King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:19 Mean?

Numbers 28:19 in the King James Version says “But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and sev... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish:

Numbers 28:19 · KJV


Context

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:

19

But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish:

20

And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;

21

A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A sacrifice made by fire (אִשֶּׁה, isheh)—offerings consumed by fire on the altar, distinguishing them from non-burnt offerings. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, "that which goes up") was wholly consumed, symbolizing total consecration to God. Two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year—a substantial offering requiring community resources. The animals must be without blemish (תְּמִימִם, temimim)—physically perfect, reflecting moral purity required of worshipers (Psalm 15).

This typology finds fulfillment in Christ, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Hebrews 9:14 emphasizes that Christ "offered himself without spot to God," making animal perfection a prophetic pointer to His sinless humanity. The fire that consumed these offerings symbolized divine judgment that Christ bore vicariously.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Passover week offerings were more elaborate than regular monthly sacrifices, reflecting the feast's significance as Israel's founding event. The two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs provided substantial meat for the priests (who received portions) while the fat and blood were fully offered to God, maintaining the principle that God receives the first and best.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement of "without blemish" animals point to Christ's necessity as a sinless substitute?
  2. What would it mean to offer your life as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) in the spirit of these wholly-consumed burnt offerings?
  3. How does the costliness of festival offerings challenge minimalist approaches to worship and giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם1 of 17

But ye shall offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֶּׁ֤ה2 of 17

a sacrifice made by fire

H801

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

עֹלָה֙3 of 17

for a burnt offering

H5930

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה4 of 17

unto the LORD

H3068

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

פָּרִ֧ים5 of 17

bullocks

H6499

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

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 17

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

בָקָ֛ר7 of 17

young

H1241

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

שְׁנַ֖יִם8 of 17

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְאַ֣יִל9 of 17

ram

H352

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

אֶחָ֑ד10 of 17

and one

H259

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

וְשִׁבְעָ֤ה11 of 17

and seven

H7651

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

כְבָשִׂים֙12 of 17

lambs

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵ֣י13 of 17

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

שָׁנָ֔ה14 of 17

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תְּמִימִ֖ם15 of 17

they shall be unto you without blemish

H8549

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

יִֽהְי֥וּ16 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶֽם׃17 of 17
H0

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 28:19 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 28:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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