Be wise as serpents and simple as doves" (Matthew 10:16). While innocence is held in high regard, a certain cunning is permissible in the apostolic mission, as exemplified by the blessed Paul, who sometimes employed wisdom to evade peril. Thus, cunning can be suitable for acts undertaken in God’s service but lacks the essential fragrance of virtue inherent in its nature.

Likewise, honey as a symbol of earthly pleasure reflects a life intertwined with worldly desires. Marriage is noble when pursued for procreation, and the lawful use of marital relations is righteous before Christ, yet it lacks the elevated virtue of temperance. Paul advises married couples: "Do not separate yourselves from one another, except by consent, for a time, for the exercise of fasting and prayer, and then be together again, lest Satan tempt you by your self-control; but this I have said as a permission, and not as a command" (1 Cor. 7:5-6). Notice how he offers guidance for couples. What virtue can be ascribed to that which requires counsel for its rectification? He also states that "it is more blessed if she remain so" (1 Cor. 7:40), referring to celibacy. Thus, honey is not condemned; rather, marriage is embraced, though not as a substitute for genuine virtue. Additionally, salt is to be added to the sacrifices; this suggests that our offerings should be made with wisdom and forethought, prepared for every good endeavor. Foolishness and unwisdom have no place for those who commit to a godly life. Consequently, the Savior said to His disciples: "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). Paul also encourages: "Let your word be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man" (Col. 4:6 and Eph. 4:29).

Palladius concluded that reasonableness and pleasantness are denoted by salt.