Numbers 15:9 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:9 mean?

Numbers 15:9 instructs that when someone brings a bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice, they must also bring a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of flour mixed with half a hin of oil. This verse gives specific details about what must accompany the animal sacrifice.

In context, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about how to properly offer sacrifices once they are settled in the Promised Land. The verse emphasizes that sacrifices were not just about the animal itself but also included grain and oil, showing a pattern of worship that involved multiple elements.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:9

• "bring" (קָרַב, qarav): This word means to present or bring near, highlighting the act of offering something to God, not just physically moving it but dedicating it.
• "bullock" (בָּקָר, baqar; בֵּן, ben): The word for bullock refers to a young bull, and the use of "ben" (son) can indicate the animal’s age or type, showing the sacrifice was to be of a specific kind.
• "meat offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah): This term means a grain offering, not meat as in flesh, which can be confusing in English. It refers to a tribute of flour, often mixed with oil.
• "three" (שָׁלוֹשׁ, shalosh) and "deals" (עִשָּׂרוֹן, issaron): "Three tenth deals" means three-tenths of an ephah, a specific measure, showing the offering was to be precise.
• "flour" (סֹלֶת, solet): This refers to fine flour, the best quality, not just any grain.
• "mingled" (בָּלַל, balal): This word means to mix thoroughly, so the oil and flour were to be combined, not offered separately.
• "half" (חֵצִי, chetsi) and "hin" (הִין, hin): "Half a hin" is a specific liquid measure, about 2 quarts or 2 liters, showing the amount of oil to be used.
• "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen): This refers to olive oil, a valuable and common offering ingredient.

Why Numbers 15:9 matters

• Numbers 15:9 clarifies that worship in ancient Israel involved more than just animal sacrifice; it required specific grain and oil offerings, reflecting a broader pattern of devotion.
• The verse shows the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, with precise measurements and ingredients, which was a key part of Israel’s relationship with God.
• Understanding these details helps explain the structure and seriousness of Old Testament worship, and how every part of the offering had meaning and purpose.