What number verse is Numbers 29:21 in the Bible?

Numbers 29:21 is the 4,630th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 29:21 sits at position 4,630.

Translation

King James Version

And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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KJV (with Strong's)

And their meat offering ^H4503 and their drink offerings ^H5262 for the bullocks ^H6499, for the rams ^H352, and for the lambs ^H3532, shall be according to their number ^H4557, after the manner ^H4941:

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Complete Jewish Bible

with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams and lambs, according to their number, in keeping with the rule;

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Berean Standard Bible

along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed.

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American Standard Version

and their meal-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

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World English Bible Messianic

and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

With their meate offring and their drinke offrings, for the bullockes, for the rams, and for the lambes, after their nomber according to the maner,

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Young's Literal Translation

and their present, and their libations, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, in their number, according to the ordinance;

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In the KJVVerse 4,630 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 29:21 precisely details the required grain and drink offerings that were to accompany the animal sacrifices on the fifth day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This verse underscores the divine imperative for meticulous adherence to established regulations, emphasizing that these supplementary offerings—for the bullocks, rams, and lambs—were to be presented "according to their number, after the manner," meaning in exact proportion and conformity to the pre-ordained Mosaic Law. It highlights God's demand for order, intentionality, and completeness in the worship of His covenant people, reflecting His character as a God of precision and holiness.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 29:21 is situated within a comprehensive liturgical calendar for Israel found in Numbers 28-29, which meticulously outlines the sacrifices required for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual observances. Specifically, chapter 29 focuses on the elaborate and unique sacrificial schedule for the Feast of Tabernacles, a seven-day festival followed by an eighth day of solemn assembly. This particular verse addresses the offerings for the fifth day of Sukkot, continuing the pattern of decreasing bullock sacrifices (from thirteen on day one down to seven on day seven), while the number of rams (two) and lambs (fourteen) remained constant each day. The inclusion of the "meat offering" (grain offering) and "drink offering" for each animal sacrifice highlights the holistic and complementary nature of the required worship, ensuring that no element of the divine command was overlooked in the extensive sacrificial system.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three annual pilgrim festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) where all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. It served a dual purpose: a harvest festival, giving thanks for God's provision of crops, and a commemoration of God's faithfulness in providing for Israel during their forty years of wilderness wandering, when they lived in temporary shelters or "booths" (sukkot). The elaborate and numerous offerings, particularly the large number of bullocks, reflected the nation's immense gratitude and prosperity, symbolizing a collective act of national thanksgiving and dependence on God. The precise instructions for these offerings underscore the Israelite understanding that their worship was not a spontaneous act but a divinely ordained ritual, central to their covenant relationship with Yahweh and foundational to their national identity.
Key Themes: This verse, within the broader context of Numbers 29, contributes to several overarching themes. The theme of Divine Precision in Worship is paramount, as God leaves no room for human improvisation, demanding meticulous adherence to His detailed instructions for approaching Him. This underscores the importance of reverence, order, and obedience in worship. Furthermore, the sacrificial system, including these daily offerings, emphasizes Holiness and Atonement, providing a means for Israel to maintain their ritual purity and covenant relationship with a holy God. The sheer volume and consistency of the offerings during Sukkot highlight Generosity and Thanksgiving, reflecting Israel's abundance and gratitude for God's blessings and provision. Finally, the continuous, prescribed nature of these offerings throughout the festival and indeed the entire year, reinforces the theme of Worship as a Lifestyle, demonstrating that devotion to God was not an occasional event but an integral, ongoing aspect of Israelite identity and daily life, as seen throughout the laws of worship in Leviticus.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Meat offering (Hebrew, minchâh', H4503): This term, often translated "grain offering" or "meal offering" in modern versions, refers to a donation or tribute, specifically a bloodless sacrificial offering. It typically consisted of flour, baked goods, or grain, often mixed with oil and frankincense. Unlike animal sacrifices, the minchâh was a non-bloody offering, symbolizing the dedication of one's labor and the fruit of the land to God, presented as a "sweet savor" to the Lord.
Drink offerings (Hebrew, neçek', H5262): A "libation" or "drink offering" was almost universally wine poured out at the altar. These liquid offerings were never presented alone but always accompanied animal sacrifices and grain offerings, serving as a complementary element to complete the act of worship. The pouring out of wine symbolized a complete dedication and surrender to God, often associated with joy, thanksgiving, and the shedding of life.
Manner (Hebrew, mishpâṭ', H4941): This word signifies "judgment," "ordinance," "custom," or "manner." In this context, "after the manner" (Hebrew, k'mishpâṭam) denotes strict adherence to established legal precedent and precise proportion. It means that the specific quantities of flour and wine for the grain and drink offerings were not arbitrary but were precisely stipulated in earlier Mosaic Law, emphasizing the divine demand for exactitude and obedience in all aspects of worship.

