King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:29 Mean?

Numbers 28:29 in the King James Version says “A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs; — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;

Numbers 28:29 · KJV


Context

27

But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;

28

And their meat offering of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram,

29

A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;

30

And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.

31

Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs—Each of the seven lambs (שִׁבְעַת הַכְּבָשִׂים shiv'at hakevasim) received a several tenth deal (עִשָּׂרוֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן isaron isaron, one-tenth repeatedly, ~2.2 qts each), creating cumulative grain offering of 7 tenths (plus 3 for bulls, 2 for rams = 12 total tenths, over half an ephah). This substantial grain quantity represented significant community investment in worship—expensive offerings demonstrated worship's priority over personal consumption.

The repetitive unto one lamb structure emphasizes individual attention—each lamb received proper grain portion, teaching that God values thoroughness and excellence in worship preparation. Jesus praised the widow's two mites (Mark 12:41-44) not for amount but proportion and intentionality—sacrificial giving reflects heart priority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The cumulative grain offerings for Pentecost (12 tenths ephah = ~13 quarts) plus oil and drink offerings represented substantial community wealth. Ancient Israelites, living at subsistence level, sacrificed meaningful portions of harvest to honor God, modeling prioritization of worship over personal comfort.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the repetitive 'unto one lamb' structure challenge casual or careless approaches to worship preparation?
  2. What does the substantial cumulative grain offering (over half an ephah) teach about corporate worship requiring community-wide sacrifice?
  3. How can you cultivate intentionality in worship preparation, ensuring each element receives proper attention rather than perfunctory performance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עִשָּׂר֔וֹן1 of 6

A several tenth deal

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

עִשָּׂר֔וֹן2 of 6

A several tenth deal

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

הַכְּבָשִֽׂים׃3 of 6

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

הָֽאֶחָ֑ד4 of 6

unto one

H259

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

לְשִׁבְעַ֖ת5 of 6

throughout the seven

H7651

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

הַכְּבָשִֽׂים׃6 of 6

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)


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 28:29 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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