What number verse is Numbers 28:13 in the Bible?

Numbers 28:13 is the 4,591st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 28:13 sits at position 4,591.

Translation

King James Version

And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And a several tenth deal ^H6241 of flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering ^H4503 unto one ^H259 lamb ^H3532; for a burnt offering ^H5930 of a sweet ^H5207 savour ^H7381, a sacrifice made by fire ^H801 unto the LORD ^H3068.

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Complete Jewish Bible

and two quarts of fine flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering for each lamb. This will be the burnt offering giving a fragrant aroma, an offering made by fire for ADONAI.

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Berean Standard Bible

and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each lamb. This is a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

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American Standard Version

and a tenth part of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering unto every lamb; for a burnt-offering of a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

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World English Bible Messianic

and a tenth part of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering to every lamb; for a burnt offering of a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And a tenth deale of fine floure mingled with oyle for a meate offring vnto one lambe: for a burnt offring of sweete sauour: it is an offring made by fire vnto the Lord.

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Young's Literal Translation

and a several tenth deal of flour, a present, mixed with oil, for the one lamb; a burnt-offering, a sweet fragrance, a fire-offering to Jehovah;

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In the KJVVerse 4,591 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 28:13 provides exacting details for the grain offering that was to accompany each lamb sacrificed as a burnt offering during the monthly New Moon celebration. This instruction mandates "a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil" to be presented as a "meat offering" (grain offering), which, when combined with the burnt offering, ascended as "a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD." The verse meticulously underscores the precise and comprehensive nature of Israelite worship, emphasizing the requirement for complete dedication and divine acceptance of the divinely prescribed offerings.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 28 and 29 form a highly prescriptive and pivotal section within the book of Numbers, meticulously detailing the comprehensive calendar of public sacrifices required under the Mosaic Law. Situated immediately after the census of the Israelites and instructions for land distribution, these chapters pivot the narrative focus to the nation's ongoing religious duties, underscoring the continuous need for corporate worship, atonement, and communion with God as a covenant people. Numbers 28 specifically outlines the daily, weekly (Sabbath), and monthly (New Moon) offerings, with Numbers 28:11-15 dedicated to the New Moon sacrifice. Numbers 28:13, therefore, serves as an integral component of these detailed instructions, specifying the precise grain offering that was to accompany the burnt offerings for this significant monthly observance, illustrating the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law regarding acceptable worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: The elaborate sacrificial system, divinely established at Mount Sinai, served as the foundational cornerstone of Israelite religious life, functioning as the divinely ordained means of atonement, worship, and communion with God. The New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) was a pivotal festival, marking the commencement of each new month in the lunar calendar. Its observance was heralded by the sighting of the new crescent moon and the blowing of trumpets, signifying a time of communal gathering, rest from ordinary labor, and special sacrifices. This monthly rhythm reinforced the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people, emphasizing remembrance, renewal, and their unique identity as a holy nation. The offerings, including grain and oil, were not merely ritualistic but represented the bounty of the land and the dedication of the people's sustenance to God, acknowledging His provision, sovereignty, and rightful claim over all aspects of their lives.
Key Themes: Numbers 28:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of Divine Prescription and Obedience, unequivocally underscoring God's meticulous demands for worship. Every detail, from the exact quantity of flour to its specific preparation and the precise type of offering, was stipulated, emphasizing that acceptable worship is fundamentally obedient worship, performed according to God's revealed will, not human invention. Secondly, the recurring phrase "a sweet savour" points to Divine Acceptance and Pleasure, indicating that these prescribed acts of worship, when performed in faithful adherence to God's command, were not merely tolerated but were genuinely pleasing and acceptable to Him. This theme of divine pleasure in offerings is echoed elsewhere, notably in Noah's post-flood sacrifice. Thirdly, the inclusion of the "meat offering" (grain offering) alongside the animal sacrifice illustrates the Holistic Nature of Worship, signifying that worship involved not only atonement for sin but also the dedication of one's produce, labor, and livelihood, reflecting the comprehensive nature of devotion outlined in the broader sacrificial system, particularly as detailed in Leviticus 2.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

mingled (Hebrew, bâlal', H1101): This primitive root signifies "to mix" or "to temper." In the context of the grain offering, it implies that the flour and oil were not merely poured over each other but were thoroughly combined, creating a unified mixture. This detail underscores the meticulousness required in the preparation of offerings, symbolizing the complete integration and dedication of the worshiper's substance and effort in the act of worship. It speaks to the integrity and completeness expected in approaching God.
meat offering (Hebrew, minchâh', H4503): minchâh refers to a "donation," "tribute," or specifically a "sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of this Hebrew word, which specifically denotes a "grain offering" or "meal offering." Unlike animal sacrifices, the minchâh was typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense. It served as a gift or tribute to God, often accompanying animal sacrifices, symbolizing the dedication of the worshiper's sustenance, labor, and the fruits of the land to God. Its inclusion alongside the burnt offering underscored the comprehensive nature of worship, encompassing both atonement and thanksgiving.
sweet savour (Hebrew, nîychôwach rêyach', H5207): This phrase, combining H5207 (nîychôwach, "restful, pleasant, delight") and H7381 (rêyach, "odor, savour, scent"), literally translates to "a soothing aroma," "a restful fragrance," or "a pleasing odor." This is a technical theological term used frequently in the Pentateuch to describe offerings that are acceptable to God. It signifies that the sacrifice has been presented according to divine command and has found favor in God's sight, indicating His divine pleasure and satisfaction with the act of worship. It implies that the offering has effectively achieved its intended purpose of reconciliation, dedication, or communion, and that God has graciously received it.

Verse Breakdown

"And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil": This initial clause specifies the exact quantity and preparation method for the grain offering. A "tenth deal" (Hebrew: ʿissaron, H6241) refers to one-tenth of an ephah, a standard dry measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 2.2 liters or 4 pounds of flour. The flour was to be "mingled with oil" (Hebrew: bâlal H1101 with shemen H8081), indicating that olive oil was thoroughly mixed into the flour, not merely poured over it. This meticulous detail emphasizes God's demand for precision, exactness, and thoroughness in the preparation and presentation of offerings, leaving no room for carelessness or improvisation in worship.
"[for] a meat offering unto one lamb; [for] a burnt offering": This clarifies the specific context and complementary purpose of the grain offering. It was a minchah (grain offering, H4503) that was to accompany each individual lamb (Hebrew: kebes, H3532, and ʼechâd, H259 for "one") that formed part of the larger burnt offering. The primary offering being complemented was the olah (burnt offering, H5930), which was entirely consumed by fire on the altar. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, atonement, and the worshiper's complete surrender to God. The grain offering, therefore, was an essential complement, signifying the dedication of sustenance and life alongside the dedication of life itself (represented by the animal).
"of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.": This final phrase describes the divine reception and inherent nature of the offering. The "sweet savour" (Hebrew: rêyach nîychôwach, H7381 H5207) signifies that the combined offering was pleasing and acceptable to God, indicating His gracious reception. The description "a sacrifice made by fire" (Hebrew: ishshâh, H801) emphasizes that it was an offering consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing its transformation and ascent to God. The ultimate recipient of this entire act of worship was "unto the LORD" (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh, H3068), highlighting that Yahweh Himself was the object of this devotion, and His favor was sought and obtained through this divinely prescribed act.

Literary Devices

The passage primarily employs Precise Specification and Repetition to underscore the meticulous nature of divine command and the paramount importance of exact obedience in worship. The specific quantities ("a several tenth deal") and the detailed preparation ("mingled with oil") are prime examples of precise specification, leaving absolutely no ambiguity regarding the requirements for the offering. The recurring phrase "sweet savour" (or similar expressions like "pleasing aroma" in other translations and throughout Numbers 28 and Numbers 29) functions as a Leitmotif, consistently reinforcing the profound theological concept of divine acceptance and pleasure in obedient sacrifice. This repetition emphasizes that the efficacy and acceptability of the offering were entirely contingent upon its faithful adherence to God's commands. The entire section, as part of a larger legal corpus within the Pentateuch, also exemplifies Legal Code embedded within a narrative, demonstrating the prescriptive, covenantal, and foundational nature of the relationship between God and Israel, where worship is not optional but a divinely mandated duty.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous instructions for the New Moon offering in Numbers 28:13 reveal profound theological truths about God's character and the nature of acceptable worship. God is inherently sovereign, holy, and utterly transcendent, and therefore, His worship is not to be haphazard, casual, or self-devised but precisely ordered according to His divine will. The concept of a "sweet savour" signifies that obedient worship, offered with the prescribed elements and attitude, is not merely tolerated by God but is actively pleasing and delightful to Him, reflecting His profound delight in His people's devotion when it aligns with His standards. This recurring motif of an acceptable offering, rising as a pleasing aroma, points to a God who actively engages with and graciously responds to the worship of His creation. It highlights that true worship transcends mere external ritual; it is an internal disposition of the heart expressed through obedient action, leading to divine favor, intimate communion, and the blessing of God's presence.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system have been perfectly fulfilled and superseded by the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles embedded in Numbers 28:13 remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. This verse calls us to a deep consideration of the intentionality, excellence, and completeness with which we approach our spiritual worship. Just as God demanded precision and completeness in the physical offerings of ancient Israel, He desires our absolute best in our spiritual sacrifices—our praise, our service, our obedience, our generous giving, and indeed, our very lives. Our worship is not merely a perfunctory act or a casual observance but a holistic dedication of our time, talents, resources, and entire being, offered with a heart overflowing with devotion and a spirit of joyful obedience. When we offer ourselves in faith and according to His revealed will, our spiritual sacrifices become a "sweet savour" to God, demonstrating His continued delight in His redeemed people and fostering ever-deepening communion with Him. This ancient text beckons us to examine the quality and sincerity of our daily devotion, transforming mundane tasks into acts of worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what specific areas of your life do you tend to offer God less than your "best," and how can you cultivate greater intentionality and excellence in those areas?
How does the concept of our spiritual worship being a "sweet savour" to God encourage or challenge your daily walk, acts of service, and interactions with others?
What does it truly mean for your entire life—including your work, relationships, leisure, and finances—to be a "sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD," fully consumed for His glory?

