Numbers 15:6 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:6 mean?

Numbers 15:6 gives instructions for an offering to God: if someone is offering a ram, they must also prepare a grain offering of two tenths of an ephah of flour mixed with a third of a hin of oil. This verse sets out the specific amounts required for this type of sacrifice.

In this part of Numbers, God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed rules for the Israelites about how to present offerings when they enter the Promised Land. The verse focuses on the proper way to accompany a ram sacrifice with a grain and oil offering, showing the importance of order and care in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:6

• רָם (’ayil, H352): This word means "ram," a male sheep, which was a common animal used in sacrifices. The choice of animal affected the amount of grain and oil required.
• מִנְחָה (minchah, H4503): This is the word for "offering," specifically a grain or meal offering, not an animal sacrifice. It highlights that worship involved more than just animal sacrifices.
• סֹלֶת (solet, H5560): This word means "fine flour," which was considered the best quality flour. Using fine flour shows the offering was to be of the highest standard.
• הִין (hin, H1969): This is a unit of liquid measure, so a "third part of a hin" of oil would be about 1.3 liters. The specific measurement underscores the careful attention to detail in worship.

Why Numbers 15:6 matters

• Numbers 15:6 clarifies that different sacrifices required different amounts of grain and oil, preventing confusion and ensuring fairness and consistency in worship.
• The verse shows that offerings were not just about the animal but included other valuable goods, reflecting a broader sense of devotion and thankfulness.
• This instruction fits into a larger section where God is teaching the Israelites how to live and worship as a community set apart, emphasizing obedience and respect for God’s instructions.