King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:4 Mean?

Numbers 28:4 in the King James Version says “The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; at even: Heb. between the two...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; at even: Heb. between the two evenings”

Numbers 28:4 · KJV

Context

2

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. a sweet: Heb. a savour of my rest

3

And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering. day by day: Heb. in a day

4

The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; at even: Heb. between the two evenings

5

And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.

6

It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

Read Numbers 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God specifies: 'The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even.' The Hebrew 'boqer' (morning) and 'ereb' (evening/between the evenings) bookended each day with sacrifice, sanctifying the entire day. This pattern taught that worship should frame daily life - beginning with God sets direction; ending with God reviews the day under His lordship. Daniel maintained this pattern centuries later (Dan 6:10). Jesus' crucifixion at 9 AM (morning sacrifice time) and death at 3 PM (evening sacrifice time) fulfilled this typology - His one sacrifice encompasses all time and sanctifies believers' entire lives continually.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The morning sacrifice likely occurred around 9 AM, the third hour (when Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost, Acts 2:15). The evening sacrifice was between 3-5 PM (when Peter and John went to temple at the hour of prayer, Acts 3:1). These times structured Israel's daily worship rhythm for 1,500 years until temple destruction. The offerings included fine flour, oil, and wine (v.5-7) - grain, produce, representing human labor consecrated to God. The practice demonstrated that all of life - work, food, time - belonged to God. Modern believers no longer offer physical sacrifices but present bodies as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1) and offer praise continually (Heb 13:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you frame your days with worship - beginning in prayer/Scripture and ending with reflection and thanksgiving?
  2. How does the morning and evening sacrifice pattern challenge you to maintain regular devotional rhythm?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֶת1 of 11
H853

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

הַכֶּ֣בֶשׂ2 of 11

“lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אֶחָ֖ד3 of 11

“The one”

H259

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה4 of 11

“shalt thou offer”

H6213

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

בַבֹּ֑קֶר5 of 11

“in the morning”

H1242

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

וְאֵת֙6 of 11
H853

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

הַכֶּ֣בֶשׂ7 of 11

“lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

הַשֵּׁנִ֔י8 of 11

“and the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה9 of 11

“shalt thou offer”

H6213

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

בֵּ֥ין10 of 11
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָֽעַרְבָּֽיִם׃11 of 11

“at even”

H6153

dusk

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 28:4 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 28:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:211 Kings 18:36Exodus 12:6Ezra 9:4-51 Kings 18:29Numbers 9:3

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