Numbers 28:5

Translation
King James Version
And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And a tenth H6224 part of an ephah H374 of flour H5560 for a meat offering H4503, mingled H1101 with the fourth H7243 part of an hin H1969 of beaten H3795 oil H8081.
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Complete Jewish Bible
along with two quarts of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with one quart of oil from pressed olives.
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Berean Standard Bible
along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives.
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American Standard Version
and the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil.
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World English Bible Messianic
with the tenth part of an efah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And the tenth part of an Ephah of fine floure for a meate offering mingled with the fourth part of an Hin of beaten oyle.
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Young's Literal Translation
and a tenth of the ephah of flour for a present, mixed with beaten oil, a fourth of the hin;
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See also
Leviticus 2:1Exodus 16:36Exodus 29:38Exodus 29:42Numbers 15:4Numbers 15:5
In the KJVVerse 4,583 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 28:5 meticulously details the precise components of the grain offering and oil required to accompany the daily burnt offering in ancient Israelite worship. This verse, embedded within a larger section outlining the sacrificial calendar, underscores God's demand for absolute precision and the highest quality in the worship rendered to Him, reflecting His holiness and the serious nature of the covenantal relationship. It highlights the Israelites' daily dependence on God and their obligation to honor Him with their substance as a continuous act of devotion and acknowledgment of His provision.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 28:5 is situated within a highly detailed legislative section (Numbers 28-29) that meticulously outlines the offerings to be presented to Yahweh throughout the year. This specific chapter focuses on the daily, weekly, and monthly sacrifices, with subsequent chapters detailing offerings for annual feasts. Verse 5 provides the exact measurements and quality of the flour and oil for the daily burnt offering, known as the olah tamid (the continual burnt offering), which was to be offered every morning and evening. This precision emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of God's commands and the structured rhythm of worship central to Israel's covenant life, building upon earlier instructions found in Exodus 29:38-42, detailing the daily burnt offering. The surrounding verses detail the animal sacrifice itself, making verse 5 an integral part of the complete daily ritual.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: These instructions were given to Israel during their wilderness wanderings, establishing the foundational practices for their worship once they entered the Promised Land. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the central place of worship, where these offerings were meticulously performed by the Levitical priests. In the ancient Near East, offerings were a common practice to appease deities or express devotion. However, Israel's sacrificial system was unique in its divine origin, its emphasis on holiness, and its role in maintaining a covenant relationship with a singular, holy God. The precision of measurements and quality of ingredients, like "beaten oil," reflected a cultural understanding that only the very best was worthy of presentation to a divine sovereign, ensuring the purity and acceptability of the offering in a society where agricultural produce was the primary source of wealth and sustenance.
  • Key Themes: The meticulous details in Numbers 28:5 contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, Precision in Worship is paramount; God's commands are not suggestions but exact directives requiring careful adherence, signifying His absolute sovereignty and holiness. This contrasts sharply with human attempts to worship God on their own terms. Secondly, the Daily Devotion and Dependence theme is evident in the continual nature of the offering. The daily provision of flour and oil for the altar symbolized Israel's constant reliance on God for their sustenance and their ongoing commitment to Him, a theme echoed in the prayer for "daily bread" in Matthew 6:11, from the Lord's Prayer. Thirdly, the verse highlights the significance of the Grain Offering (Minchah), which, though often voluntary (as seen in Leviticus 2, detailing the grain offering), is here prescribed as a mandatory accompaniment to the daily burnt offering. This emphasizes that worship involved not only atonement for sin but also the presentation of the "firstfruits" of one's labor as an act of thanksgiving and tribute, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of all good things, as reflected in Deuteronomy 26:10, regarding the firstfruits offering.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Meat Offering (Hebrew, minchâh', H4503): In the King James Version, "meat" refers to food in general, not specifically animal flesh. The Hebrew word minchâh (H4503) denotes "a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." While often a voluntary gift of thanks or devotion, in Numbers 28:5, it is a prescribed, mandatory accompaniment to the daily burnt offering. It symbolizes Israel's ongoing tribute and dependence on God for their daily sustenance, representing the fruit of their labor offered back to the divine Provider.
