King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:9 Mean?

Numbers 28:9 in the King James Version says “And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingl...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 28:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

Read Numbers 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Sabbath offering doubled the daily sacrifice, adding two extra lambs to emphasize the Sabbath's special sanctity. This demonstrates that the Sabbath wasn't merely rest from work but rest unto worship - a day of increased devotion, not decreased activity in God's service. The Hebrew 'Shabbat' means cessation, yet worship intensifies. This pattern continues in the New Testament church (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2), where the Lord's Day involves gathering for concentrated worship. The doubled offering shows that true rest includes amplified focus on God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command ensured that Israel's seventh day was distinctly marked by enhanced worship, not just abstinence from labor. Archaeological evidence from later periods shows synagogue gatherings on Sabbath involved extensive Scripture reading and teaching, fulfilling this principle of intensified devotion. The requirement predates the temple period, showing Sabbath worship was essential from the wilderness onward.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your weekly day of worship involve more or less devotion to God than ordinary days?
  2. How can you make the Lord's Day a time of intensified worship rather than merely a break from work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּבְיוֹם֙1 of 14

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת2 of 14

“And on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וּשְׁנֵ֣י3 of 14

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כְבָשִׂ֥ים4 of 14

“lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי5 of 14

“of the first”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁנָ֖ה6 of 14

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תְּמִימִ֑ם7 of 14

“without spot”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

וּשְׁנֵ֣י8 of 14

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים9 of 14

“tenth”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

סֹ֧לֶת10 of 14

“deals of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

מִנְחָ֛ה11 of 14

“for a meat offering”

H4503

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

בְּלוּלָ֥ה12 of 14

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן13 of 14

“with oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְנִסְכּֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“and the drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

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 28:9 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 28:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 58:13Revelation 1:10Ezekiel 20:12Psalms 92:1-4Exodus 20:8-11

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