King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:6 Mean?

Numbers 15:6 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 15:6 · King James Version

Context

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.

7

And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

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:

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For a ram thou shalt prepare for a meat offering (מִנְחָה minchah)—The grain offering accompanying the ram required two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin of oil. This minchah was not 'meat' in modern English but a tribute-offering of grain, acknowledging God's provision of daily bread.

The graduated scale (lamb = 1/10 ephah; ram = 2/10 ephah; bullock = 3/10 ephah) reflects the worshiper's means while maintaining the principle that no one approaches God empty-handed. The mixture of flour and oil symbolized the union of human labor (grinding grain) with divine blessing (oil representing the Spirit).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Israel's wilderness wanderings (c. 1440s BC), these regulations standardized offerings for all Israel. The precise measurements ensured equity—rich and poor alike brought offerings proportionate to the sacrifice's size, not their personal wealth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the graduated offering scale reflect God's concern for both justice (standardization) and mercy (proportionality)?
  2. What does the requirement of a grain offering with every animal sacrifice teach about integrating worship into daily provision?
  3. In what ways does the oil-and-flour mixture foreshadow the Spirit's role in making our worship acceptable to God?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
א֤וֹ1 of 11
H176

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

לָאַ֙יִל֙2 of 11

“Or for a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה3 of 11

“thou shalt prepare”

H6213

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

מִנְחָ֔ה4 of 11

“for a meat offering”

H4503

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

סֹ֖לֶת5 of 11

“of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

שְׁנֵ֣י6 of 11

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֑ים7 of 11

“tenth deals”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

בְּלוּלָ֥ה8 of 11

“mingled”

H1101

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

בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן9 of 11

“of oil”

H8081

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

שְׁלִשִׁ֥ית10 of 11

“with the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

הַהִֽין׃11 of 11

“part of an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

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 15:6 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 15:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 28:12-14Numbers 15:4

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