King James Version
What Does Numbers 28:31 Mean?
“Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.”
Numbers 28:31 · KJV
Context
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 CommentaryYe shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings—The phrase beside the continual burnt offering (מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד milevad olat hatamid, apart from/in addition to the regular burnt offering) establishes that festival sacrifices supplemented rather than replaced daily tamid offerings (morning and evening lambs, Exodus 29:38-42). The parenthetical requirement—without blemish (תְּמִימִם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶם temimim yihyu-lakhem, they shall be perfect to you)—underscores that special occasions don't excuse inferior sacrifices.
This cumulative worship pattern (daily offerings + weekly Sabbath + monthly new moon + annual festivals) created rhythm of escalating celebration alongside consistent baseline devotion. The New Testament similarly calls believers to ongoing spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, fellowship) supplemented by special celebrations (baptisms, communion, corporate gatherings). Extraordinary experiences don't substitute for daily faithfulness.
This cumulative worship pattern (daily offerings + weekly Sabbath + monthly new moon + annual festivals) created rhythm of escalating celebration alongside consistent baseline devotion. The New Testament similarly calls believers to ongoing spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, fellowship) supplemented by special celebrations (baptisms, communion, corporate gatherings). Extraordinary experiences don't substitute for daily faithfulness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The continual burnt offering (tamid) twice daily (morning/evening) provided baseline worship maintaining perpetual fire on the altar (Leviticus 6:12-13). Festival additions created layered worship—daily tamid + Sabbath lambs + new moon bulls + festival-specific offerings—demonstrating escalating celebration without abandoning foundational rhythms.
Reflection Questions
- How does the requirement to maintain daily offerings alongside festival sacrifices challenge 'event-driven' spirituality neglecting daily disciplines?
- What does the 'without blemish' requirement (even for supplementary offerings) teach about maintaining excellence in worship regardless of occasion?
- How can you structure spiritual life with both baseline daily rhythms and supplementary seasons of intensified devotion?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsמִלְּבַ֞ד1 of 9
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
עֹלַ֧ת2 of 9
“burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֛יד3 of 9
“them beside the continual”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וּמִנְחָת֖וֹ4 of 9
“and his meat offering”
H4503a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
תְּמִימִ֥ם6 of 9
“they shall be unto you without blemish”
H8549entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
יִֽהְיוּ7 of 9
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָכֶ֖ם8 of 9
H0Study 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 28:31 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 28:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge