King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:10 Mean?

Numbers 15:10 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Numbers 15:10 · KJV


Context

8

And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:

9

Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.

10

And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

11

Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb , or a kid.

12

According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine (נֶסֶךְ nesek, 'libation')—The wine offering, poured out at the altar's base, completed the sacrificial triad: flesh (animal), grain (bread of life), and wine (joy/celebration). Wine symbolized covenant fellowship and eschatological blessing (Isaiah 25:6).

This nesek was 'poured out' (same root as Isaiah 53:12, describing Messiah's self-sacrifice), foreshadowing Christ's blood 'poured out for many' (Mark 14:24). The half-hin (≈ 1.8 liters) was substantial—true worship is generous, not calculating. The phrase for a sweet savour unto the LORD (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ reach nichoach) indicates God's pleasure in obedient, costly worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wine was a luxury in the ancient Near East, associated with celebration and abundance (Psalm 104:15). By including it in offerings, God invited worshipers to share their joy and prosperity with Him, acknowledging that all gladness is His gift.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the wine offering's symbolism of joy challenge the notion that authentic worship must be somber or severe?
  2. In what ways does the 'pouring out' of wine prefigure both Christ's sacrifice and our call to be 'poured out' in service (Philippians 2:17)?
  3. What does God's designation of obedient offerings as a 'sweet savour' reveal about His relational desire for our worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְיַ֛יִן1 of 9

of wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

תַּקְרִ֥יב2 of 9

And thou shalt bring

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַנֶּ֖סֶךְ3 of 9

for a drink offering

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

חֲצִ֣י4 of 9

half

H2677

the half or middle

הַהִ֑ין5 of 9

an hin

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

אִשֵּׁ֥ה6 of 9

for an offering made by fire

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

רֵֽיחַ7 of 9

savour

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ8 of 9

of a sweet

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

לַֽיהוָֽה׃9 of 9

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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