Numbers 15:3

KJV

And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:

KJV (with Strong's)

And will make {H6213} an offering by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}, a burnt offering {H5930}, or a sacrifice {H2077} in performing {H6381} a vow {H5088}, or in a freewill offering {H5071}, or in your solemn feasts {H4150}, to make {H6213} a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}, of the herd {H1241}, or of the flock {H6629}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and want to make an offering by fire to ADONAI - a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a special vow, or to be a voluntary offering, or at your designated times, to make a fragrant aroma for ADONAI - then, whether it is comes from the herd or from the flock,

Berean Standard Bible

and you present an offering made by fire to the LORD from the herd or flock to produce a pleasing aroma to the LORD—either a burnt offering or a sacrifice, for a special vow or freewill offering or appointed feast—

American Standard Version

and will make an offering by fire unto Jehovah, a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a freewill-offering, or in your set feasts, to make a sweet savor unto Jehovah, of the herd, or of the flock;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:3 introduces a foundational legislative passage (Numbers 15:1-16) outlining the requirements for various fire offerings to the LORD, particularly as the Israelites anticipated their settlement in the Promised Land. This verse meticulously specifies categories such as burnt offerings, sacrifices for vows, freewill offerings, and those presented during solemn feasts, all designated to produce a "sweet savour" unto the LORD. This divine aroma signified God's acceptance and pleasure when these offerings were presented from the herd or flock, meticulously adhering to the divine instructions, thus reinforcing the continuity of worship and the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:3 is embedded within a significant legislative block (Numbers 15:1-31) that immediately follows the profound judgment at Kadesh Barnea, where the generation of the Exodus was condemned to die in the wilderness. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge, shifting focus from the failures of the past to the future hope of the new generation entering Canaan. Verses 1-16, specifically, establish the laws for accompanying grain and drink offerings with burnt offerings, peace offerings, and offerings made in fulfillment of vows or as freewill gifts. The explicit phrase "when ye be come into the land of your habitations" in [Numbers 15:2](/numbers/15-2 "Numbers 15:2 - Laws for Offerings in the Promised Land") underscores the forward-looking nature of these commands, ensuring that proper worship and fellowship with God would continue seamlessly once Israel possessed the land. Following these detailed sacrificial instructions, the chapter transitions to address unintentional sins and the severe consequences of defiant, high-handed sin, thereby highlighting the absolute necessity of faithful adherence to God's commands for the spiritual integrity and well-being of the entire community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These laws were given to Israel while they were still in the wilderness, yet their application was explicitly for the time when they would dwell in the Promised Land. This forward-looking orientation was vital for preparing the new generation for their life in Canaan, where they would transition from a nomadic existence to an agrarian society. For the Israelites, "offerings of the herd, or of the flock" represented substantial economic and personal sacrifices, as these animals constituted a significant portion of their wealth and livelihood. The sacrificial system was the bedrock of Israelite worship under the Mosaic Covenant, providing the divinely ordained means for atonement, expressing profound gratitude, fulfilling solemn vows, and maintaining a vital fellowship with a holy God. Unlike the often manipulative or appeasement-focused sacrifices of surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures, Israel's rituals were not merely external acts. They were intended to be accompanied by a sincere heart of obedience and devotion, reflecting the unique covenant relationship established at Sinai. The concept of a "sweet savour" in Israel uniquely signified God's acceptance of an offering made precisely according to His commands and from a right heart, rather than a means of coercing divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:3 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Acceptance**, powerfully encapsulated in the phrase "to make a sweet savour unto the LORD." This signifies that when offerings were presented in strict accordance with God's precise instructions and with a sincere heart, they were indeed pleasing and acceptable to Him, a concept rooted in early biblical history, as seen in [Noah's post-flood sacrifice](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Offering"). Second, the verse reinforces the critical theme of **Covenant Obedience**; the detailed regulations underscore that worship must be conducted exactly as God commanded, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to the Mosaic Law. Third, the verse highlights the **Variety and Purpose of Offerings**, meticulously distinguishing between different types of "offering by fire," each serving a distinct spiritual function within the community's life. These include the **Burnt Offering** (Hebrew: *'olah*), symbolizing complete dedication and providing general atonement, as comprehensively detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of the Burnt Offering"); **Sacrifices in Performing a Vow**, which underscored the profound sanctity of promises made to God ([Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Keeping Vows")); **Freewill Offerings**, demonstrating spontaneous gratitude and uncoerced devotion; and offerings made during **Solemn Feasts**, which were divinely appointed times of communal worship and remembrance ([Leviticus 23:2](/leviticus/23-2 "Leviticus 23:2 - The Lord's Appointed Feasts")). Finally, the verse underscores the broader theme of **Worship and Dedication**, as each offering represented a tangible act of dependence on God and a commitment of one's most valuable resources to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offering by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** While sharing a root with the word for "woman," this term in a liturgical context specifically refers to "a burnt-offering" or, more broadly, "any sacrifice made by fire." It emphasizes the method of presentation—consumption by fire on the altar—as the divinely appointed means of conveying the offering to the LORD, signifying its transformation and ascent.
