King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:14 Mean?

Numbers 6:14 in the King James Version says “And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and o...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,”

Numbers 6:14 · KJV

Peace

Context

12

And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled. be lost: Heb. fall

13

And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

14

And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

15

And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

16

And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The threefold offering pattern (burnt offering, sin offering, peace offering) represents comprehensive worship—total dedication (burnt offering), atonement for sin (sin offering), and fellowship with God (peace offering). Even voluntary consecration required sin offering, demonstrating that human holiness is always incomplete and needs atonement. The specifications (male lamb, ewe lamb without blemish) anticipated Christ, the perfect Lamb who fulfills all types of offerings through His sacrifice. No human devotion, however sincere, merits salvation apart from substitutionary atonement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The requirement for animals 'without blemish' meant careful selection, often involving significant expense. These perfect animals symbolized the perfect sacrifice of Christ. The sin offering's inclusion shows that even during a period of special consecration, atonement for sin remained necessary. This taught Israel that their best efforts at holiness could not earn salvation—redemption required blood sacrifice pointing to the coming Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement for sin offering even after faithful Nazirite service teach about salvation by grace?
  2. How do the three types of offerings help you understand Christ's comprehensive work on the cross?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהִקְרִ֣יב1 of 20

“And he shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קָרְבָּנ֣וֹ3 of 20

“his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לַֽיהוָ֡ה4 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

כֶּבֶשׂ֩5 of 20

“he lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בֶּן6 of 20

“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

שְׁנָתָ֛הּ7 of 20

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תָּמִ֖ים8 of 20

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

אֶחָ֥ד9 of 20

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְעֹלָ֔ה10 of 20

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

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

וְכַבְשָׂ֨ה11 of 20

“ewe lamb”

H3535

a ewe

אֶחָ֥ד12 of 20

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

בַּת13 of 20

“of the first”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שְׁנָתָ֛הּ14 of 20

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תָּמִ֖ים15 of 20

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

לְחַטָּ֑את16 of 20

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְאַֽיִל17 of 20

“ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֶחָ֥ד18 of 20

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

תָּמִ֖ים19 of 20

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

לִשְׁלָמִֽים׃20 of 20

“for 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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:6Leviticus 4:321 Chronicles 15:28-29Numbers 15:27Leviticus 4:27Leviticus 1:10-13

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