King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:4 Mean?

Numbers 15:4 in the King James Version says “Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the f...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 15:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The grain offering accompanying the animal sacrifice demonstrates that worship involves comprehensive giving—not just animals but also grain and oil. The specific measurements (tenth of an ephah of flour, quarter hin of oil) show that God prescribes proportions for offerings, ensuring adequacy without excess. The oil mixed with flour represents the Spirit's work in making our offerings acceptable. The Reformed doctrine that we can only worship acceptably through the Spirit's enabling is prefigured in this mingling of oil with flour.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Grain offerings accompanied most animal sacrifices, representing the fruit of agricultural labor. The flour was fine, indicating quality. The oil was olive oil, central to Israelite diet and economy. Mixing them created a dough or cake that was partially burned and partially eaten by the priests, demonstrating that God receives worship while His ministers are sustained by the people's offerings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the combination of animal and grain offerings teach about comprehensive devotion?
  2. How does oil mixed with flour symbolize the Spirit's necessity in making worship acceptable?
  3. In what ways should our offerings represent the full scope of our lives and labor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הַמַּקְרִ֥יב1 of 11

“Then shall he that offereth”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

הַמַּקְרִ֥יב2 of 11

“Then shall he that offereth”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

קָרְבָּנ֖וֹ3 of 11

“his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לַֽיהוָ֑ה4 of 11

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

מִנְחָה֙5 of 11

“a meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

סֹ֣לֶת6 of 11

“of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

עִשָּׂר֔וֹן7 of 11

“of a tenth deal”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

בָּל֕וּל8 of 11

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בִּרְבִעִ֥ית9 of 11

“with the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

הַהִ֖ין10 of 11

“part of an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

שָֽׁמֶן׃11 of 11

“of oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:40Leviticus 2:1Leviticus 23:13Leviticus 6:14Numbers 28:5-8Leviticus 14:10

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