FAQ

What does "a several tenth deal of flour" mean?

Answer: In the King James Version, "a several tenth deal of flour" refers to a precise, specific measurement of flour. The Hebrew term is ʿissaron (עִשָּׂרוֹן), which literally means "a tenth part." It specifically denotes one-tenth of an ephah, a standard dry measure in ancient Israel. An ephah was approximately 22 liters (about 5.8 gallons), so a "tenth deal" would be roughly 2.2 liters of flour, or about 4 pounds. This precise measurement highlights the meticulousness required in the offerings, emphasizing that God's commands were to be followed exactly, not haphazardly, underscoring the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

Why is it called a "meat offering" when it's flour?

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word minchah (מִנְחָה). In 17th-century English, "meat" was a general term for food in general, not exclusively animal flesh. Therefore, a "meat offering" simply meant a "food offering" or "meal offering." Modern translations more accurately render minchah as "grain offering" or "meal offering" to avoid confusion, as it was typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense, not animal meat. It was distinct from animal sacrifices but often accompanied them, symbolizing the dedication of the fruits of one's labor and sustenance to God, complementing the animal sacrifice which represented atonement.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 28:13, with its meticulous details of grain offerings accompanying burnt offerings as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the New Moon offerings and their accompanying grain offerings, served as a prophetic shadow, pointing forward to the perfect and singular sacrifice of Christ. Just as the flour and oil were prepared and offered alongside the lamb, symbolizing purity and sustenance, Christ's perfect humanity and sinless life, represented by the grain offering's purity, were inextricably linked to His atoning death. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate "burnt offering," entirely consumed and completely devoted, not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. This act was the supreme "sweet savour" to God, as Ephesians 5:2 powerfully declares, "Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Unlike the repeated animal and grain offerings that could never fully take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4), Christ's one-time offering perfected for all time those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). Through Him, believers are now empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and surrendered lives, which are made acceptable to God through the merits of His perfect, pleasing, and eternally effective sacrifice (1 Peter 2:5).

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Commentary on Numbers 28 verses 9–15

9 ¶ And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:

10 This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

11 And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

12 And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;

13 And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

14 And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

15 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

The new moons and the sabbaths are often spoken of together, as great solemnities in the Jewish church, very comfortable to the saints then, and typical of gospel grace. Now we have here the sacrifices appointed, 1. For the sabbaths. Every sabbath day the offering must be doubled; besides the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered, one (it is probable) added to the morning sacrifice, and the other to the evening, Num 28:9, Num 28:10. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order to a more close application to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up sabbath time. In Ezekiel's temple-service, which points at gospel times, the sabbath offerings were to be six lambs and a ram, with their meat-offerings, and drink-offerings (Eze 46:4, Eze 46:5), to intimate not only the continuance, but the advancement, of sabbath sanctification in the days of the Messiah. This is the burnt-offering of the sabbath in his sabbath, so it is in the original, v. 10. We must do every sabbath day's work in its day, studying to redeem every minute of sabbath time as those that believe it precious; and not thinking to put off one sabbath's work to another, for sufficient to every sabbath is the service thereof. 2. For the new moons. Some suggest that, as the sabbath was kept with an eye to the creation of the world, so the new moons were sanctified with an eye to the divine providence, which appoints the moon for seasons, guiding the revolutions of time by its changes, and governing sublunary bodies (as many think) by its influences. Though we observe not any feast of new moons, yet we must not forget to give God the glory of all the precious things put forth by the moon which he has established for ever, a faithful witness in heaven, Psa 89:37. The offerings in the new moons were very considerable, two bullocks, a ram, and seven lambs, with the meat-offerings and drink-offerings that were to attend them (Num 28:11, etc.), besides a sin-offering, Num 28:15. For, when we give glory to God by confessing his mercies, we must give glory to him likewise by confessing our own sins; and, when we rejoice in the gifts of common providence, we must make the sacrifice of Christ, that great gift of special grace, the fountain and spring-head of our joy. Some have questioned whether the new moons were to be reckoned among their feasts; but why should they not, when, besides the special sacrifices which were then to be offered, they rested from servile works (Amo 8:5), blew the trumpets (Num 10:10), and went to the prophets to hear the word? Kg2 4:23. And the worship performed in the new moons is made typical of gospel solemnities, Isa 66:23.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–15. 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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