King James Version
What Does Numbers 28:21 Mean?
“A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:”
Numbers 28:21 · KJV
Context
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:
22
And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.
23
Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryA several tenth deal (עִשָּׂרוֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן, issaron issaron)—the repetition emphasizes individuality: one-tenth ephah for each lamb. Throughout the seven-day feast, with seven lambs offered daily, this amounted to 49 lambs total (7 days × 7 lambs), a number signifying completeness and perfection. The seven lambs echo the seven days of creation, suggesting that worship reorders chaotic time back toward Edenic perfection.
The detailed repetition throughout Numbers 28-29 might seem tedious, but it underscores that God cares about specifics. Worship is neither vague spirituality nor emotional spontaneity alone, but includes tangible, ordered, repeated acts of devotion. The Levitical precision prefigures Christ's perfect obedience in all points (Hebrews 4:15), fulfilling every ritual shadow with substantive reality.
The detailed repetition throughout Numbers 28-29 might seem tedious, but it underscores that God cares about specifics. Worship is neither vague spirituality nor emotional spontaneity alone, but includes tangible, ordered, repeated acts of devotion. The Levitical precision prefigures Christ's perfect obedience in all points (Hebrews 4:15), fulfilling every ritual shadow with substantive reality.
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Historical & Cultural Context
During Second Temple times, these daily offerings during Passover week were maintained scrupulously, funded by the Temple tax (half-shekel) collected from all males. Josephus records that Passover drew over 250,000 pilgrims to Jerusalem, making it Israel's largest religious gathering. The Gospels place Jesus's crucifixion during this very week, amid these very offerings.
Reflection Questions
- How does the repetition of detailed offerings throughout a seven-day feast teach perseverance in worship, not just initial enthusiasm?
- What does the symbolic number seven (completeness) reveal about God's design for rhythms of rest and worship?
- How might modern worship recover the balance between spontaneity and ordered liturgy reflected in these prescriptions?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsלְשִׁבְעַ֖ת6 of 7
“throughout the seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
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 28:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.