King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:10 Mean?

Numbers 29:10 in the King James Version says “A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

Numbers 29:10 · KJV


Context

8

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

9

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

10

A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

11

One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.

12

And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs—The Hebrew issaron issaron (tenth part, tenth part) emphasizes individual portions. Each of seven lambs received one ephah-tenth of fine flour, totaling seven esronim. Seven, the covenant number, signified completeness.

This meticulous distribution demonstrated God's attention to detail in worship. No lamb was overlooked, no offering slighted—a pattern reflected in Christ's care for individual sheep (John 10:3) and the Spirit's diverse gifts distributed 'severally as he will' (1 Corinthians 12:11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The language 'throughout the seven lambs' uses lekol hakevashim shiv'ah, stressing comprehensive inclusion. In tabernacle practice (1445-1000 BC), priests measured portions precisely using standardized vessels, maintaining consistency across Israel's far-flung tribes when they gathered for festivals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to each lamb's portion encourage believers about His intimate knowledge of individual needs?
  2. What does the number seven's recurrence in sacrificial law teach about God's covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עִשָּׂר֔וֹן1 of 6

A several tenth deal

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

עִשָּׂר֔וֹן2 of 6

A several tenth deal

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

הַכְּבָשִֽׂים׃3 of 6

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

הָֽאֶחָ֑ד4 of 6

for one

H259

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

לְשִׁבְעַ֖ת5 of 6

throughout the seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

הַכְּבָשִֽׂים׃6 of 6

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)


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 29:10 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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