Numbers 29:14

KJV

And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,

KJV (with Strong's)

And their meat offering {H4503} shall be of flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, three {H7969} tenth deals {H6241} unto every {H259} bullock {H6499} of the thirteen {H7969}{H6240} bullocks {H6499}, two {H8147} tenth deals {H6241} to each {H259} ram {H352} of the two {H8147} rams {H352},

Complete Jewish Bible

with their grain offering - fine flour mixed with olive oil, six quarts for each of the thirteen bulls, four quarts for each of the two rams,

Berean Standard Bible

along with the grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil with each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths of an ephah with each of the two rams,

American Standard Version

and their meal-offering, fine flour mingled with oil, three tenth parts for every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth parts for each ram of the two rams,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:14 meticulously details the specific grain (or meal) offering required to accompany the daily burnt offerings during the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles. This verse precisely quantifies the fine flour, mingled with oil, to be presented with each bullock and ram sacrificed, underscoring God's demand for precise, unblemished worship and Israel's complete dependence on His provision and detailed instructions for their communal liturgical life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 29 provides an exhaustive liturgical calendar for the seventh month, a period of heightened spiritual significance for Israel. Following the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) on the first day of the month, detailed in [Numbers 29:1-6](/numbers/29-1-6 "Numbers 29:1-6 - Offerings for the Feast of Trumpets"), and the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on the tenth, described in [Numbers 29:7-11](/numbers/29-7-11 "Numbers 29:7-11 - Offerings for the Day of Atonement"), the chapter dedicates its longest section to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This festival, commencing on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and lasting seven days, followed by an eighth day of solemn assembly, is introduced in [Numbers 29:12](/numbers/29-12 "Numbers 29:12 - Feast of Tabernacles Begins"). Numbers 29:14 specifically falls within the instructions for the daily sacrifices of this feast. A distinctive feature of the Tabernacles offerings was the progressively decreasing number of bullocks sacrificed each day (thirteen on the first day, twelve on the second, down to seven on the seventh), while the number of rams (two) and lambs (fourteen) remained constant. This verse specifies the accompanying grain offering, an indispensable component of these complex daily rituals, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the required worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths, was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Passover and Pentecost) that required all Israelite males to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. Celebrated in the autumn after the final harvest, it served a dual purpose: first, as a joyous thanksgiving for God's provision of the year's crops, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all sustenance; and second, as a historical commemoration of Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering, during which they lived in temporary shelters or booths (_sukkot_). The offerings, including the grain offering, were central to Israelite worship, symbolizing dedication, atonement, and gratitude. Grain offerings, made from the finest produce of the land, represented the fruit of human labor offered back to God, recognizing His blessing on their toil. The mingling of fine flour with oil was a common cultic practice; oil often symbolized consecration, anointing, or the presence of the Spirit, while fine flour signified the best and purest of their agricultural yield, offered without blemish. The precise measurements, like the "tenth deals" mentioned here, were characteristic of ancient Near Eastern cultic instructions, reflecting the seriousness and divine origin of the commands and the need for absolute adherence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Precision and Order** in worship. God's commands are not vague suggestions but detailed blueprints, demanding exactness in Israel's approach to Him. This meticulousness reflects His holiness and the seriousness of the covenant relationship. The specific quantities for each animal, such as the "three tenth deals" for bullocks and "two tenth deals" for rams, leave no room for human improvisation, emphasizing that acceptable worship is divinely prescribed. Secondly, the inclusion of the grain offering alongside the animal sacrifices highlights the **Completeness of Sacrifice and Worship**. True worship involved not only the shedding of blood for atonement, as articulated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood"), but also the dedication of the fruits of the land and human labor. This signified a holistic surrender and recognition of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life—both life itself and the means of sustaining it. This integration of different offering types conveyed a comprehensive act of devotion. Finally, the verse reinforces the pervasive theme of **Obedience to God's Law**. The Israelites were continually called to strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Obeying God's Commands"), with every detail of their worship and national life being divinely prescribed, emphasizing that faithful living was synonymous with precise obedience to God's revealed will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** The King James Version's translation "meat offering" is an archaic rendering that can be misleading to modern readers, as it does not refer to animal flesh. The Hebrew word מִנְחָה (_minchâh'_), from Strong's H4503, denotes a "donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." In the context of the sacrificial system, it refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering." Unlike animal sacrifices, the _minchâh_ consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and sometimes baked. It was typically offered as a complement to burnt offerings or peace offerings, symbolizing dedication, thanksgiving, and the offering of the firstfruits of the land and human labor to God. It represented a non-bloody offering, signifying devotion and sustenance, distinct from the atoning blood sacrifices.
* **Tenth Deals (Hebrew, _ʻissârôwn'_):** The phrase "tenth deals" refers to a specific measurement, literally "tenths." The Hebrew word עִשָּׁרֹון (_ʻissârôwn'_), from Strong's H6241, means "(fractional) a tenth part." An _‘issaron_ (singular) was one-tenth of an ephah, which was a standard dry measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 2.2 liters or about 2 quarts. The precise specification of "three tenth deals" (approximately 6.6 liters) for each bullock and "two tenth deals" (approximately 4.4 liters) for each ram underscores the exactitude required in the offerings. This level of detail was not arbitrary but emphasized the divine origin of the commands and the Israelites' need to adhere precisely to God's instructions for acceptable worship, leaving no room for human discretion or approximation in sacred matters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental composition of the grain offering. It specifies the use of "flour," implying fine flour (Hebrew _çôleth_, H5560), indicating the highest quality, and its mixture with "oil" (Hebrew _shemen_, H8081). The flour symbolized the produce of the land and the sustenance God provided, while the oil often represented anointing, consecration, or the presence of the Holy Spirit, signifying that the offering was set apart for God and made acceptable. This combination was essential for the offering's validity and symbolic meaning.
* **"three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks":** Here, the specific quantity of the grain offering is prescribed for the bullocks. On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, thirteen bullocks were offered, and each one required a grain offering of "three tenth deals" (approximately 6.6 liters of flour and oil). This massive quantity of offerings on the first day, and the decreasing number of bullocks on subsequent days, highlighted the unique intensity and significance of this particular festival, emphasizing lavish devotion and the comprehensive nature of the nation's worship.
* **"two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams":** This part of the verse specifies the quantity of the grain offering for the rams. While the number of bullocks decreased daily, two rams were consistently offered each day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these rams was to be accompanied by a grain offering of "two tenth deals" (approximately 4.4 liters of flour and oil). This consistent requirement for rams and their accompanying grain offerings further demonstrated the comprehensive and unwavering nature of the daily sacrificial rites during this extended festival, ensuring that every aspect of the prescribed worship was meticulously fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 29:14, and indeed throughout chapter 29, is **Precision and Enumeration**. The text meticulously lists specific quantities ("three tenth deals," "two tenth deals") and specific animals ("every bullock of the thirteen bullocks," "each ram of the two rams"). This detailed enumeration serves to emphasize the divine authority behind the commands, leaving no ambiguity regarding the requirements for worship. It instills a sense of **Order and Structure**, reflecting the divine attribute of a God who is not chaotic but precise and intentional in His dealings with humanity. Furthermore, the repeated mention of exact measurements and types of offerings creates a sense of **Ritualistic Emphasis**, reinforcing the idea that the Israelites' relationship with God was governed by specific, divinely ordained protocols. This literary technique underscores the gravity and sacredness of the sacrificial system, highlighting the Israelites' obligation to adhere strictly to God's revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:14, with its meticulous details for grain offerings, reinforces the profound theological truth that God demands and deserves worship that is both specific and wholehearted. The very act of measuring out precise quantities of flour and oil taught Israel about the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. It demonstrated that worship was not a casual endeavor but a divinely ordained ritual requiring careful adherence to His commands. This precision underscored God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including the produce of the land, and reminded the Israelites that all they possessed was ultimately a gift from Him, to be offered back in gratitude and obedience. The grain offering, though non-bloody, was an essential complement to the animal sacrifices, symbolizing the dedication of life's sustenance and labor, signifying a complete surrender and acknowledgment of God's provision and their dependence on His blessing.

* [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1-3 "Leviticus 2:1-3 - The Grain Offering Regulations")
* [Exodus 29:40-41](/exodus/29-40-41 "Exodus 29:40-41 - Daily Offerings with Grain and Drink")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Lame and Sick")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system, with its specific quantities of flour and oil, has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of worship embedded in Numbers 29:14 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and precision of our own spiritual offerings. It calls us to move beyond casual or haphazard worship, encouraging us to offer God our "best"—not out of legalistic obligation, but from a heart of love, gratitude, and recognition of His supreme worth. Our "spiritual sacrifices" in the New Covenant include presenting our bodies as [living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices"), offering the [fruit of our lips in praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise"), engaging in acts of service, and giving our resources with purpose and generosity. Just as the ancient Israelites were to be meticulous in their physical offerings, we are called to be intentional in our spiritual devotion, ensuring that our worship is thoughtful, wholehearted, and truly reflective of God's holiness and our dependence on Him. This passage reminds us that God is worthy of our most careful and complete devotion in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Numbers 29:14 challenge my understanding of what it means to offer God my "best" in worship today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering God something less than my "fine flour mingled with oil"—that is, something less than my highest quality and most intentional effort?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of precision and intentionality in my daily spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, or acts of service?**
* **What does the combination of animal and grain offerings teach me about the comprehensive nature of true worship, encompassing both atonement and dedication of life?**

### FAQ
**What is a "meat offering" in the context of Numbers 29:14?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word _minchah_ (מִנְחָה), which more accurately means a "grain offering" or "meal offering." It did not refer to animal flesh (meat) as we understand it today. Instead, it was an offering typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and sometimes baked. These offerings were an integral part of the Israelite sacrificial system, often accompanying burnt offerings or peace offerings, and symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and the offering of the firstfruits of the land and human labor to God. It represented a non-bloody offering, contrasting with the animal sacrifices that involved the shedding of blood for atonement, as described in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood").

**Why are the quantities of flour and oil so specific for each animal?**

Answer: The precise quantities specified in Numbers 29:14 ("three tenth deals" for bullocks, "two tenth deals" for rams) underscore the divine origin and meticulous nature of God's commands for worship. This exactitude was not arbitrary; it emphasized the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. It taught the Israelites that their worship was not to be casual or improvised, but strictly according to God's revealed will. This precision also demonstrated the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty, extending even to the smallest details of their offerings, and ensured uniformity in worship across the nation. It left no room for human discretion or approximation in sacred matters, reinforcing the principle that acceptable worship must conform to divine standards, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 12:32](/deuteronomy/12-32 "Deuteronomy 12:32 - Do Not Add or Subtract").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:14, with its detailed prescription for grain offerings accompanying animal sacrifices, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the grain offerings which symbolized dedication and the fruit of human labor, pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. While the animal sacrifices foreshadowed His atoning death as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the grain offerings, made of fine flour and oil, can be seen as anticipating Christ's perfect life and His complete dedication to God's will. Jesus offered Himself not only as the spotless [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover") but also as the ultimate "grain offering"—a life lived in perfect obedience, a spiritual offering of the highest quality, consecrated by the Spirit, and fully pleasing to God. His life was the perfect dedication, and His death the perfect atonement, rendering all subsequent sacrifices unnecessary, as affirmed in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Through Christ, believers are now empowered to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices"))—not of flour and oil, but of their transformed lives, their praise, and their good deeds ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing")). Our very bodies become a [living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), a direct result of Christ's perfect offering on our behalf, fulfilling the Old Testament's call for comprehensive and precise devotion.

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.