King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:23 Mean?

Numbers 28:23 in the King James Version says “Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.”

Numbers 28:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

25

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

Read Numbers 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning (מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַבֹּקֶר, milevad olat haboqer)—the festival offerings were additional to, not replacements for, the daily tamid (תָּמִיד, "continual") offerings prescribed in Exodus 29:38-42. Each morning and evening, one lamb was offered perpetually on Israel's behalf, representing unceasing intercession and consecration. The festivals added to this baseline but never suspended it.

This layering—daily + monthly + annual offerings—created a richly textured worship life where every day was sacred, some days more solemn. The continual burnt offering prefigures Christ's ongoing high priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:25: he ever lives to make intercession), while the special offerings point to His once-for-all death. The Christian life similarly combines regular rhythms (daily devotion) with special observances (Lord's Supper, Christian calendar).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tamid offerings continued twice daily throughout Israel's history until the Temple's destruction in AD 70. Jesus's crucifixion occurred at the time of the evening tamid (approximately 3 PM), and the veil tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing direct access replacing the sacrificial system. Early Christians prayed at these same hours (Acts 3:1; 10:9), maintaining continuity while recognizing fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of regular (daily) plus special (festival) worship inform Christian practice today?
  2. What would it look like to maintain continual devotion to Christ amid life's changing seasons and celebrations?
  3. How does Christ's ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25) fulfill the perpetual morning and evening offerings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מִלְּבַד֙1 of 9
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

לְעֹלַ֣ת2 of 9

“burnt offering”

H5930

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

הַבֹּ֔קֶר3 of 9

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

אֲשֶׁ֖ר4 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְעֹלַ֣ת5 of 9

“burnt offering”

H5930

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

הַתָּמִ֑יד6 of 9

“which is for a continual”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

תַּֽעֲשׂ֖וּ7 of 9

“Ye shall offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת8 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵֽלֶּה׃9 of 9
H428

these or those

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 28:23 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 28:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 28:3Numbers 28:10

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 28 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes