Numbers 15:6

Translation
King James Version
Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Or for a ram H352, thou shalt prepare H6213 for a meat offering H4503 two H8147 tenth deals H6241 of flour H5560 mingled H1101 with the third H7992 part of an hin H1969 of oil H8081.
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Complete Jewish Bible
"'For a ram, prepare one gallon of fine flour mixed with one-and-one-third quarts of olive oil;
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Berean Standard Bible
With a ram you are to prepare a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin of olive oil,
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American Standard Version
Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meal-offering two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mingled with the third part of a hin of oil:
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World English Bible Messianic
“‘Or for a ram, you shall prepare for a meal offering two tenth parts of an efah of fine flour mixed with the third part of a hin of oil;
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And for a ram, thou shalt for a meat offring, prepare two tenth deales of fine floure, mingled with the third part of an Hin of oyle.
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Young's Literal Translation
or for a ram thou dost prepare a present of flour, two-tenth deals, mixed with oil, a third of the hin;
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See also
Numbers 28:12Numbers 28:14Numbers 15:4
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From Mt. Sinai to Kadesh Barnea
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In the KJVVerse 4,160 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 15:6 meticulously details the precise quantities of grain and oil required as accompanying offerings when a ram was presented as a sacrifice. This divine instruction, part of a broader set of regulations given to Israel in the wilderness, underscores God's exacting standards for worship and the comprehensive dedication expected from His people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It highlights the integral role of these supplementary offerings within the elaborate sacrificial system, signifying sustenance, consecration, and the anointing presence of God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 15:6 is situated within a significant legislative block in Numbers 15:1-16, which outlines general laws concerning the various offerings—burnt offerings, peace offerings, and offerings made in fulfillment of vows—and their mandatory accompanying grain and drink offerings. This section immediately follows the devastating account of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13-14), where their lack of faith resulted in a forty-year wilderness wandering. By re-establishing and detailing the sacrificial system, God reaffirmed His enduring covenant relationship with a disobedient generation, emphasizing the continued necessity of proper worship and atonement even in the midst of judgment. This particular verse specifies the precise quantities for a ram, logically following similar instructions for a lamb in Numbers 15:5 and preceding those for a bull in Numbers 15:9. The meticulous nature of these laws ensures that worship remains orderly, reverent, and fully compliant with divine will.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: The instructions in Numbers 15 were delivered to the Israelites while they were encamped in the wilderness, likely near Kadesh, as they were being prepared for their eventual entry into Canaan. The sacrificial system was the central pillar of Israelite worship, providing the divinely ordained means for atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with a holy God. These offerings were not mere abstract rituals but were deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of ancient Israel, serving as tangible expressions of devotion, repentance, and reliance on divine provision. The specific measurements of flour and oil reflect the agricultural economy of the time, where grain and olive oil were staple commodities, representing the fruit of human labor and the bounty of the land. The meticulousness also mirrors the broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of approaching deity, where precision and strict adherence to prescribed rites were paramount to ensure divine favor and avoid offense.

  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Firstly, it highlights Divine Specificity and Order, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for precise adherence in worship. Every detail, down to the exact measurements of flour and oil, underscores the necessity of obedience and reverence when approaching a holy God. This divine particularity is a recurring motif, emphasizing that God is not to be approached casually but with utmost care and intentionality, as seen in the detailed construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 25 and the priestly vestments in Exodus 28. Secondly, it illustrates the principle of Proportionality in Giving, as the quantities of accompanying offerings varied based on the size and value of the animal sacrifice (e.g., a lamb, a ram, or a bull), establishing a system of equitable and intentional giving. This is clearly evident when comparing the requirements for a ram in Numbers 15:6 with those for a lamb in Numbers 15:5 or a bull in Numbers 15:9. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of Holiness and Atonement, as the accompanying offerings were integral to the complete act of worship, signifying dedication, sustenance, and the presence of God's Spirit, all necessary components for maintaining a covenant relationship with the Lord.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Ram (Hebrew, ʼayil', H352): This word (H352) refers to a male sheep, specifically a ram, often chosen for its strength and value. In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, rams were frequently used for burnt offerings (signifying complete dedication to God), peace offerings (for communion and thanksgiving), and sometimes for sin or trespass offerings. Their inclusion in the sacrificial system underscores their significance as valuable and appropriate animals for consecration to God.
  • Meat offering (Hebrew, minchâh', H4503): In the King James Version, "meat offering" (H4503) is an archaic translation that can be misleading for modern readers, as it does not refer to animal flesh but rather to a grain or meal offering. The Hebrew word minchâh' broadly denotes a gift or tribute, but in the context of the sacrificial system, it specifically refers to an offering made of grain, fine flour, or baked goods, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was typically a voluntary offering of thanksgiving or dedication, distinct from sin or burnt offerings, though it could accompany them. Its purpose was to acknowledge God's provision and to dedicate the fruit of human labor to Him. For a more comprehensive understanding of the minchâh', see Leviticus 2:1.
  • Mingle (Hebrew, bâlal', H1101): The verb "mingled" (H1101, bâlal') means to mix, confuse, or overflow. In this context, it specifically refers to the thorough mixing of the flour with the oil. This action was not merely practical; it symbolized the complete integration and consecration of the elements. The oil, often symbolizing anointing, joy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, was to permeate the flour, suggesting a holistic dedication of both material provision and spiritual blessing in the offering.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Or for a ram": This introductory phrase specifies the particular animal sacrifice for which the subsequent instructions apply. The ram was a common and significant sacrificial animal, often used for burnt offerings (complete dedication), peace offerings (communion), or sin offerings (atonement for specific sins), depending on the context. The preceding verses (Numbers 15:3-5) set out general rules for burnt and peace offerings, and this verse details the specific accompanying offering for a ram within that framework, emphasizing the varying requirements based on the animal.
  • "thou shalt prepare [for] a meat offering": This command directs the worshiper to meticulously prepare the grain offering (minchâh') that is to accompany the ram. It highlights that the animal sacrifice was often not a standalone act but part of a more comprehensive ritual that included grain and drink offerings. The act of "preparation" (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213, "to do or make") implies careful adherence to the prescribed quantities and quality, underscoring the seriousness, intentionality, and diligence required in the act of worship.
  • "two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third [part] of an hin of oil": This is the core of the instruction, providing the precise measurements for the grain and oil components. "Two tenth deals of flour" (Hebrew, ʻissârôwn', H6241, "a tenth part," referring to two omers) refers to the dry ingredient, representing sustenance and the fruit of human labor. The flour was to be "mingled" (Hebrew, bâlal', H1101) or thoroughly mixed with "the third part of an hin of oil." The "hin" (Hebrew, hîyn', H1969) was a standard liquid measure, making "the third part of an hin" a substantial and exact amount of oil. This mingling suggests a complete integration, where the elements are inseparable, symbolizing a holistic and consecrated offering. The oil, often associated with anointing, joy, and the Spirit, added a rich symbolic dimension to the dedication of the flour, signifying divine blessing and consecration upon the offering.

