Numbers 28:29 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:29 mean?

Numbers 28:29 instructs that for each of the seven lambs offered in this particular sacrifice, a separate tenth of an ephah of flour should be given as a grain offering. Each lamb receives its own portion, and this is to be done consistently for all seven lambs.

In this part of Numbers, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for daily and special offerings, which Moses is to pass on to the Israelites. The verse is part of a larger section about the sacrifices to be made during special festivals, specifically the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). The focus here is on the careful, consistent way each animal is to be accompanied by its own grain offering, showing the importance of order and completeness in worship.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:29

• "deal" (עִשָּׂרוֹן, ʿissaron): This word refers to a "tenth part," specifically a tenth of an ephah, which is a measure of flour. It clarifies the exact amount required for each offering, stressing precision in following the ritual.
• "one" (אֶחָד, ʾeḥad): This word means "one" or "each," making it clear that every single lamb gets its own separate grain offering, not a shared amount.
• "lamb" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves): This is the word for "lamb," specifying the animal to be offered. The repetition in the passage underlines that each lamb is treated individually.
• "seven" (שֶׁבַע, shevaʿ): This word means "seven," pointing to the total number of lambs involved in this particular offering, which is part of the festival's requirements.
• "lambs" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves): The plural form repeats the focus on multiple animals, again highlighting that the instructions apply to each one.

Why Numbers 28:29 matters

• Numbers 28:29 clears up that the grain offering was not a lump sum for all the lambs, but a specific, measured amount for each individual lamb, emphasizing careful obedience.
• The verse highlights the detailed nature of the sacrificial system, showing the Israelites that every part of their worship needed to be done exactly as instructed.
• This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Numbers 28, where God gives precise directions for offerings during special times, underscoring the importance of reverence and attention to detail in the community’s relationship with God.