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʿôlâh'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to go up" or "ascend," the *'olah* was unique among sacrifices because it was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God. This complete consumption symbolized the worshipper's total dedication, surrender, and devotion to God. Primarily, it served as a general atonement for sin, making the worshipper acceptable to God, its comprehensive nature representing a desire for full reconciliation and communion.
* **Savour (Hebrew, _rêyach'_):** This word denotes an "odor" or "smell." When combined with *nîychôwach* ("sweet" or "restful"), it forms the phrase "sweet savour." In the context of offerings, *rêyach* signifies the sensory aspect of the offering as perceived by God. It is an anthropomorphism, conveying that the offering, when presented correctly and with a sincere heart, was pleasing, agreeable, and brought satisfaction to the LORD, indicating divine acceptance and the efficacy of the sacrifice in the divine-human relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the overarching category of sacrifice under discussion—an "offering by fire" (*'ishsheh*), signifying any offering consumed by fire on the altar. It explicitly directs these acts of worship "unto the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing that all such offerings are to be solely for the covenant God of Israel, acknowledging His sovereignty and unique claim on their worship.
* **"a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts":** This segment provides a detailed enumeration of the specific types of "offerings by fire" that are the subject of the accompanying meal and drink offerings (as further elaborated in Numbers 15:4-10). Each type carried distinct spiritual significance: the "burnt offering" for general atonement and complete dedication; a "sacrifice in performing a vow" to fulfill a solemn promise made to God; a "freewill offering" given voluntarily out of spontaneous gratitude or devotion; and offerings made during "solemn feasts," which were divinely appointed annual festivals requiring specific communal sacrifices. This comprehensive list highlights the diverse motivations, occasions, and spiritual functions for bringing offerings within the Israelite community.
* **"to make a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This crucial phrase articulates the desired divine outcome and perspective on the offerings. It signifies that the offering, when presented precisely according to divine instruction and with a proper heart, was pleasing, acceptable, and brought satisfaction to God. It underscores the concept of divine approval and the establishment or restoration of favorable communion between the worshipper and the Holy God. This is not a literal smell but a profound theological statement of divine pleasure.
* **"of the herd, or of the flock":** This concluding phrase specifies the acceptable sources for these various offerings. They were to come exclusively from domesticated animals—cattle ("herd") or sheep/goats ("flock"). This detail emphasizes both the economic value and the personal sacrifice involved, as these animals represented a significant portion of an Israelite's wealth and livelihood, offered as a tangible and costly expression of devotion and obedience to God.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its intricate message. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, as the verse systematically lists distinct categories of offerings ("burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts"). This detailed categorization provides a clear taxonomy of sacrificial acts, defining the precise scope of the laws being presented in the broader chapter. The evocative phrase "sweet savour" functions as both an **anthropomorphism** and a **metaphor**. It attributes a human sensory experience (smell) to God, metaphorically conveying His profound pleasure, acceptance, and satisfaction with the offering. This is not to be understood literally but as a powerful image of divine approval and the efficacy of the sacrifice when offered in obedience and sincerity. Furthermore, the repetition of "unto the LORD" (explicitly stated and implicitly understood within "to make a sweet savour unto the LORD") serves as a subtle yet powerful form of **emphasis**, continually directing the focus of these sacrificial acts back to their divine recipient and ultimate, God-glorifying purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:3, with its meticulous enumeration of offerings and the profound emphasis on a "sweet savour," deeply connects to the broader theological understanding of worship, atonement, and relationship with God in the Old Testament. The intricate sacrificial system was God's gracious provision, enabling a sinful people to approach and maintain fellowship with a holy God. It served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the gravity of sin, the absolute necessity of a substitutionary sacrifice, and the divine requirement for holiness in all aspects of life. The variety of offerings underscored that authentic worship encompassed diverse aspects of life—from mandatory atonement for sin to spontaneous expressions of gratitude—and that all facets of existence were to be lived in dedicated response to the LORD. The concept of "sweet savour" transcended the physical aroma; it signified God's divine acceptance of an offering made in obedience and with a sincere heart, indicating that God found profound pleasure in His people's faithful acts of worship. This profound truth foreshadows a deeper spiritual reality: God desires not merely ritualistic adherence, but a heart wholly devoted to Him, expressed through genuine obedience and love.

