King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:17 Mean?

Numbers 6:17 in the King James Version says “And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the pr...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 6:17 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

18

And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

19

And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ram as peace offering, accompanied by the basket of unleavened bread, completes the Nazirite's consecration ritual. Peace offerings were eaten by the offerer in fellowship with God and the priests, symbolizing restored relationship and covenant communion. The accompanying grain offering and drink offering rounded out the sacrifice, representing the fullness of dedication—animals, grain, and wine all offered to God. This comprehensive offering teaches that God deserves the firstfruits of all we produce, not merely token gestures.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings were unique in that the offerer ate portions along with the priests, making them fellowship meals in God's presence. The Nazirite's completion of his vow was thus celebrated as a feast, marking the successful fulfillment of special consecration and return to normal life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fellowship aspect of the peace offering enrich our understanding of communion with God?
  2. What does offering grain, wine, and meat together teach about comprehensive dedication to God?
  3. In what ways do special seasons of consecration inform and enhance ongoing Christian living?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאֶת1 of 15
H853

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

הָאַ֜יִל2 of 15

“the ram”

H352

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

וְעָשָׂה֙3 of 15

“And he shall offer”

H6213

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

זֶ֤בַח4 of 15

“for a sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

שְׁלָמִים֙5 of 15

“of peace offerings”

H8002

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

עַ֖ל7 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סַ֣ל8 of 15

“with the basket”

H5536

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

הַמַּצּ֑וֹת9 of 15

“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

וְעָשָׂה֙10 of 15

“And he shall offer”

H6213

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

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן11 of 15

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

מִנְחָת֖וֹ13 of 15

“also his meat offering”

H4503

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

וְאֶת14 of 15
H853

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

נִסְכּֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“and his drink offering”

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 6:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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