King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:14 Mean?

Numbers 29:14 in the King James Version says “And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullock...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Numbers 29:14 · KJV

Context

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:

16

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

Read Numbers 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks—Each bullock received 3 esronim (6+ quarts) of fine flour with oil, totaling 39 esronim for all thirteen, plus 4 for the rams and 14 for the lambs—a massive 57 esronim (nearly 30 gallons) on day one alone. This abundance reflected harvest bounty and covenant generosity.

The number thirteen bullocks uniquely begins the descending pattern (13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7) over seven days, totaling 70 bullocks. Jewish tradition saw these 70 as atonement for the 70 Gentile nations (Genesis 10), Israel interceding for the world—fulfilled when Messiah brings 'a light to lighten the Gentiles' (Luke 2:32).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The flour-oil mixture required extensive preparation by Levitical families. With thousands of pilgrims in Jerusalem (post-conquest), the temple courts bustled with activity. Priests worked in rotating divisions (mishmarot) to manage the sheer volume of offerings during the three pilgrimage feasts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 70-bullocks-for-70-nations tradition shape understanding of Israel's priestly role among the nations?
  2. What does the feast's lavish generosity teach about worship that costs us something versus token religiosity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּמִנְחָתָ֔ם1 of 17

“And their meat offering”

H4503

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

סֹ֖לֶת2 of 17

“shall be of flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּלוּלָ֣ה3 of 17

“mingled”

H1101

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

בַשָּׁ֑מֶן4 of 17

“with oil”

H8081

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

לִשְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה5 of 17

“of the thirteen”

H7969

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

עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙6 of 17

“tenth deals”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

פָּרִ֔ים7 of 17

“bullock”

H6499

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

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד8 of 17

“to each”

H259

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

לִשְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה9 of 17

“of the thirteen”

H7969

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

עָשָׂר֙10 of 17
H6240

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

פָּרִ֔ים11 of 17

“bullock”

H6499

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

לִשְׁנֵ֖י12 of 17

“of the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙13 of 17

“tenth deals”

H6241

(fractional) a tenth part

הָֽאֵילִֽם׃14 of 17

“ram”

H352

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

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד15 of 17

“to each”

H259

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

לִשְׁנֵ֖י16 of 17

“of the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָֽאֵילִֽם׃17 of 17

“ram”

H352

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

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 29:14 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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