King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:8 Mean?

Numbers 28:8 in the King James Version says “And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, tho...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 28:8 · KJV

Context

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:

10

This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Read Numbers 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetition that the second lamb be offered at twilight 'as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof' establishes pattern and consistency. Evening worship mirrors morning worship—same sacrifice, same grain offering, same drink offering. This consistency teaches that worship shouldn't vary based on mood or circumstances but maintain steady devotion. The sweet savour to the LORD emphasizes that both morning and evening offerings are equally accepted. God's pleasure in our worship doesn't diminish by the day's end.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The consistency of morning and evening offerings meant Israel's worship maintained regular rhythm regardless of circumstances. Whether in victory or defeat, prosperity or adversity, the daily offerings continued. This rhythm shaped spiritual formation—devotion based on divine command rather than emotional fluctuation. The priests' faithful maintenance of this pattern modeled perseverance in ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does consistent morning and evening worship challenge mood-dependent spirituality?
  2. What does the identical nature of both offerings teach about God's unchanging acceptance?
  3. In what ways can regular worship rhythms sustain faith through varying circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 14
H853

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

הַכֶּ֣בֶשׂ2 of 14

“lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

הַשֵּׁנִ֔י3 of 14

“And the other”

H8145

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה4 of 14

“shalt thou offer”

H6213

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

בֵּ֣ין5 of 14
H996

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

הָֽעַרְבָּ֑יִם6 of 14

“at even”

H6153

dusk

כְּמִנְחַ֨ת7 of 14

“as the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַבֹּ֤קֶר8 of 14

“of the morning”

H1242

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

וּכְנִסְכּוֹ֙9 of 14

“and as the drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה10 of 14

“shalt thou offer”

H6213

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

אִשֵּׁ֛ה11 of 14

“it a sacrifice made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

רֵ֥יחַ12 of 14

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ13 of 14

“of a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

לַֽיהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“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 28:8 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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