Literary Devices

Numbers 15:6, and indeed the entire chapter, is rich in Precision. The meticulous detailing of measurements ("two tenth deals," "third part of an hin") reflects an exacting divine standard for worship. This precision is not arbitrary but serves to underscore the Holiness of God and the gravity of approaching Him. Every element of the offering is specified, leaving no room for human improvisation or carelessness, thereby emphasizing the absolute authority of God's commands and the necessity of complete obedience. Furthermore, the inclusion of flour and oil alongside the animal sacrifice employs profound Symbolism. The flour represents the sustenance of life, the fruit of human labor, and God's provision, while the oil symbolizes anointing, joy, prosperity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Together, these elements represent a comprehensive dedication of life and resources to God, illustrating that true worship involves both material provision and spiritual consecration. The recurring pattern of specific measurements for different animals (lamb, ram, bull) also demonstrates Repetition with Variation, reinforcing the importance of proportionality, order, and the comprehensive nature of the sacrificial system.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 15:6, with its detailed instructions for accompanying offerings, profoundly illustrates God's demand for meticulous, wholehearted worship, reflecting His own perfect order and holiness. It underscores that true devotion is not casual but intentional, requiring careful adherence to divine commands and the offering of one's best. These grain and oil offerings, while supplementary to the animal sacrifice, were integral to the complete act of worship, signifying dedication, sustenance, and the anointing presence of God. They served as a tangible expression of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, reminding them that every aspect of their lives and resources was to be consecrated to Him. This principle of giving one's best, with precision and intentionality, transcends the specific Old Testament ritual, pointing to a broader theological truth about the nature of our relationship with a holy God who deserves our utmost reverence and devotion.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 15:6, though rooted in ancient sacrificial law, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. The divine insistence on precise measurements for flour and oil reminds us that God values not just the act of worship, but the intentionality, quality, and heart we bring to it. It challenges us to consider if our worship, service, and giving are truly our "best" or merely convenient offerings. This verse encourages a holistic approach to faith, where our dedication extends beyond grand gestures to the seemingly small details of obedience and integrity in our daily lives. Just as the flour represented sustenance and labor, and the oil symbolized anointing and the Spirit, our lives are meant to be a mingled offering—our physical efforts combined with spiritual consecration. We are called to live lives of deliberate devotion, recognizing that every resource, talent, and moment is a gift from God, to be offered back to Him with purpose and precision, reflecting our profound gratitude and reverence for His holiness.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life do I tend to be casual rather than precise in my devotion to God?
  • How does the principle of "giving our best," as seen in these detailed offerings, apply to my time, talents, and finances today?
  • What does it mean for me to offer a "mingled" sacrifice of my labor and the Spirit's anointing in my daily walk?
  • How can I cultivate a greater sense of intentionality and reverence in my personal and corporate worship?

FAQ

What is the significance of "two tenth deals of flour" and "the third part of an hin of oil" in the ram offering?

Answer: The specific quantities of flour and oil prescribed in Numbers 15:6 are profoundly significant for several reasons. "Two tenth deals" refers to two omers, a precise dry measure (approximately 4.4 liters or about 4.7 quarts), while "the third part of an hin" refers to a precise liquid measure (approximately 1.2 to 2 liters or about 1.3 to 2.1 quarts). This divine specificity underscores God's meticulousness and His demand for exact adherence in worship, leaving no room for human estimation or carelessness. The flour, derived from grain, represented the fruit of the land and human labor, symbolizing sustenance, provision, and the dedication of one's livelihood to God. The oil, extracted from olives, was used for anointing, light, and food, symbolizing anointing, joy, prosperity, and often the presence of the Holy Spirit. Together, these elements represented a complete and consecrated offering of both material resources and spiritual dedication, acknowledging God as the source of all provision and blessing. The varying quantities for different animals (e.g., Numbers 15:5 for a lamb, Numbers 15:9 for a bull) also demonstrate a principle of proportionality in giving, where the accompanying offering matched the value and significance of the primary animal sacrifice.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 15:6, with its detailed requirements for accompanying offerings, points powerfully to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all sacrifices. The precision demanded for the flour and oil, symbolizing sustenance and the Spirit, foreshadows the perfection and completeness of Jesus's sacrifice. Unlike the Old Testament offerings, which were mere shadows that could never truly take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4), Christ offered Himself once for all, a perfect and sufficient sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). He is the true "meat offering," the Bread of Life who sustains us (John 6:35), and the one through whom we receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to understand truth and live righteously (1 John 2:27). The Old Covenant rituals, including the accompanying grain and oil offerings, were types and shadows of the reality found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the law. In Him, we offer not physical flour and oil, but our entire lives as spiritual sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our true and reasonable worship (Romans 12:1).

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Commentary on Numbers 15 verses 1–21

