Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.

NUMBERS 15:11KJV
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Numbers 15:11 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:11 mean?

Numbers 15:11 explains that the same instructions should be followed for each animal offered—whether a bull, a ram, a lamb, or a young goat—when making offerings to God. The verse is part of a larger set of directions about how to present sacrifices properly.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed rules for the Israelites about their worship practices as they journey through the wilderness. Numbers 15:11 emphasizes consistency in how offerings are made, regardless of the specific animal chosen. This instruction helps the people understand that the manner of worship matters, not just the type of sacrifice.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:11

  • The word עָשָׂה (asah, “done”) means to do or make, highlighting that the same action or procedure applies for each animal offering.
  • The word אֶחָד (echad, “one”) is used repeatedly to stress that the rule is for each individual animal, not just a group.
  • The words פַּר (par, “bullock”), אַיִל (ayil, “ram”), כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, “lamb”), שֶׂה (seh, “lamb” or “sheep”), and עֵז (ez, “kid” or “young goat”) specify the kinds of animals, showing that the law is inclusive of the main sacrificial animals.

Why Numbers 15:11 matters

  • Numbers 15:11 clears up any confusion about whether different animals required different rituals; it makes clear that the same process applies to each.
  • The verse highlights God’s concern for order and fairness in worship, showing that all Israelites, regardless of what animal they could afford, could participate equally.
  • This instruction connects to the broader passage, which is about maintaining proper worship practices as the Israelites settle into their new land, reinforcing the importance of unity and consistency in their relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“lamb” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“bullock” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“kid” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 9:3 And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:

“lamb” Hebrew H3532 · used in 100 verses

  • Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
  • Numbers 7:53 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 29:18 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: