King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:15 Mean?

Numbers 6:15 in the King James Version says “And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 6:15 · KJV

Context

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:

17

And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The basket of unleavened bread for the Nazirite offering represents purity and dedication. Leaven symbolizes sin throughout Scripture, so unleavened bread indicates sincerity and consecration. The cakes mixed with oil and wafers anointed with oil both point to the Holy Spirit's presence and enabling power. The variety of offerings—peace offerings alongside the unleavened bread—demonstrates that the Nazirite's vow culminates in fellowship with God. The Reformed understanding of sanctification is reflected here—separation from sin for the purpose of communion with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Nazirite vow was voluntary, undertaken for a set period, representing special dedication to God. At the vow's completion, these offerings celebrated the faithful completion of the consecrated period and marked the return to normal life while commemorating the season of special devotion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the unleavened bread and anointing oil together symbolize Spirit-empowered holiness?
  2. What does the completion offering teach about finishing well in our commitments to God?
  3. In what ways do voluntary seasons of special dedication enhance normal Christian discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְסַ֣ל1 of 12

“And a basket”

H5536

properly, a willow twig (as pendulous), i.e., an osier; but only as woven into a basket

מַצּ֖וֹת2 of 12

“of unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

סֹ֤לֶת3 of 12

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

חַלֹּת֙4 of 12

“cakes”

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

בְּלוּלֹ֣ת5 of 12

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן6 of 12

“with oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וּרְקִיקֵ֥י7 of 12

“and wafers”

H7550

a thin cake

מַצּ֖וֹת8 of 12

“of unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

מְשֻׁחִ֣ים9 of 12

“anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן10 of 12

“with oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וּמִנְחָתָ֖ם11 of 12

“and their meat offering”

H4503

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

וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם׃12 of 12

“and their drink offerings”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:2Leviticus 2:4Numbers 15:10John 6:50-59Leviticus 8:2Joel 2:14

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 6 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes