King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:27 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 29:27 · KJV
Context
25
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
26
And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
27
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:
28
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
29
And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTheir meat offering and their drink offerings—The minchah (מִנְחָה, grain offering) and nesek (נֶסֶךְ, drink offering) accompanied each burnt offering according to their number, after the manner (k'mishpatam, כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם, according to their ordinance). These additions are detailed in Numbers 15:1-12, with amounts varying by animal size.
The repetition of this formula throughout the festival underscores that worship is not spontaneous emotionalism but covenantal obedience. The grain and wine offerings symbolized the fruit of labor, acknowledging God's provision in harvest. This structured devotion prefigures the New Testament's "reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).
The repetition of this formula throughout the festival underscores that worship is not spontaneous emotionalism but covenantal obedience. The grain and wine offerings symbolized the fruit of labor, acknowledging God's provision in harvest. This structured devotion prefigures the New Testament's "reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The grain offerings used fine flour mixed with oil, and drink offerings were wine poured out at the altar's base. These represented Israel's agricultural prosperity, consecrating the harvest back to God during the fall ingathering festival. The detailed "manner" or "ordinance" ensured uniformity across generations.
Reflection Questions
- How does the prescribed "manner" of offerings challenge contemporary worship preferences for spontaneity over structure?
- In what ways do you offer the "fruit of your labor" back to God as these grain and drink offerings symbolized?
- What does the repetitive nature of these commands teach about faithful, long-term obedience?
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 29:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.