King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:32 Mean?

Numbers 29:32 in the King James Version says “And on the seventh day seven 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 seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

Numbers 29:32 · KJV


Context

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:

33

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:

34

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the seventh day seven bullocks—The numerical sequence reaches its symbolic climax: seven bulls on the seventh day of the seven-day feast. In Hebrew thought, seven represents completion and perfection (sheva, שֶׁבַע, shares roots with shava, to swear/be complete). This convergence of sevens marks the high point of the liturgical pattern before the unique eighth day.

The two rams, and fourteen lambs (double seven) continue the symbolism. The seventh day of Tabernacles later developed into Hoshana Rabbah in Second Temple Judaism, a day of climactic processionals. Jesus stood on this day proclaiming, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me" (John 7:37).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The seventh day of Sukkot had special significance in later Jewish tradition, involving seven circuits around the altar with willow branches. Though not detailed in Numbers, this practice may reflect the completeness theme embedded in the seventh-day liturgy. The feast occurred in the seventh month (Tishrei), adding further layers of sabbatical symbolism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the symbolic completeness of "seven on the seventh day" point to Christ as the fulfillment of all Old Testament worship?
  2. What incomplete areas of your spiritual life need to reach the "seventh day" maturity and wholeness?
  3. How does Jesus's proclamation on the seventh day of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39) transform your understanding of these sacrificial requirements?

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֛י2 of 12

And on the seventh

H7637

seventh

פָּרִ֥ים3 of 12

bullocks

H6499

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

שִׁבְעָ֖ה4 of 12

seven

H7651

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

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 29:32 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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