King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:7 Mean?

Numbers 28:7 in the King James Version says “And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.”

Numbers 28:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.

8

And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

9

And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:

Read Numbers 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The drink offering of a fourth of a hin of strong wine poured out in the holy place represents joy and celebration offered to God. Wine symbolizes gladness throughout Scripture. Pouring it out as an offering teaches that our joy should be given to God, not merely consumed for personal pleasure. The specification of 'strong wine' indicates quality—not diluted or inferior but the best. The holy place location emphasizes that this offering occurs in God's presence. Our celebrations should be coram Deo (before the face of God), not merely secular parties.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Drink offerings were poured out at the altar's base, creating a fragrant offering. Wine was precious in ancient Israel, representing prosperity and blessing. Offering it to God acknowledged that all joy and prosperity come from Him. The practice of pouring out wine taught that we hold our blessings with open hands, willing to return them to God in worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should offering our joy to God transform our celebrations and festivities?
  2. What does pouring out strong wine teach about giving God our best, not our leftovers?
  3. In what ways can Christian celebrations maintain festivity while remaining coram Deo?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נֶ֥סֶךְ1 of 10

“And the drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

רְבִיעִ֣ת2 of 10

“thereof shall be the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

הַהִ֔ין3 of 10

“part of an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ4 of 10

“lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

הָֽאֶחָ֑ד5 of 10

“for the one”

H259

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

בַּקֹּ֗דֶשׁ6 of 10

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַסֵּ֛ךְ7 of 10

“to be poured”

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

נֶ֥סֶךְ8 of 10

“And the drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

שֵׁכָ֖ר9 of 10

“place shalt thou cause the strong wine”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

לַֽיהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 28:7 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 28:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:42Philippians 2:17Joel 1:9Exodus 29:40Numbers 15:5Joel 1:13

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 1Special Place24 verses across 4 books
View all places in Numbers 28 →

Test Your Knowledge

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Continue Your Study

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