Verse Breakdown

"And their meat offering and their drink offerings": This clause highlights the supplementary nature of these offerings. The grain and drink offerings were not standalone sacrifices but were essential accompaniments to the primary animal sacrifices. They completed the act of worship, symbolizing a comprehensive dedication of both life (animal) and sustenance (grain, wine) to God, demonstrating a holistic approach to devotion.
"for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs": This specifies the recipients of the supplementary offerings. Each animal sacrifice—whether a bullock (H6499, par), ram (H352, ʼayil), or lamb (H3532, kebes)—required its own corresponding grain and drink offering. This proportional relationship underscores the meticulous detail required by God, ensuring that every element of the sacrificial system was observed with precision and according to its specific type.
"[shall be] according to their number, after the manner": This is the core directive of the verse, emphasizing divine mandate for exact quantities and prescribed ratios. It signifies that the precise amount of flour for the grain offering and wine for the drink offering was not left to human discretion but was determined by the number and type of animal sacrifice, following established divine regulations (H4557, miçpâr for "number"; H4941, mishpâṭ for "manner"). This phrase underscores the principle that worship must be conducted precisely as God commands, without deviation or human innovation.

Literary Devices

The passage in Numbers 29, including verse 21, employs several literary devices to convey its message. Repetition is a prominent feature, particularly the recurring phrase "according to their number, after the manner" (or similar variations) applied to each day's offerings. This serves to reinforce the unwavering divine demand for precision and consistency in worship, impressing upon the reader the non-negotiable nature of God's commands. The sheer Precision and numerical specificity of the instructions throughout Numbers 28-29, detailing every animal, every grain offering, and every drink offering, function as a literary device to underscore God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous attention to the details of His covenant relationship with Israel. Furthermore, the various offerings themselves carry profound Symbolism: the animal sacrifices represent atonement and life given; the grain offerings symbolize the dedication of the fruit of the earth and human labor; and the drink offerings signify joy, thanksgiving, and complete surrender. Together, they form a comprehensive symbolic representation of Israel's total devotion and dependence on God.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 29:21, with its emphasis on meticulous detail in worship, reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It underscores that God is a God of order, holiness, and intentionality, who expects His people to approach Him with reverence and obedience. The precise nature of the offerings taught Israel that their worship was not arbitrary but divinely prescribed, a sacred duty to be performed "according to the manner" God had established. This principle of intentional, obedient worship transcends the Old Covenant, reminding believers today that while the form of worship has changed through Christ's perfect sacrifice, the heart of worship—characterized by intentionality, reverence, and obedience to God's revealed will—remains paramount. The comprehensive nature of the offerings (animal, grain, drink) also highlights the idea of offering one's whole self and all one's resources to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the gracious source of all blessings.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the specific commands in Numbers 29:21, has been fulfilled in the perfect and singular sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intentionality, precision, and obedience in our worship and devotion to God. Just as God demanded exact quantities and specific manners for ancient Israel's offerings, so too should our spiritual offerings today—whether in prayer, giving, service, or daily living—be offered with thoughtfulness, reverence, and a desire to align with God's revealed will. The idea of offerings being "according to their number" can inspire us to consider proportional giving, reflecting a heart of gratitude for God's blessings and a commitment to His work. Ultimately, our obedience to God's commands, expressed through our worship and our lives, remains a crucial demonstration of our love and devotion to Him, transforming our daily existence into an act of worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does the divine demand for precision in Old Testament worship inform our approach to worship today, both corporately and individually?
In what ways can we ensure our worship, whether in prayer, giving, or service, is "according to their number, after the manner"—intentional, proportionate, and obedient to God's revealed will?
What does the comprehensive nature of these offerings (animal, grain, drink) teach us about offering our "whole selves" and all our resources to God?

