And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:

NUMBERS 15:3KJV
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Numbers 15:3 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:3 mean?

Numbers 15:3 explains that when the Israelites make an offering by fire to the LORD—whether as a burnt offering, a sacrifice for fulfilling a vow, a freewill offering, or as part of their special feasts—it should be done to create a pleasing aroma to the LORD, using animals from their herds or flocks. This verse sets out the kinds of offerings and the intention behind them, emphasizing that these acts are meant to honor God.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about worship practices as they settle in the land He is giving them. The verse covers different types of offerings—required and voluntary—and highlights that these offerings are meant to be pleasing to God, not just ritual actions. The focus is on the heart and intention behind the act, as well as the proper way to approach God in worship.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:3

  • "Offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This word refers specifically to a burnt offering, an animal completely consumed by fire on the altar. It signals total dedication to God, not just a partial gift.
  • "Sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): This word is broader and often refers to offerings made for various reasons, including fulfilling vows or expressing gratitude. It shows that not all offerings are the same; some are for specific commitments or occasions.
  • "Vow" (נֶדֶר, neder): This word points to promises made to God, often in times of need or thanksgiving. The verse includes offerings connected to these personal commitments.
  • "Sweet savour" (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ, reiach nichoach): This phrase means a "pleasing aroma" or "soothing scent." It is a way of saying that the offering, when given with the right heart, is acceptable and delightful to God.

Why Numbers 15:3 matters

  • Numbers 15:3 clarifies that offerings were not just about following rules but were meant to be acts of devotion and gratitude, whether required or voluntary.
  • The verse shows that God values both community-wide observances (feasts) and individual commitments (vows and freewill offerings), stressing that every act of worship matters.
  • This instruction connects to the broader passage by reminding the Israelites that their relationship with God involves both obedience and heartfelt worship, even as they enter a new phase in the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“offering” Hebrew H5071 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
  • Deuteronomy 12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
  • Ezra 8:28 And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.

“sweet” Hebrew H5207 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 6:21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“savour” Hebrew H7381 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 29:6 Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“vow” Hebrew H5088 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
  • Numbers 30:6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;
  • 2 Samuel 15:8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.