  • Ephah (Hebrew, ʼêyphâh')/Hin (Hebrew, hîyn', H374): These are ancient Hebrew dry and liquid measures, respectively, indicating the precise quantities required for the offering. An ʼêyphâh (H374) was "a measure for grain; hence, a measure in general," roughly 22 liters. A hîyn (H1969) was "a hin or liquid measure," approximately 3.7 liters. The exact specification of "a tenth part of an ephah" (about 2.2 liters of flour) and "the fourth part of a hin" (about 0.9 liters of oil) underscores God's demand for meticulous adherence to His commands, leaving no room for approximation or casualness in worship. This precision signifies the sacredness and seriousness of the divine encounter.
  • Beaten (Hebrew, kâthîyth', H3795): This word (H3795) describes the quality of the oil, meaning "beaten, i.e. pure (oil)." It refers to olive oil produced by crushing or beating the olives in a mortar, rather than pressing them. This method yielded the purest, finest quality oil, free from sediment. The requirement for "beaten oil" indicates that only the very best, unblemished, and purest ingredients were acceptable for God's service. It symbolizes the offering of one's finest resources and efforts, reflecting a heart of devotion that holds nothing back from the Lord.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And a tenth [part] of an ephah of flour for a meat offering": This clause specifies the exact amount of fine flour required for the grain offering. The "tenth part of an ephah" (approximately 2.2 liters) indicates a precise, divinely ordained quantity, emphasizing that God's commands are specific and to be followed without deviation. This flour, as part of the minchah, represented the fruit of the land and the labor of the people, offered back to God as a tribute and an act of worship, acknowledging Him as the source of all provision.
  • "mingled with the fourth [part] of a hin of beaten oil": This clause describes the preparation of the flour and the quality of the oil. The flour was to be "mingled" with the oil, suggesting a thorough mixture that created a unified offering. The "fourth part of a hin" (approximately 0.9 liters) again highlights the precise measurement. Crucially, the oil had to be "beaten oil," signifying the purest, highest quality olive oil. This requirement underscores that only the very best was acceptable for presentation to God, reflecting His supreme holiness and worthiness of the most excellent offerings from His people.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Numbers 28:5, and indeed throughout Numbers 28-29, is Precision and Detail. The meticulous enumeration of exact measurements ("a tenth part of an ephah," "the fourth part of a hin") and specific qualities ("beaten oil") serves to underscore the absolute nature of God's commands and the non-negotiable standards for approaching Him. This level of detail is not merely administrative; it is theological, emphasizing the holiness of God and the seriousness of worship. Furthermore, there is profound Symbolism embedded within the elements themselves. The flour, representing the staple of life and the fruit of human labor, symbolizes dependence on God for sustenance and the offering of one's daily provision. The oil, a precious commodity, often associated with anointing, illumination, and purity, symbolizes the finest offering, consecrated and set apart, and perhaps even a foreshadowing of the Spirit's anointing. The act of "mingling" the flour and oil also carries symbolic weight, representing the unified nature of the offering and the complete dedication of the worshiper.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 28:5, with its precise instructions for the accompanying grain and oil offerings, deeply embeds itself within the broader theological framework of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It reinforces the themes of God's absolute holiness, humanity's perpetual need for atonement and communion, and the meticulous nature of worship required to approach a holy God. The daily burnt offering, accompanied by these elements, was a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, signifying both propitiation for general sin and a continuous act of devotion and dependence. It taught Israel that access to God was not casual but required divinely ordained means, executed with utmost care and purity, reflecting the giver's heart and the recipient's worthiness. This system, though temporary, served as a profound pedagogical tool, preparing God's people for the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament tabernacle worship are no longer observed by Christians, who live under the new covenant established through Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 28:5 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality of our own worship and devotion. God's demand for "beaten oil" and precise measurements reminds us that our approach to Him should be marked by excellence, not convenience or leftovers. It calls us to offer our purest and best—our time, talents, resources, and affections—as an act of sincere devotion. The daily nature of the offering encourages a consistent, daily walk with God, recognizing His constant provision and our continuous need for Him. This translates into daily prayer, consistent engagement with Scripture, and living in conscious obedience to His will. Ultimately, understanding the meticulousness of these Old Testament requirements deepens our appreciation for the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which makes our access to God possible not through our imperfect offerings, but through His finished work. Our worship now becomes a spiritual offering, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offered in gratitude for His boundless grace.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the precision of God's commands in Numbers 28:5 challenge our own approach to worship and daily spiritual disciplines?
  • What does "offering our best" (like "beaten oil") look like in our contemporary Christian lives, regarding our time, talents, and resources?
  • How does understanding the detailed requirements of the Old Testament offerings deepen our appreciation for the simplicity and completeness of Christ's sacrifice?

