Numbers 28:11 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:11 mean?

Numbers 28:11 describes how, at the start of every month, the Israelites were to offer a specific burnt offering to the LORD: two young bulls, one ram, and seven year-old lambs, all without blemish. This command sets out a regular monthly sacrifice as part of Israel’s worship and calendar.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, instructing him on what the people of Israel should do at the beginning of each new month. These offerings were part of a larger set of instructions about regular sacrifices, marking time and dedicating each new month to God in a public and communal way.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:11

• "beginnings" (רֹאשֵׁי, roshé): This word means "heads" or "beginnings," pointing to the start of each month, not just a random day. It highlights the importance of marking time in a sacred way.
• "months" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): This word refers to the lunar months in the Hebrew calendar. The new moon signaled the start of a new month, making this a regular, recurring observance.
• "offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This means a "burnt offering," which was completely burned on the altar. The total burning up of the animal symbolized complete dedication to God.
• "without spot" (תָּמִים, tamim): This means "without blemish" or "perfect." Only animals without defects were acceptable, emphasizing the need to give God the best.

Why Numbers 28:11 matters

• Numbers 28:11 clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not just about special occasions but included regular, scheduled offerings that shaped the rhythm of community life.
• The verse shows that the beginning of each month was a sacred time, not just a secular calendar event, and was marked by significant offerings.
• This instruction connects to the broader context of Numbers 28–29, where daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly sacrifices are listed, showing the structure and order God gave to Israel’s worship.