King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:9 Mean?
“And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram,”
Numbers 29:9 · KJV
Context
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:
11
One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTheir meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil (מִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשָּׁמֶן)—The minchah accompanied burnt offerings, symbolizing daily bread consecrated to God. Fine flour (solet) represented refinement, while oil (shemen) symbolized the Holy Spirit's anointing.
Three tenth deals (three esronim, each roughly 2 quarts) for the bullock, two for the ram—the graduated amounts reflected each animal's size and value. This grain offering sustained the priests (Leviticus 6:14-18) while teaching that material provision comes from God's hand.
Three tenth deals (three esronim, each roughly 2 quarts) for the bullock, two for the ram—the graduated amounts reflected each animal's size and value. This grain offering sustained the priests (Leviticus 6:14-18) while teaching that material provision comes from God's hand.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Grain offerings date to Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) but were codified in Leviticus 2. Mingled with oil, never honey or leaven, they embodied purity. The specific measurements ensured uniformity in worship and equitable distribution among Aaronic priests who had no land inheritance.
Reflection Questions
- How does the grain offering's accompaniment to blood sacrifice illustrate that justification and sanctification are inseparable?
- What does the prohibition of leaven in grain offerings teach about the incompatibility of sin with worship?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוּמִנְחָתָ֔ם1 of 11
“And their meat offering”
H4503a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
בְּלוּלָ֣ה3 of 11
“mingled”
H1101to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
בַשָּׁ֑מֶן4 of 11
“with oil”
H8081grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
לַפָּ֔ר7 of 11
“to a bullock”
H6499a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
לָאַ֖יִל10 of 11
“ram”
H352properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
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 29:9 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 29:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge