King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:17 Mean?

Numbers 29:17 in the King James Version says “And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

Numbers 29:17 · KJV


Context

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.

17

And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

18

And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

19

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks—The descending bullock count begins: day 1 = 13, day 2 = 12, continuing to day 7 = 7. This unique pattern totals 70 bullocks across seven days. While rams (2) and lambs (14) remained constant, the diminishing bullocks created asymmetry demanding explanation.

Rabbinic interpretation saw 70 bullocks representing the nations (Genesis 10), decreasing as Messiah's kingdom subdues the world. Christian typology sees the descent symbolizing the world's fading glory versus the eternal eighth day (verse 35). The pattern's intentionality underscores numerical symbolism pervading Mosaic law.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The second through seventh days followed identical liturgical structure—only the bullock count changed. This repetition facilitated memorization in a largely pre-literate society where oral tradition preserved Torah. Priests learned the pattern: decrease bullocks by one, maintain rams at two, lambs at fourteen, always one sin offering.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 70-nations symbolism teach about worship's cosmic scope beyond individualistic piety?
  2. How might the descending pattern prefigure the 'passing away' of the old covenant once Messiah inaugurates the new (Hebrews 8:13)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבַיּ֣וֹם1 of 15

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

הַשֵּׁנִ֗י2 of 15

And on the second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

פָּרִ֧ים3 of 15

bullocks

H6499

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

בְּנֵֽי4 of 15

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

בָקָ֛ר5 of 15
H1241

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

שְׁנָ֑יִם6 of 15

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֖ר7 of 15
H6240

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

אֵילִ֣ם8 of 15

rams

H352

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

שְׁנָ֑יִם9 of 15

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כְּבָשִׂ֧ים10 of 15

lambs

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי11 of 15

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

שָׁנָ֛ה12 of 15

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַרְבָּעָ֥ה13 of 15

fourteen

H702

four

עָשָׂ֖ר14 of 15
H6240

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

תְּמִימִֽם׃15 of 15

without spot

H8549

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


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 29:17 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 29:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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