King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:21 Mean?
“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:”
Numbers 29:21 · KJV
Context
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.
20
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
21
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:
22
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
23
And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAccording to their number, after the manner—The refrain returns, hammering home covenant consistency. Day three's grain and drink offerings followed the same proportions as days one and two: 3 esronim per bullock, 2 per ram, 1 per lamb. The drink offering (nesek, נֶסֶךְ) of wine accompanied each animal (Numbers 15:1-12).
Wine symbolized joy (Psalm 104:15) but also covenant blood (Matthew 26:28). Poured out at the altar's base, it couldn't be consumed—a picture of Christ's blood poured out irrecoverably for sin (Isaiah 53:12). The repetitive phrase 'after the manner' reinforces that worship isn't creativity but obedience.
Wine symbolized joy (Psalm 104:15) but also covenant blood (Matthew 26:28). Poured out at the altar's base, it couldn't be consumed—a picture of Christ's blood poured out irrecoverably for sin (Isaiah 53:12). The repetitive phrase 'after the manner' reinforces that worship isn't creativity but obedience.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Wine production in ancient Israel occurred during harvest season, making Sukkot an ideal time for wine libations. Archaeological discoveries of ancient wine presses in Judean highlands confirm viticulture's centrality. Tithes included wine (Deuteronomy 14:23), integrating it into covenant worship.
Reflection Questions
- How does the wine libation's irretrievable pouring out illuminate Christ's words 'my blood poured out for many' (Mark 14:24)?
- What does the festival's joy-infused worship teach about the compatibility of reverence and gladness in approaching God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוּמִנְחָתָ֣ם1 of 7
“And their meat offering”
H4503a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
לַ֠פָּרִים3 of 7
“for the bullocks”
H6499a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
לָֽאֵילִ֧ם4 of 7
“for the rams”
H352properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם6 of 7
“shall be according to their number”
H4557a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃7 of 7
“after the manner”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
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 29:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.