King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:2 Mean?

Numbers 29:2 in the King James Version says “And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 29:2 · 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,

4

And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering of one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs without blemish represents comprehensive dedication on this holy day. The number seven (lambs) symbolizes completeness. The requirement that all be without blemish emphasizes that God deserves perfect offerings. This combination of animals represents the offering of strength (bullock), leadership (ram), and innocence (lambs) to God. Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfills what these unblemished animals prefigured—complete, spotless dedication to God's will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The substantial offerings on this festival demonstrated its importance. The sweet savour to the LORD indicates divine acceptance. These burnt offerings, completely consumed by fire, expressed total consecration. The festival's placement at the year's beginning sanctified the coming year, dedicating it to God from the start.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does beginning the year with substantial offerings teach about priorities?
  2. How do the multiple unblemished animals symbolize comprehensive consecration?
  3. In what ways does Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfill these Old Testament types?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם1 of 16

And ye shall offer

H6213

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

עֹלָ֜ה2 of 16

a burnt offering

H5930

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

לְרֵ֤יחַ3 of 16

savour

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֙חַ֙4 of 16

for a sweet

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה5 of 16

unto the LORD

H3068

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

פַּ֧ר6 of 16

bullock

H6499

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

בְּנֵֽי7 of 16

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

בָּקָ֛ר8 of 16

young

H1241

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

אֶחָ֑ד9 of 16

one

H259

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

אַ֣יִל10 of 16

ram

H352

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

אֶחָ֑ד11 of 16

one

H259

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

כְּבָשִׂ֧ים12 of 16

lambs

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי13 of 16

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

שָׁנָ֛ה14 of 16

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שִׁבְעָ֖ה15 of 16

and seven

H7651

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

תְּמִימִֽם׃16 of 16

without blemish

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 29:2 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 29:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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