King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:13 Mean?

Numbers 29:13 in the King James Version says “And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks,...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:”

Numbers 29:13 · KJV

Context

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:

13

And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:

14

And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,

15

And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:

Read Numbers 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs—The fifteenth day of the seventh month inaugurated Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), the harvest thanksgiving festival. The staggering number of animals (29 total) surpassed all other festivals, reflecting agricultural abundance and joy in God's provision.

A sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour (אִשֶּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, isheh reach nichoach)—'Made by fire' emphasizes the consuming flame transforming the offering into fragrant smoke ascending to heaven. This festival celebrated dwelling in temporary booths (sukkot), commemorating wilderness wanderings when God was Israel's shelter (Leviticus 23:42-43).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sukkot, one of three mandatory pilgrimage feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16), occurred post-harvest (September/October). Instituted in Leviticus 23, it prefigured millennial glory when all nations will celebrate it (Zechariah 14:16). The seven-day feast plus eighth day assembly totaled eight days.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Sukkot's emphasis on temporary dwellings challenge modern attachment to material security?
  2. What prophetic significance does Zechariah 14:16's vision of Gentile nations keeping Sukkot hold for Christ's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם1 of 20

“And ye shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עֹלָ֜ה2 of 20

“a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

אִשֵּׁ֨ה3 of 20

“a sacrifice made by fire”

H801

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

רֵ֤יחַ4 of 20

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֙חַ֙5 of 20

“of a sweet”

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

פָּרִ֧ים7 of 20

“bullocks”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

בְּנֵֽי8 of 20

“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

בָקָ֛ר9 of 20

“young”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה10 of 20

“thirteen”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

עָשָׂ֖ר11 of 20
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֵילִ֣ם12 of 20

“rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

שְׁנָ֑יִם13 of 20

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כְּבָשִׂ֧ים14 of 20

“lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי15 of 20

“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

שָׁנָ֛ה16 of 20

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַרְבָּעָ֥ה17 of 20

“and fourteen”

H702

four

עָשָׂ֖ר18 of 20
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

תְּמִימִ֥ם19 of 20

“they shall be without blemish”

H8549

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

יִֽהְיֽוּ׃20 of 20
H1961

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

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 29:13 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 29:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 3:4Numbers 28:11Romans 12:1Numbers 29:2Hebrews 10:12-14Numbers 29:8

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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