King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:16 Mean?

Numbers 28:16 in the King James Version says “And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.

Numbers 28:16 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.

17

And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.

18

In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Feast of Unleavened Bread's seven-day duration ('on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten') required extended focus on redemption themes. Leaven's removal symbolized sin's purging, teaching that salvation necessitates holiness. The week-long feast prevented casual observance, requiring sustained attention to spiritual realities. The number seven (completion) emphasized thorough dedication to remembering God's deliverance and pursuing corresponding purity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Unleavened bread commemorated Israel's hasty Exodus departure, leaving no time for dough to rise (Exodus 12:39). The feast immediately followed Passover, creating an eight-day celebration (combining both feasts' observances). Leaven's removal from households required thorough cleansing, symbolizing sin's comprehensive purging. Paul later applied this imagery to Christian living, calling believers to purge out old leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'leaven' (sin) requires purging from your life to live consistently with your redemption in Christ?
  2. How can extended focus on spiritual themes (not just brief moments) deepen transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ1 of 8

month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽרִאשׁ֗וֹן2 of 8

of the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

בְּאַרְבָּעָ֥ה3 of 8

And in the fourteenth

H702

four

עָשָׂ֛ר4 of 8
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

י֖וֹם5 of 8

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ6 of 8

month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

פֶּ֖סַח7 of 8

is the passover

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃8 of 8

of 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 28:16 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 28:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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