Question 1

What does Numbers 29:15 mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 29:15 states that for each of the fourteen lambs offered, a separate tenth part of an ephah (a measure of grain) was to be given as a grain offering. This instruction is part of the detailed requirements for offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles. In this verse, God is giving Moses specific instructions for the Israelites about how to prepare offerings during a festival. Each lamb (out of a total of fourteen) was to have its own portion of grain, showing careful attention to detail and fairness in worship. This verse fits into a larger section where God outlines the sacrifices to be made on each day of the festival.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:15

Accepted Answer

"deal" (עִשָּׂרוֹן, ʿissaron): This word means a "tenth part," referring to a tenth of an ephah, a standard measure for grain offerings. It emphasizes the precise amount required for each lamb. "each" (אֶחָד, ʾeḥad): This word means "one" or "each," making it clear that every single lamb, not just the group as a whole, gets its own grain offering. "lamb" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves) and "lambs" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves): The same word is used for both singular and plural, referring to the animal being offered. The repetition highlights that the instruction applies individually to all fourteen. "fourteen" (אַרְבַּע, arbaʿ + עֶשֶׂר, ʿeser): These two words together mean "fourteen," specifying the exact number of lambs involved in this offering.

Question 3

Why Numbers 29:15 matters

Accepted Answer

Numbers 29:15 clarifies that each lamb required its own separate grain offering, not a shared portion, stressing the importance of individual care in following God's instructions. This detail helps readers understand the level of precision and order in Israel’s worship practices, especially during major festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles. The verse connects to the broader passage by showing how each day’s offerings were carefully structured, reflecting the seriousness and reverence expected in approaching God.

Numbers 29:15 (KJV)