FAQ

What is the significance of the "meat offering" and "drink offering" in Numbers 29:21?

Answer: The KJV term "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew minchâh, which more accurately refers to a grain or meal offering, typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense. The "drink offering" (Hebrew nesek) was almost always wine poured out at the altar. Both were complementary offerings, always accompanying animal sacrifices. Their significance lay in symbolizing the dedication of the fruit of the land and the joy of life to God, completing the act of worship by offering not just life (through the animal) but also sustenance and celebration. They represented a comprehensive act of devotion and thanksgiving, acknowledging God as the source of all provision and demonstrating Israel's complete reliance upon Him.

Why were the instructions for offerings so incredibly detailed in Numbers?

Answer: The meticulous detail in the sacrificial laws throughout Numbers (and Leviticus) underscores several key theological truths. First, it highlights God's absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, not human ones. The precision ensured ritual purity and maintained the sanctity of the tabernacle/temple. Second, it taught Israel obedience and dependence, demonstrating that their covenant relationship with God required exact adherence to His revealed will. There was no room for human improvisation in divine worship. Finally, these detailed instructions served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, precise, and complete sacrifice that would one day be offered by Christ, fulfilling every requirement of the law, as seen in Hebrews 10:1.

How does the concept of "according to their number, after the manner" apply to believers today?

Answer: While Christians are no longer bound by the literal performance of Old Testament sacrifices, the principle of "according to their number, after the manner" remains highly relevant. It encourages intentionality, proportionality, and obedience in our spiritual offerings. This translates to thoughtful and generous giving, not grudgingly but cheerfully, as described in 2 Corinthians 9:7. It also applies to our worship, which should be offered with reverence, sincerity, and in accordance with God's revealed will in Scripture. Ultimately, it calls us to present our entire lives as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship, as exhorted in Romans 12:1.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 29:21, with its emphasis on the precise and complementary nature of the grain and drink offerings alongside animal sacrifices, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely ordained, was a shadow of the good things to come, unable to truly take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, is the ultimate animal sacrifice, whose blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). But Christ's fulfillment extends beyond the animal sacrifice. His perfect life, offered in complete obedience to the Father, can be seen as the ultimate "grain offering"—a flawless life presented as a sweet aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2). Furthermore, His poured-out blood on the cross, establishing the New Covenant, is the perfect "drink offering," signifying the ultimate self-sacrifice and complete dedication (Matthew 26:27-28). In Christ, every meticulously detailed requirement of the law, including the "number" and "manner" of offerings, is perfectly met and surpassed. His single, complete, and sufficient sacrifice fulfills all the types and shadows, enabling us to approach God not through repeated rituals, but through faith in His finished work (Hebrews 10:10-14). Our worship now is a response to His perfect offering, a spiritual sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered through Him (Hebrews 13:15).

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Commentary on Numbers 29 verses 12–40

12 ¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

13 And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:

14 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,

15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:

16 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

18 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

19 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.

