And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:

NUMBERS 29:13KJV
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Numbers 29:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:13 mean?

Numbers 29:13 gives instructions for a special burnt offering to be made to the LORD, specifying that thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen year-old lambs without blemish should be offered as a pleasing sacrifice by fire. This verse is part of a detailed list of sacrifices required for a particular holy occasion.

In Numbers 29:13, God is speaking to Moses, giving him directions for the Israelites about the sacrifices for the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The verse lists the exact animals and their conditions, emphasizing that these offerings must be without blemish, meaning healthy and perfect. This level of detail shows the importance of following God's instructions exactly during Israel's religious festivals.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:13

  • "Burnt offering" is עֹלָה (olah, H5930), meaning an offering that is completely burned on the altar. This word highlights that nothing is kept back; the whole animal is given to God.
  • "Sweet savour" uses רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ (reyach nichoach, H7381 and H5207), which means a pleasing or soothing aroma. This phrase often signals that the offering is accepted by God.
  • "Without blemish" is תָּמִים (tamim, H8549), meaning perfect or unblemished. This requirement stresses the need for the best, most flawless animals, showing respect and reverence in worship.

Why Numbers 29:13 matters

  • Numbers 29:13 clears up that the Feast of Tabernacles began with a larger number of sacrifices than other festivals, showing its special significance in Israel’s calendar.
  • The verse emphasizes the need for offerings to be "without blemish," underlining the seriousness and care expected in worship.
  • The specific numbers and types of animals connect this verse to the broader pattern of sacrifices throughout Numbers 28–29, helping readers see the order and structure God gave for Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“sweet” Hebrew H5207 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 6:21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:2 Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.

“savour” Hebrew H7381 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 29:2 And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

“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.