FAQ

Why is the "meat offering" in the KJV actually a grain offering?

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) can be misleading to modern readers because "meat" in 17th-century English referred to food in general, not exclusively animal flesh. The Hebrew word translated here is minchah (מִנְחָה), which specifically denotes a grain offering, typically made of flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. This offering was distinct from animal sacrifices and represented a tribute, gift, or acknowledgment of God's provision, often accompanying other sacrifices. You can read more about the minchah in Leviticus 2, which details the grain offering.

What was the significance of "beaten oil" for the offering?

Answer: "Beaten oil" (Hebrew: shemen katit) refers to the purest, highest quality olive oil. It was produced by crushing or beating olives in a mortar, which yielded a finer, clearer oil compared to oil extracted by pressing. This method ensured that the oil was free from impurities and sediment. The requirement for "beaten oil" for the Tabernacle lamps and offerings (as also seen in Exodus 27:20, regarding pure olive oil for the lamp) underscored that only the very best and purest was acceptable for God's service. It symbolized the offering of one's finest resources and efforts, reflecting a heart of devotion that holds nothing back from the Lord.

Are these specific Old Testament offerings still relevant for Christians today?

Answer: While Christians are no longer required to perform the specific animal or grain sacrifices outlined in the Old Testament Law, the underlying principles and theological truths remain highly relevant. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the daily offerings, served as a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. These rituals taught Israel about God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the importance of worship and obedience. For Christians, these offerings help us appreciate the perfection and completeness of Christ's one-time sacrifice on the cross, which fully atoned for sin (as explained in Hebrews 9, which discusses Christ's superior sacrifice). We now offer "spiritual sacrifices" (like praise, service, and our lives) through Him, as encouraged in Romans 12:1, calling us to be living sacrifices and Hebrews 13:15-16, about sacrifices of praise and good deeds.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 28:5, with its meticulous details for the daily grain and oil offerings, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "tenth part of an ephah of flour" for the minchah and the "fourth part of a hin of beaten oil" pointed forward to the perfect, unblemished offering of Christ Himself. He is the true "bread of life" who came down from heaven to give life to the world, as He declared in John 6:35, that He is the Bread of Life, fulfilling the symbolism of the grain offering as sustenance and provision. Furthermore, the "beaten oil," representing purity and the finest quality, powerfully foreshadows Christ's own sinless life and His anointing by the Holy Spirit without measure, as described in John 3:34, where the Spirit is given without measure. Just as the daily offering provided continuous atonement and communion for Israel, Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, offered "once for all" (as proclaimed in Hebrews 10:10, regarding Christ's perfect sacrifice), eternally cleanses us from sin and grants us perpetual access to God. Our worship is no longer dependent on precise measurements of flour and oil, but on the finished work of the Lamb of God, who is both the perfect sacrifice and the High Priest, enabling us to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and lives consecrated to Him, as living offerings in response to His ultimate self-giving, a truth beautifully articulated in 1 Peter 2:5, describing believers as living stones and spiritual sacrifices.

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Commentary on Numbers 28 verses 1–8

Here is, I. A general order given concerning the offerings of the Lord, which were to be brought in their season, Num 28:2. These laws are here given afresh, not because the observance of them was wholly disused during their thirty-eight years' wandering in the wilderness (we cannot think that they were so long without any public worship, but that at least the daily lamb was offered morning and evening, and doubled on the sabbath day; so bishop Patrick conjectures); but that many of the sacrifices were then omitted is plainly intimated, Amo 5:25, quoted by Stephen, Act 7:42. Did you offer unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? It is implied, "No, you did not." But, whether the course of sacrifices had been interrupted or no, God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices, 1. Because this was a new generation of men, that were most of them unborn when the former laws were given; therefore, that they might be left without excuse, they have not only these laws written, to be read to them, but again repeated from God himself, and put into a less compass and a plainer method. 2. Because they were now entering upon war, and might be tempted to think that while they were engaged in that they should be excused from offering sacrifices. Inter arma silent leges - law is little regarded amidst the clash of arms. No, says God, my bread for my sacrifices even now shall you observe to offer, and that in the due season. They were peculiarly concerned to keep their peace with God when they were at war with their enemies. In the wilderness they were solitary, and quite separate from all other people, and therefore there they needed not so much their distinguishing badges, nor would their omission of sacrifices be so scandalous as when they came into Canaan, when they mingled with other people. 3. Because possession was now to be given them of the land of promise, that land flowing with milk and honey, where they would have plenty of all good things. "Now" (says God), "When you are feasting yourselves, forget not to offer the bread of your God." Canaan was given to them upon this condition, that they should observe God's statutes, Psa 105:44, Psa 105:45.

II. The particular law of the daily sacrifice, a lamb in the morning and a lamb in the evening, which, for the constancy of it as duly as the day came, is called a continual burnt-offering (Num 28:3), which intimates that when we are bidden to pray always, and to pray without ceasing, it is intended that at least every morning and every evening we offer up our solemn prayers and praises to God. This is said to be ordained in Mount Sinai (Num 28:6), when the other laws were given. The institution of it we have, Exo 29:38. Nothing is here added in the repetition of the law, but that the wine to be poured out in the drink-offering is ordered to be strong wine (Num 28:7), the riches and most generous and best-bodied wine they could get. Though it was to be poured out upon the altar, and not drunk (they therefore might be ready to think the worst would serve to be so thrown away), yet God requires the strongest, to teach us to serve God with the best we have. The wine must be strong (says Ainsworth) because it was a figure of the blood of Christ, the memorial of which is still left to the church in wine, and of the blood of the martyrs, which was poured out as a drink-offering upon the sacrifice and service of our faith, Phi 2:17.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. 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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