King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:8 Mean?
“But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:”
Numbers 29:8 · KJV
Context
6
Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
7
And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:
8
But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:
9
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram,
10
A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryA burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour (עֹלָה לְרֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ)—The olah completely consumed on the altar signified total dedication to God. Reach nichoach (sweet savour) depicts God's pleasure in willing sacrifice, language used of Noah's altar (Genesis 8:21) and foreshadowing Christ's self-offering (Ephesians 5:2).
Without blemish (תְּמִימִם, temimim) demanded perfect animals, pointing to Christ the spotless Lamb. This Day of Atonement offering combined with those of Leviticus 16, layering priestly intercession with covenant worship before Sukkot began.
Without blemish (תְּמִימִם, temimim) demanded perfect animals, pointing to Christ the spotless Lamb. This Day of Atonement offering combined with those of Leviticus 16, layering priestly intercession with covenant worship before Sukkot began.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Numbers 29:8-11 prescribes additional offerings for Yom Kippur (10th day, 7th month) beyond Leviticus 16's ritual. Written during Israel's wilderness period (1445-1405 BC), these regulations prepared the nation for temple worship in Canaan. The sacrifices preceded the joyous Feast of Tabernacles by five days.
Reflection Questions
- How does the 'sweet savour' language challenge modern worship that prioritizes personal satisfaction over God's pleasure?
- What does the demand for unblemished animals teach about God's holiness and the necessity of Christ's perfection?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsוְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם1 of 18
“But ye shall offer”
H7126to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
עֹלָ֤ה2 of 18
“a burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
לַֽיהוָה֙3 of 18
“unto the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פַּ֧ר6 of 18
“bullock”
H6499a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
בְּנֵֽי7 of 18
“of the first”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּקָ֛ר8 of 18
“young”
H1241a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אַ֣יִל10 of 18
“ram”
H352properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בְּנֵֽי13 of 18
“of the first”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שִׁבְעָ֔ה15 of 18
“and seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
תְּמִימִ֖ם16 of 18
“they shall be unto you without blemish”
H8549entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
יִֽהְי֥וּ17 of 18
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָכֶֽם׃18 of 18
H0Study 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 29:8 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 29:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge