King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:13 Mean?

Numbers 28:13 in the King James Version says “And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet sa...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 28:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Read Numbers 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A several tenth deal (עִשָּׂרוֹן, issaron)—literally "a tenth part" of an ephah, roughly 2 quarts of flour for each lamb. The term "several" (בַּד, bad) means "separate" or "individual," emphasizing that each lamb received its own grain offering, not a collective portion. This individualized provision mirrors God's personal care.

A sweet savour (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ, reach nichoach)—"a soothing aroma" or "a fragrance of rest." This anthropomorphic language depicts sacrifices as pleasing to God, not because He needs food (Psalm 50:12-13), but because they represented obedience and devotion. Paul applies this same phrase to Christ's self-offering (Ephesians 5:2), revealing that these ancient rituals foreshadowed the ultimately pleasing sacrifice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The monthly new moon festivals (Numbers 28:11-15) were less solemn than Sabbaths but still required cessation of ordinary work and assembly for worship. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Near Eastern cultures also marked lunar cycles, but Israel's new moons uniquely pointed to the Creator who "appointed the moon for seasons" (Psalm 104:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the "separate" portion for each lamb reflect God's attention to individual worshipers within corporate gatherings?
  2. What does it mean for a life to be a "sweet savour" to God today, according to Ephesians 5:2 and Philippians 4:18?
  3. Why would God use sensory language (fragrance, savour) to describe spiritual realities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עִשָּׂר֗וֹן1 of 13

“And a several tenth deal”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

עִשָּׂר֗וֹן2 of 13

“And a several tenth deal”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

סֹ֤לֶת3 of 13

“of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

מִנְחָה֙4 of 13

“for a meat offering”

H4503

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

בְּלוּלָ֣ה5 of 13

“mingled”

H1101

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

בַשֶּׁ֔מֶן6 of 13

“with oil”

H8081

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

לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ7 of 13

“lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

הָֽאֶחָ֑ד8 of 13

“unto one”

H259

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

עֹלָה֙9 of 13

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

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

רֵ֣יחַ10 of 13

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֔חַ11 of 13

“of a sweet”

H5207

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

אִשֶּׁ֖ה12 of 13

“a sacrifice made by fire”

H801

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 28:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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