But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

NUMBERS 29:36KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 29:36 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:36 mean?

Numbers 29:36 describes a specific burnt offering that the Israelites were commanded to bring to the LORD: one young bull, one ram, and seven year-old lambs without blemish, all to be completely burned as a pleasing aroma. This offering was to be made by fire as part of Israel’s worship during a festival.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the sacrifices to be offered on the eighth day of the festival known as the Feast of Tabernacles. The details—such as the number and type of animals, and that they must be without blemish—show the care and reverence expected in worship. The phrase “a sweet savour unto the LORD” means the offering was considered pleasing to God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:36

  • “Burnt offering” is עֹלָה (olah), which refers to an offering that is entirely burned on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
  • “Sweet savour” uses two words: נִיחוֹחַ (nihoach, “soothing” or “pleasing”) and רֵיחַ (reach, “aroma” or “scent”), together meaning an aroma that is pleasing or acceptable to the LORD.
  • “Without blemish” is תָּמִים (tamim), meaning the animals had to be perfect, without any defect, emphasizing the importance of giving the best to God.

Why Numbers 29:36 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel involved specific, detailed instructions, not just general good intentions.
  • The emphasis on animals “without blemish” highlights the importance of purity and wholeheartedness in approaching God.
  • Numbers 29:36 is part of a larger section outlining festival offerings, showing how structured and communal Israel’s worship life was meant to be.

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.