King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:30 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 29:30 · KJV
Context
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:
30
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:
31
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
32
And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAccording to their number, after the manner—The precise repetition of this phrase (also vv. 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 37) emphasizes covenantal fidelity. The Hebrew k'mishpatam (כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם) means "according to the legal requirement," stressing that acceptable worship adheres to revealed standards, not human innovation.
This ritualized repetition teaches that true devotion combines heart and obedience. The prophets later condemned sacrifices offered with wrong hearts (Isaiah 1:11-17), but never suggested abandoning God's prescribed forms. Jesus himself fulfilled, not abolished, the Law (Matthew 5:17).
This ritualized repetition teaches that true devotion combines heart and obedience. The prophets later condemned sacrifices offered with wrong hearts (Isaiah 1:11-17), but never suggested abandoning God's prescribed forms. Jesus himself fulfilled, not abolished, the Law (Matthew 5:17).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The detailed regulations cross-referenced Numbers 15:1-12, where specific amounts of flour, oil, and wine were prescribed based on whether the animal was a lamb, ram, or bull. This created a complex but consistent system requiring priestly expertise to administer properly across all twelve tribes.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might you be tempted to substitute sincerity for obedience to God's revealed will?
- How does the repetitive nature of these commands challenge the cultural preference for novelty in worship?
- What does the detailed specificity of biblical worship teach about God's character and how He desires to be approached?
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 29:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.