20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;

21 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

22 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

23 And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

24 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

25 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

27 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

28 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

30 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

31 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

33 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

34 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

35 On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:

36 But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

37 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

38 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

40 And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Soon after the day of atonement, that day in which men were to afflict their souls, followed the feast of tabernacles, in which they were to rejoice before the Lord; for those that sow in tears shall soon reap in joy. To the former laws about this feast, which we had, Lev 23:34, etc., here are added directions about the offerings by fire, which they were to offer unto the Lord during the seven days of that feast, Lev 23:36. Observe here, 1. Their days of rejoicing were to be days of sacrifices. A disposition to be cheerful does us no harm, nor is any bad symptom, when it is so far from unfitting us for the duties of God's immediate service that it encourages and enlarges our hearts in them. 2. All the days of their dwelling in booths they must offer sacrifices. While we are here in a tabernacle-state, it is our interest as well as duty constantly to keep up communion with God; nor will the unsettledness of our outward condition excuse us in our neglect of the duties of God's worship. 3. The sacrifices for each of the seven days, though differing in nothing but the number of the bullocks, are severally and particularly appointed, which yet is no vain repetition; for God would thus teach them to be very exact in those observances, and to keep an eye of faith fixed upon the institution in every day's work. It likewise intimates that the repetition of the same services, if performed with an upright heart, and with a continued fire of pious and devout affection, is no weariness to God, and therefore we ought not to snuff at it, or to say, Behold, what a weariness it is to us! 4. The number of bullocks (which were the most costly part of the sacrifice) decreased every day. On the first day of the feast they were to offer thirteen, on the second day but twelve, on the third day eleven, etc. So that on the seventh they offered seven; and the last day, though it was the great day of the feast, and celebrated with a holy convocation, yet they were to offer but one bullock; and, whereas on all the other days they offered two rams and fourteen lambs, on this they offered but one ram and seven lambs. Such was the will of the Law-maker, and that is reason enough for the law. Some suggest that God herein considered the infirmity of the flesh, which is apt to grudge the charge and expense of religion; it is therefore ordered to grow less and less, that they might not complain as if God had made them to serve with an offering, Isa 43:23. Or it is hereby intimated to them that the legal dispensation should wax old, and vanish away at last; and the multitude of their sacrifices should end in one great sacrifice, infinitely more worthy than all of them. It was on the last day of the feast, after all these sacrifices had been ordered, that our Lord Jesus stood and cried to those who still thirsted after righteousness (being sensible of the insufficiency of these sacrifices to justify them) to come unto him and drink, Joh 7:37. 5. The meat-offerings and drink-offerings attended all the sacrifices, according to their number, after the manner. Be there ever so much flesh, it is no feast without bread and drink, therefore these must never be omitted at God's altar, which was his table. We must not think that doing much in religion will be accepted if we do not do it well, and after the manner that God has appointed. 6. Every day there must be a sin-offering presented, as we observed in the other feasts. Our burnt-offerings of praise cannot be accepted of God unless we have an interest in the great sacrifice of propitiation which Christ offered when for us he made himself a sin-offering. 7. Even when all these sacrifices were offered, yet the continual burnt-offering must not be omitted either morning or evening, but each day this must be offered first in the morning and last in the evening. No extraordinary services should jostle out our stated devotions. 8. Though all these sacrifices were required to be presented by the body of the congregation, at the common charge, yet, besides these, particular persons were to glorify God with their vows and their free-will offerings, Num 29:39. When God commanded that this they must do, he left room for the generosity of their devotion, a great deal more they might do, not inventing other worships, but abounding in these, as Ch2 30:23, Ch2 30:24. Large directions had been given in Leviticus concerning the offerings of all sorts that should be brought by particular persons according to the providences of God concerning them and the graces of God in them. Though every Israelite had an interest in these common sacrifices, yet he must not think that these will serve instead of his vows and his free-will offerings. Thus our ministers' praying with us and for us will not excuse us from praying for ourselves.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–40. 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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