King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:3 Mean?

Numbers 15:3 in the King James Version says “And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock: performing: Heb. separating”

Numbers 15:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you,

3

And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock: performing: Heb. separating

4

Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil.

5

And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.

Read Numbers 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock: This verse details various categories of sacrificial offerings, each with distinct purposes and significance. The Hebrew isheh (אִשֶּׁה, "offering by fire") refers to any sacrifice consumed by fire on the altar. The olah (עֹלָה, "burnt offering") was completely consumed, symbolizing total dedication to God. The word for "sacrifice" (zebach, זֶבַח) often refers to peace offerings where portions were eaten by worshipers.

The phrase "performing a vow" (le-palle neder, לְפַלֵּא נֶדֶר) indicates offerings fulfilling solemn promises made to God. "Freewill offering" (nedavah, נְדָבָה) represents voluntary expressions of gratitude beyond required sacrifices. "Solemn feasts" (mo'adim, מוֹעֲדִים) refers to appointed times like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The phrase "sweet savour" (reach nichoach, רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) literally means "aroma of soothing" or "pleasing fragrance," indicating God's acceptance and satisfaction with proper worship.

This comprehensive list demonstrates that worship involves both obligation (required offerings) and voluntary expressions of love (freewill offerings). The mention of "herd" (cattle) and "flock" (sheep/goats) accommodated varying economic abilities—the wealthy brought cattle, the poor brought smaller animals, ensuring all could participate in worship regardless of financial status. These sacrifices all prefigure Christ's ultimate sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 10:1-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during Israel's wilderness wandering, likely around 1444-1406 BC. The regulations in Numbers 15 were given shortly after the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the nation's refusal to enter Canaan (Numbers 13-14), which resulted in forty years of wilderness wandering. These sacrificial instructions were prospective, intended for "when ye be come into the land" (Numbers 15:2), providing hope that despite current judgment, God would fulfill His promise to bring them into Canaan.

The sacrificial system established at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 1-7) formed the core of Israel's worship, distinguishing them from surrounding nations. While ancient Near Eastern peoples offered sacrifices, Israel's system was unique in its emphasis on atonement for sin, moral requirements for worshipers, and centralized worship at the tabernacle (later temple). The system required a substantial portion of national resources—animals, grain, oil, wine—demonstrating that worship was costly and central to community life.

Archaeological discoveries have illuminated ancient sacrificial practices. Excavations at sites like Tel Arad and Beersheba have uncovered horned altars matching biblical descriptions. However, these "high places" represented the syncretistic worship God condemned, while the tabernacle/temple system maintained purity. The sacrificial system functioned until 70 AD when Romans destroyed the temple, after which Judaism shifted to rabbinic traditions while Christianity recognized Christ's sacrifice as fulfilling all Old Testament offerings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the different types of offerings (burnt, peace, vow, freewill) reflect various aspects of our relationship with God?
  2. What is the significance of offerings being described as a "sweet savour" to God, and how does this apply to Christian worship?
  3. How does the sacrificial system's accommodation for different economic levels inform our understanding of grace and accessibility in worship?
  4. In what ways did Old Testament sacrifices prefigure Christ's atoning work, and how should this shape our worship today?
  5. What is the relationship between obligatory worship (required offerings) and voluntary devotion (freewill offerings) in the Christian life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
לַֽעֲשׂ֞וֹת1 of 21

“And will make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אִשֶּׁ֤ה2 of 21

“an offering by fire”

H801

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה3 of 21

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

עֹלָ֣ה4 of 21

“a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

אוֹ5 of 21
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

זֶ֔בַח6 of 21

“or a sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

לְפַלֵּא7 of 21

“in performing”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

נֶ֙דֶר֙8 of 21

“a vow”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

א֣וֹ9 of 21
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בִנְדָבָ֔ה10 of 21

“or in a freewill offering”

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

א֖וֹ11 of 21
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְּמֹֽעֲדֵיכֶ֑ם12 of 21

“or in your solemn feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לַֽעֲשׂ֞וֹת13 of 21

“And will make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

רֵ֤יחַ14 of 21

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֙חַ֙15 of 21

“a sweet”

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה16 of 21

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

מִן17 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַבָּקָ֖ר18 of 21

“of the herd”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

א֥וֹ19 of 21
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

מִן20 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַצֹּֽאן׃21 of 21

“or of the flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:18Genesis 8:21Philippians 4:18Numbers 28:27Leviticus 27:2Leviticus 1:1-17

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