King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:23 Mean?

Numbers 29:23 in the King James Version says “And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

Numbers 29:23 · KJV


Context

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:

24

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:

25

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the fourth day ten bullocks—Midpoint of the seven-day festival, the bullock count reaches ten, symbolizing completeness (ten commandments, ten plagues, ten esronim in the showbread). The pattern 13→12→11→10→9→8→7 creates arithmetic symmetry: total 70 bullocks, average 10 per day.

Day four's offerings (10 bullocks, 2 rams, 14 lambs, 1 goat) continued the established rhythm. The predictability taught worshipers that God values faithful consistency over dramatic innovation. Covenant relationship thrived on daily obedience, not sporadic enthusiasm.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By day four, thousands of pilgrims lived in temporary booths (sukkot) throughout Jerusalem, reenacting wilderness wanderings. Families ate festive meals, waved palm branches (lulav) and citron (etrog), and celebrated God's provision—customs still observed in modern Judaism's Sukkot celebration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the midpoint's ten bullocks symbolize covenant completeness even while the overall pattern descends toward fulfillment?
  2. What does the festival's week-long duration teach about worship as sustained lifestyle versus occasional event?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּבַיּ֧וֹם1 of 12

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

הָֽרְבִיעִ֛י2 of 12

And on the fourth

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

פָּרִ֥ים3 of 12

bullocks

H6499

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

עֲשָׂרָ֖ה4 of 12

ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֵילִ֣ם5 of 12

rams

H352

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

שְׁנָ֑יִם6 of 12

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כְּבָשִׂ֧ים7 of 12

lambs

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי8 of 12

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

שָׁנָ֛ה9 of 12

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַרְבָּעָ֥ה10 of 12

and fourteen

H702

four

עָשָׂ֖ר11 of 12
H6240

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

תְּמִימִֽם׃12 of 12

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 29:23 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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