Numbers 28:31

KJV

Ye shall offer [them] beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall offer {H6213} them beside the continual {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}, and his meat offering {H4503},(they shall be unto you without blemish {H8549}) and their drink offerings {H5262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to offer these in addition to the regular burnt offering and its grain offering (they are to be without defect for you), with their drink offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

Offer them with their drink offerings in addition to the regular burnt offering and its grain offering. The animals must be unblemished.

American Standard Version

Besides the continual burnt-offering, and the meal-offering thereof, ye shall offer them (they shall be unto you without blemish), and their drink-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:31 concludes the instructions for the New Moon offerings, specifying that these sacrifices—comprising a burnt offering, grain offering, and drink offering—must be presented in addition to the daily continual burnt offering. This verse underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of Israelite worship, emphasizing the divine requirement for unblemished sacrifices and the principle of layering special observances upon the foundational, perpetual acts of devotion. It highlights God's demand for regular, precise, and perfect offerings as central to the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:31 serves as the concluding directive within the detailed instructions for the monthly New Moon offerings, found in [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings"). This chapter, along with [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Feast Offerings"), constitutes a comprehensive liturgical calendar, meticulously outlining the specific animal, grain, and drink offerings required for daily, weekly (Sabbath), monthly (New Moon), and annual (feasts) observances. The phrase "beside the continual burnt offering" is crucial, indicating that these special offerings were *supplementary* to the daily sacrifices, not replacements. This layering of offerings demonstrates the escalating demands of worship for different occasions, all built upon the foundational, perpetual act of devotion to Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 28-29 were given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, reinforcing the covenant established at Sinai and providing a structured framework for their worship life in the land. The sacrificial system was the primary means by which ancient Israelites approached God, atoned for sin, and expressed devotion. Offerings like the burnt offering (_olah_), grain offering (_minchah_), and drink offering (_nesek_) were common throughout the ancient Near East, but Israel's system was distinct in its monotheistic focus, its emphasis on holiness, and its divine origin. The requirement for animals "without blemish" (_tamim_) was not merely aesthetic but signified ritual purity and perfection, essential for an offering to be acceptable to a holy God. These rituals were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship and ensuring God's presence among His people.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 28:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Command**, illustrating that Israel's worship was not self-initiated but divinely ordained, demanding precise obedience to God's detailed instructions. The mention of the "continual burnt offering" (Hebrew: _olah tamid_) highlights the theme of **Regularity and Consistency in Worship**, emphasizing that devotion to God was a daily, unwavering commitment, not merely an occasional act, as seen in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering"). Furthermore, the repeated phrase "without blemish" underscores the profound theme of **Holiness and Perfection**, signifying that only the purest and most complete offerings were acceptable to a holy God, a principle echoed throughout the sacrificial laws in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). This meticulous attention to detail also speaks to the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as these offerings served as a means for the people to maintain their covenant relationship with God despite their imperfections.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Continual Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʿōlāh tāmîd'_):** This term refers to the daily morning and evening sacrifices prescribed in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering"). The word _ʿōlāh_ means "that which goes up," referring to the entire animal being consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God. _Tāmîd_ signifies "continual," "regular," or "perpetual," emphasizing the unwavering, unbroken nature of Israel's devotion and God's presence among them. Numbers 28:31 specifies that the New Moon offerings are *in addition* to this foundational daily sacrifice.
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minḥāh'_):** While "meat offering" in KJV might suggest animal flesh, the Hebrew _minḥāh_ almost exclusively refers to a grain or meal offering, typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was usually offered alongside animal sacrifices and drink offerings. The _minḥāh_ represented the dedication of the fruits of the land and human labor to God, signifying thanksgiving, devotion, and sustenance.
* **Without Blemish (Hebrew, _tāmîm'_):** This crucial adjective means "whole," "perfect," "sound," "complete," or "blameless." It was a non-negotiable requirement for all sacrificial animals, as stated repeatedly in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirement for a Blameless Offering")). The physical perfection of the animal symbolized the purity and moral integrity required for approaching a holy God. It also foreshadowed the perfect, sinless nature of the ultimate sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall offer [them] beside the continual burnt offering,"**: This clause specifies that the New Moon offerings (the subject of the preceding verses in [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings")) are not to replace the daily burnt offerings but are to be presented *in addition* to them. This highlights the cumulative nature of Israel's liturgical calendar, where special observances augmented, rather than superseded, the regular acts of worship, reinforcing the concept of perpetual devotion.
* **"and his meat offering,"**: This refers to the grain offering (Hebrew _minḥāh_) that accompanied the burnt offering. The singular "his" refers to the burnt offering, indicating that the grain offering was an integral part of the complete sacrificial package. This component represented the dedication of human labor, sustenance, and the produce of the land to God, symbolizing thanksgiving and dependence.
* **"(they shall be unto you without blemish)"**: This parenthetical phrase is a critical divine mandate, applying to all the animals offered in these New Moon sacrifices. The requirement for the animals to be "without blemish" (Hebrew _tāmîm_) signifies physical perfection, wholeness, and purity. This was essential for an offering to be acceptable to a holy God, representing the highest quality and symbolizing the moral and spiritual purity required in worship. It served as a constant reminder of God's absolute holiness and the standard for approaching Him.
* **"and their drink offerings."**: This final component completes the sacrificial triad for the New Moon offerings. Drink offerings (Hebrew _nesek_) typically consisted of wine poured out on the altar, accompanying burnt offerings and grain offerings. They symbolized joy, fellowship, and complete dedication, often serving as a seal or ratification of the other offerings, pouring out one's very best before the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:31 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and reinforce its theological significance. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse explicitly lists the components of the offering: the continual burnt offering, the meat offering, and the drink offerings. This precise listing underscores the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law and God's demand for exact adherence in worship. The phrase "without blemish" functions as a powerful **Motif**, recurring throughout the Pentateuch (especially in Leviticus and Numbers) to emphasize the absolute standard of purity and perfection required for anything presented to a holy God. This repetition creates a sense of divine insistence and highlights a core theological principle. Furthermore, the verse uses **Legalistic Language**, characteristic of the surrounding chapters, which serves to convey the binding, authoritative nature of these divine commands, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding Israel's liturgical obligations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:31, by detailing the specific components and requirements of the New Moon offerings, reinforces the broader theological principle that true worship involves complete dedication and the offering of one's very best to God. The layering of these monthly sacrifices "beside the continual burnt offering" illustrates the concept of escalating devotion and the perpetual nature of the covenant relationship. The emphasis on "without blemish" points to God's absolute holiness and the necessity of purity in approaching Him, foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice that would ultimately reconcile humanity to God. This verse, therefore, is not merely a ritualistic instruction but a profound statement about the character of God and the nature of acceptable worship.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirement for a Blameless Offering")
* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal sacrificial system of ancient Israel has been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 28:31 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. The command to offer sacrifices "without blemish" challenges us to consider the quality of our devotion: are we offering God our best—our purest motives, our most dedicated efforts, our most precious resources—or merely what is convenient or leftover? The concept of offering "beside the continual burnt offering" reminds us that our special acts of worship or service should augment, not replace, our consistent, daily walk with God. Our spiritual lives thrive on regular communion, prayer, and engagement with His Word, forming the "continual" foundation upon which all other acts of faith are built. This verse calls us to a holistic, consistent, and high-quality devotion that reflects the holiness and worthiness of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to offer God less than your "without blemish" best?**
* **How does the concept of "continual" devotion challenge or affirm your current spiritual practices?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your worship and service are more holistic and consistent, reflecting the principles of Numbers 28:31?**

### FAQ

**What is the "continual burnt offering" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "continual burnt offering" (Hebrew: _ʿōlāh tāmîd_) refers to the daily sacrifices of a lamb offered each morning and evening at the tabernacle (and later the temple). These were perpetual offerings, symbolizing Israel's constant dedication to God and serving as a continual atonement for unintentional sins. [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering") provides the detailed instructions for this foundational act of worship, which Numbers 28:31 indicates was the baseline upon which other special offerings, like those for the New Moon, were added.

**Why was it so important for sacrifices to be "without blemish"?**

Answer: The requirement for sacrifices to be "without blemish" (Hebrew: _tāmîm_) was paramount because it symbolized the purity, perfection, and wholeness necessary for anything presented to a holy God. God is perfect and holy, and therefore, only that which is perfect and pure could be an acceptable offering to Him. This standard not only reflected God's character but also served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of the high moral and spiritual standard required in their covenant relationship. It also profoundly foreshadowed the perfect, sinless nature of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, as described in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ").

**Do these Old Testament sacrificial laws still apply to Christians today?**

Answer: The literal sacrificial laws detailed in Numbers 28:31 and throughout the Old Testament do not apply to Christians today in their ritualistic form. The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ's death on the cross was the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that fully atoned for sin, rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). However, the underlying principles—such as offering our best to God, living a life of consistent devotion, and striving for holiness—remain profoundly relevant. Christians are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), presenting their lives, resources, and worship to God in a manner that is pleasing and holy, reflecting the essence of the Old Testament commands in a new covenant context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:31, with its meticulous instructions for unblemished, continual, and comprehensive offerings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The requirement for sacrifices to be "without blemish" points directly to the sinless perfection of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the animals, whose physical perfection merely symbolized purity, Christ was morally and spiritually perfect, making Him the only truly acceptable offering to a holy God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the "continual burnt offering" foreshadowed the perpetual efficacy of Christ's singular sacrifice; His death on the cross was a once-for-all event that perpetually atones for sin, eliminating the need for repeated animal sacrifices ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). The combination of burnt, grain, and drink offerings, representing complete dedication and sustenance, finds its culmination in Christ, who not only offered Himself fully but also provides spiritual nourishment and eternal life to those who believe in Him ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thus, Numbers 28:31, far from being an archaic ritual, serves as a profound Old Testament shadow pointing to the glorious reality of Christ's perfect, sufficient, and eternal sacrifice.

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

Numbers 28:19

But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire [for] a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish:

Numbers 28:3

And thou shalt say unto them, This [is] the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, [for] a continual burnt offering.

Malachi 1:13

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.