King James Version

What Does Numbers 29:39 Mean?

Numbers 29:39 in the King James Version says “These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. do: or, offer”

Numbers 29:39 · KJV

Peace

Context

37

Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

38

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

39

These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. do: or, offer

40

And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God concludes: 'These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings.' This verse distinguishes between commanded offerings (set feasts) and voluntary offerings (vows and freewill). The Hebrew 'mo'ed' (appointed times/set feasts) indicates divinely-scheduled worship, while 'nedabah' (freewill offerings) expresses spontaneous devotion. Both are necessary - obedience to commanded worship and voluntary expressions from grateful hearts. This balance continues in Christian life: regular corporate worship (Heb 10:25) and spontaneous praise and giving. God values both faithful obedience to His prescribed worship and heartfelt voluntary offerings exceeding minimum requirements.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conclusion to the festival calendar (ch 28-29) summarized annual worship rhythm: daily sacrifices, Sabbath additions, monthly new moons, and seven annual feasts (Passover/Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, Eighth Day Assembly). The phrase 'beside your vows and freewill offerings' acknowledged these were minimums; individuals could and should exceed them through voluntary devotion. The system created worship structure while encouraging personal expression. After 70 AD, without temple sacrifices, Judaism developed synagogue liturgy and prayers replacing physical offerings. Christians see fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice ending the ceremonial system while maintaining principles of regular commanded worship plus voluntary service and giving.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you balance faithful participation in regular corporate worship with spontaneous personal expressions of devotion to God?
  2. How can you move beyond viewing church attendance as obligation to adding joyful freewill offerings of time, talent, and treasure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֵ֛לֶּה1 of 11
H428

these or those

תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ2 of 11

“These things ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לַֽיהוָ֖ה3 of 11

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּמֽוֹעֲדֵיכֶ֑ם4 of 11

“in your set feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לְבַ֨ד5 of 11
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

מִנִּדְרֵיכֶ֜ם6 of 11

“beside your vows”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

וְנִדְבֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם7 of 11

“and your freewill offerings”

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

לְעֹלֹֽתֵיכֶם֙8 of 11

“for your burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּלְמִנְחֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם9 of 11

“and for your meat offerings”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וּלְנִסְכֵּיכֶ֖ם10 of 11

“and for your drink offerings”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

וּלְשַׁלְמֵיכֶֽם׃11 of 11

“and for your peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

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 29:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 29:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:22 Chronicles 31:31 Chronicles 23:31Ezra 3:5Isaiah 1:14Leviticus 7:11

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