King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:12 Mean?

Numbers 28:12 in the King James Version says “And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Numbers 28:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Three tenth deals of flour (שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים, sheloshah esronim)—precise grain measurements that accompanied animal sacrifices, demonstrating that worship required both costly blood sacrifice and daily sustenance offered back to God. The minchah (מִנְחָה, grain offering) mixed with oil symbolized consecration of ordinary provision. The graduated amounts—three for a bullock, two for a ram—reflected the animals' relative value and the worshiper's economic capacity.

These feast offerings at new moons (Rosh Chodesh) sanctified time itself, marking months by the lunar calendar. Hebrews 10:1-4 declares such offerings were "shadows" pointing to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice—yet their meticulous detail reveals God's desire that all of life, from grandest festivals to daily bread, be offered in worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 28-29 provides the liturgical calendar given at Moab just before entering Canaan (c. 1406 BC). These regulations supplemented Leviticus, ensuring the sacrificial system would continue in the Promised Land with monthly, seasonal, and annual festivals marking Israel's sacred rhythm.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the grain and drink offerings alongside blood sacrifices challenge a purely "spiritual" view of worship divorced from material life?
  2. What does the precision of these measurements teach about approaching God with carefulness rather than casualness?
  3. In light of Hebrews 10:1-4, how do these detailed shadows deepen appreciation for Christ's sufficient sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה1 of 16

“And three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים2 of 16

“tenth”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

סֹ֤לֶת3 of 16

“deals of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

מִנְחָה֙4 of 16

“for a meat offering”

H4503

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

בְּלוּלָ֣ה5 of 16

“mingled”

H1101

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

בַשֶּׁ֔מֶן6 of 16

“with oil”

H8081

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

לַפָּ֖ר7 of 16

“bullock”

H6499

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

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃8 of 16

“for one”

H259

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

וּשְׁנֵ֣י9 of 16

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים10 of 16

“tenth”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

סֹ֤לֶת11 of 16

“deals of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

מִנְחָה֙12 of 16

“for a meat offering”

H4503

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

בְּלוּלָ֣ה13 of 16

“mingled”

H1101

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

בַשֶּׁ֔מֶן14 of 16

“with oil”

H8081

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

לָאַ֖יִל15 of 16

“ram”

H352

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

הָֽאֶחָֽד׃16 of 16

“for one”

H259

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

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 28:12 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 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 15:4-12Numbers 29:10Ezekiel 46:5-7

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