Here we have,

I. Full instructions given concerning the meat-offerings and drink-offerings, which were appendages to all the sacrifices of animals. The beginning of this law is very encouraging: When you come into the land of your habitation which I give unto you, they you shall do so and so, Num 15:2. This was a plain intimation, not only that God was reconciled to them notwithstanding the sentence he had passed upon them, but that he would secure the promised land to their seed notwithstanding their proneness to rebel against him. They might think some time or other they should be guilty of a misdemeanour that would be fatal to them, and would exclude them for ever, as the last had done for one generation; but this intimates an assurance that they should be kept from provoking God to such a degree as would amount to a forfeiture; for this statute takes it for granted that there were some of them that should in due time come into Canaan. The meat-offerings were of two sorts; some were offered alone, and we have the law concerning those, Lev 2:1, etc. Others were added to the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and constantly attended them, and about these direction is here given. It was requisite, since the sacrifices of acknowledgment (specified in Lev 2:3) were intended as the food of God's table, that there should be a constant provision of bread, oil, and wine, whatever the flesh-meat was. The caterers or purveyors for Solomon's temple provided fine flour, Kg1 4:22. And it was fit that God should keep a good house, that his table should be furnished with bread as well as flesh, and that his cup should run over. In my Father's house there is bread enough. Now the intent of this law is to direct what proportion the meat-offering and drink-offering should bear to several sacrifices to which they were annexed. If the sacrifice was a lamb or a kid, then the meat-offering must be a tenth-deal of flour, that is, an omer, which contained about five pints; this must be mingled with oil, the fourth part of a hin (a hin contained about five quarts), and the drink-offering must be the same quantity of wine, about a quart and half a pint, Num 15:3-5. If it was a ram, the meat-offering was doubled, two tenth-deals of flour, about five quarts, and a third part of a hin of oil (which was to them as butter is to us) mingled with it; and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, Num 15:6, Num 15:7. If the sacrifice was a bullock, the meat-offering was to be trebled, three omers, with five pints of oil, and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, Num 15:8-10. And thus for each sacrifice, whether offered by a particular person or at the common charge. Note, Our religious services should be governed, as by other rules, so by the rule of proportion.

II. Natives and strangers are here set upon a level, in this as in other matters (Num 15:13-16): "One law shall be for you and for the stranger that is proselyted to the Jewish religion." Now, 1. This was an invitation to the Gentiles to become proselytes, and to embrace the faith and worship of the true God. In civil things there was a difference between strangers and true-born Israelites, but not in the things of God; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord, for with him there is no respect of persons. See Isa 56:3. 2. This was an obligation upon the Jews to be kind to strangers, and not to oppress them, because they saw them owned and accepted of God. Communion in religion is a great engagement to mutual affection, and should slay all enmities. 3. It was a mortification to the pride of the Jews, who are apt to be puffed up with their birthright privileges. "We are Abraham's seed." God let them know that the sons of the stranger were as welcome to him as the sons of Jacob; no man's birth or parentage shall turn either to his advantage or his prejudice in his acceptance with God. This likewise intimated that, as believing strangers should be accounted Israelites, so unbelieving Israelites should be accounted strangers. 4. It was a happy presage of the calling of the Gentiles, and of their admission into the church. If the law made so little difference between Jew and Gentile, much less would the gospel make, which broke down the partition-wall, and reconciled both to God in one sacrifice, without the observance of the legal ceremonies.

III. A law for the offering of the first of their dough unto the Lord. This, as the former, goes upon the comfortable supposition of their having come into the promised land, Num 15:18. Now that they lived upon manna they needed not such an express acknowledgment of God's title to their daily bread, and their dependence upon him for it, the thing spoke for itself; but in Canaan, where they should eat the fruit of their own industry, God required that he should be owned as their landlord and their great benefactor. They must not only offer him the first-fruits and tenths of the corn in their fields (these had already been reserved); but when they had it in their houses, in their kneading trough, when it was almost ready to be set upon their tables, God must have a further tribute of acknowledgment, part of their dough (the Jews say a fortieth part, at least, of the whole lump) must be heaved or offered up to God (Num 15:20, Num 15:21), and the priest must have it for the use of his family. Thus they must own their dependence upon God for their daily bread, even when they had it in the house with them; they must then wait on God for the comfortable use of it; for we read of that which was brought home, and yet God did blow upon it, and it came to little, Hag 1:9. Christ has taught us to pray not, Give us this year our yearly harvest, but Give us this day our daily bread. God by this law said to the people, as the prophet long afterwards said to the widow of Sarepta (Kg1 17:13), Only make me thereof a little cake first. This offering was expressly kept up by the laws of Ezekiel's visionary temple, and it is a commandment with promise of family-mercies (Eze 44:30): You shall give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thy house; for, when God has had his dues out of our estates, we may expect the comfort of what falls to our share.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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