King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:1 Mean?

Numbers 29:1 in the King James Version says “And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.”

Numbers 29:1 · KJV

Context

1

And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.

2

And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

3

And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) marked the seventh month with trumpet blasts and a holy convocation. The Hebrew 'teruah' means loud blasts or shouts, awakening Israel to solemn reflection before the Day of Atonement (ten days later). Trumpets announced God's kingship, called assembly, and warned of judgment. This feast foreshadows Christ's return when 'the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised' (1 Cor 15:52). The seventh month's significance parallels the Sabbath principle - completion and consecration. Paul connects this to watchfulness: 'Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light' (Eph 5:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Celebrated at the beginning of Israel's civil new year (while Nisan was the religious new year), this feast prepared hearts for the Day of Atonement. The trumpet blasts used ram's horns (shofar), recalling Abraham's sacrifice of the ram in Isaac's place (Gen 22:13). Post-exilic tradition developed this into Rosh Hashanah, a time of judgment when God opens the books of life and death, pointing to final judgment (Rev 20:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the trumpet blast of God's Word awaken you from spiritual slumber?
  2. Are you living in light of Christ's trumpet-announced return, or are you caught up in temporal concerns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ1 of 17

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י2 of 17

“And in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

בְּאֶחָ֣ד3 of 17

“on the first”

H259

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

לַחֹ֗דֶשׁ4 of 17

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

מִֽקְרָא5 of 17

“convocation”

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙6 of 17

“ye shall have an holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה7 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֔ם8 of 17
H0
כָּל9 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלֶ֥אכֶת10 of 17

“work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

עֲבֹדָ֖ה11 of 17

“no servile”

H5656

work of any kind

לֹ֣א12 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ13 of 17

“ye shall do”

H6213

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

י֥וֹם14 of 17

“it is a 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

תְּרוּעָ֖ה15 of 17

“of blowing”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה16 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶֽם׃17 of 17
H0

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 29:1 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 29:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:24-25Isaiah 27:13Romans 15:16-19Zechariah 9:14Psalms 89:15Romans 10:14-18

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