* [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Noah's Sacrifice as a Soothing Aroma")
* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "The Sacrifice God Desires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the specific offerings detailed in Numbers 15:3, has been perfectly and finally fulfilled in the singular sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. We are now called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are inherently pleasing and acceptable to God. This includes living a life of radical, unwavering obedience to God's Word, dedicating our entire selves—our bodies, minds, and wills—as a "living sacrifice" in grateful response to His immeasurable grace. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should never be a mere ritualistic performance but an authentic outpouring of sincere praise, thanksgiving, and adoration from a heart overflowing with gratitude. Furthermore, our generosity, our selfless service to others, and our unwavering commitment to the advancement of God's kingdom, whether freely given or as part of our Christian duty, can be understood as our contemporary "freewill offerings" or "vow offerings" that powerfully demonstrate our love and devotion. Just as the ancient Israelites offered "of the herd, or of the flock," we are called to offer our most valuable resources—our time, our talents, and our treasures—in a way that profoundly honors God and reflects the "sweet savour" of Christ's own perfect self-offering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways can I offer my entire life as a "sweet savour" to the LORD today, beyond mere religious activities?**
* **How do the timeless principles of "vow offerings" and "freewill offerings" translate into and apply to my specific commitments and spontaneous acts of devotion in my daily walk with God?**
* **What does it truly mean for my daily obedience and worship to be genuinely "acceptable" to God, extending beyond superficial external actions to encompass the posture of my heart?**

### FAQ
**What does "sweet savour" truly mean in the context of Old Testament offerings?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: *rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ*) is an anthropomorphism, a way of describing God's divine acceptance and profound pleasure in the offering, rather than implying that God literally smells the burning sacrifices. It signifies that the sacrifice was made according to His precise commands, with the proper attitude and sincere heart from the worshipper, and was therefore agreeable and pleasing to Him. It indicates that the offering effectively served its divinely intended purpose in restoring or maintaining fellowship between God and His people, as vividly illustrated when [Noah offered sacrifices after the flood](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Offering") and it was a "sweet savour" to the LORD.

**Are these types of offerings still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the specific animal offerings mentioned in [Numbers 15:3](/numbers/15-3 "Numbers 15:3 - Laws for Offerings"), has been perfectly fulfilled and rendered obsolete by the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for Christians. We are no longer required to offer animal sacrifices, but we are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices"))—lives characterized by radical obedience, sincere worship, heartfelt praise, genuine thanksgiving, and selfless acts of service and generosity. These are our contemporary "freewill offerings" and expressions of deep dedication that are inherently pleasing to God, just as Christ's own sacrifice was a "sweet-smelling aroma" to Him ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:3, with its detailed descriptions of various "offerings by fire" intended to be a "sweet savour" to the LORD, finds its ultimate, perfect, and all-encompassing fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Every burnt offering, every vow offering, every freewill offering, and every feast offering within the Old Testament sacrificial system served as a divinely appointed shadow, pointing forward to the singular, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ's death on the cross was the complete "burnt offering," representing His total dedication and absolute surrender to the Father's will, consumed by the righteous fire of divine judgment for our sins. His life of perfect obedience was the quintessential "vow offering," as He flawlessly fulfilled all righteousness and every promise of God's covenant. His sacrifice was the ultimate "freewill offering," given not out of compulsion but out of boundless, unfathomable love and grace for humanity. Moreover, He is the very essence and fulfillment of all "solemn feasts," for He is our Passover Lamb, our Unleavened Bread, our Firstfruits, and the perfect realization of all God's appointed times of worship and remembrance. The "sweet savour" that ascended to the LORD from these Old Testament sacrifices was but a faint shadow of the infinitely pleasing and eternally acceptable aroma of Christ's perfect self-offering. Through His finished work on the cross, believers are now able to approach God not with animal sacrifices, but with hearts transformed by His grace, presenting their very lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), made eternally acceptable through the "sweet-smelling aroma" of Christ's own perfect sacrifice ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 29:18

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Numbers 28:27

But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;

Leviticus 27:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation.

Leviticus 1:1

¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,