But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish:

NUMBERS 28:19KJV
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Numbers 28:19 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:19 mean?

Numbers 28:19 gives specific instructions for a burnt offering to the LORD, requiring two young bulls, one ram, and seven year-old lambs, all without any defects. This verse is part of a set of commands about what sacrifices the Israelites were to bring during certain holy days.

Moses is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about offerings for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The verse lists the exact animals and their condition—“without blemish”—showing the importance of giving the best to God. This is not a general rule for all sacrifices, but a special requirement for this particular festival.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:19

  • “Offer” (קָרַב, qarab) means to bring near or present, emphasizing that these sacrifices are being brought close to God as an act of worship.
  • “Burnt offering” (עֹלָה, olah) refers to an offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • “Without blemish” (תָּמִים, tamim) means the animals must be perfect, with no physical defects, highlighting the need for purity and the best quality in worship.

Why Numbers 28:19 matters

  • Numbers 28:19 clarifies that not just any animals could be offered; only those without blemish were acceptable, showing the seriousness and care required in worship.
  • The verse connects to a larger section where God lays out a calendar of offerings, helping the Israelites remember and honor God’s deliverance and provision.
  • Understanding the specific animals and their numbers helps readers see the structure and order in Israel’s worship, and how each festival had its own distinct requirements.

Where else these words appear

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 23:37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:

“blemish” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

“lambs” 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:

“bullocks” Hebrew H6499 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 32:15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
  • Numbers 7:57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
  • Numbers 29:33 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: