King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:11 Mean?

Numbers 28:11 in the King James Version says “And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, sev... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

Numbers 28:11 · KJV


Context

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:

10

This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

11

And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

12

And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;

13

And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The monthly new moon offering marked the beginning of each lunar month, sanctifying time itself to God. Israel's calendar was lunar, making these offerings twelve times yearly (or thirteen in leap years). The substantial offerings - two bulls, one ram, seven lambs - exceeded daily sacrifices, showing each new month as a fresh consecration of time to God. This points to Christ who makes all things new (Rev 21:5) and sanctifies every season of life. Early Christians kept the principle of regular, periodic renewal through the Lord's Supper (1 Cor 11:25-26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

New moon festivals were significant in ancient Israel (1 Sam 20:5, Isa 1:13-14, Col 2:16). They marked time for agricultural planning, debt settlements, and covenant renewal. These monthly offerings occurred at the tabernacle (later temple), requiring representatives from across Israel, fostering national unity and shared worship rhythm. The practice continued until the temple's destruction in 70 AD.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you mark the beginning of new seasons in your life as opportunities for renewed consecration to God?
  2. What would it look like to sanctify your calendar - bringing your use of time under God's lordship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּבְרָאשֵׁי֙1 of 16

And in the beginnings

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

חָדְשֵׁיכֶ֔ם2 of 16

of your months

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ3 of 16

ye shall offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עֹלָ֖ה4 of 16

a burnt offering

H5930

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה5 of 16

unto the LORD

H3068

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

פָּרִ֨ים6 of 16

bullocks

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

בְּנֵֽי7 of 16

of the first

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָקָ֤ר8 of 16

young

H1241

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

שְׁנַ֙יִם֙9 of 16

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְאַ֣יִל10 of 16

ram

H352

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

אֶחָ֔ד11 of 16

and one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

כְּבָשִׂ֧ים12 of 16

lambs

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי13 of 16

of the first

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁנָ֛ה14 of 16

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שִׁבְעָ֖ה15 of 16

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

תְּמִימִֽם׃16 of 16

without spot

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth


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 28:11 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 28:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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