Numbers 29:29

Translation
King James Version
And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And on the sixth H8345 day H3117 eight H8083 bullocks H6499, two H8147 rams H352, and fourteen H702 H6240 lambs H3532 of the first H1121 year H8141 without blemish H8549:
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
"'On the sixth day eight bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs in their first year, without defect;
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
On the sixth day you are to present eight bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,
Ask
American Standard Version
And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, fourteen he-lambs a year old without blemish;
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
“‘On the sixth day eight bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without defect;
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in the sixt day ye shall offer eight bullockes, two rams, and fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
`And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs, sons of a year, perfect ones;
Ask
In the KJVVerse 4,638 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 29:29 meticulously details the specific animal offerings required for the sixth day of the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This verse prescribes "eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish" as part of the daily burnt offerings for the congregation. These precise instructions underscore God's demand for meticulous obedience in worship, the ongoing need for atonement, and the absolute holiness required for anything presented before Him, reflecting the nature of a covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel and emphasizing the communal nature of their devotion.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 29:29 is situated within a comprehensive legislative section of the book of Numbers, specifically chapters 28-29, which provides a detailed outline of the various sacrifices and offerings to be made throughout Israel's annual calendar of festivals. This section follows the census and the allocation of tribal lands, serving as a divine mandate for how the people are to worship God once they enter and settle in the Promised Land. The preceding verses in Numbers 28 establish the daily, weekly, and monthly offerings, setting a pattern of continuous worship. Numbers 29 then focuses on the annual feasts, with the Feast of Tabernacles (beginning at Numbers 29:12) receiving the most extensive treatment due to its duration and unique sacrificial pattern. The distinctive feature of the Tabernacles offerings, as highlighted by this verse, is the progressive decrease in the number of bullocks offered each successive day, from thirteen on the first day down to seven on the seventh day, with the eight bullocks specified here for the sixth day. This pattern underscores the unique nature and significance of this particular festival.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) that required all Israelite males to travel to Jerusalem. Celebrated in the autumn, it served a dual purpose: first, to commemorate God's faithful provision and protection for the Israelites during their forty years of wilderness wandering, when they lived in temporary shelters or "booths" (sukkot); and second, to celebrate the final ingathering of the agricultural harvest, marking the culmination of the agricultural year. The construction and dwelling in temporary booths during the festival served as a tangible reminder of their transient past and God's enduring presence. The elaborate sacrificial system outlined in Numbers, including the specific offerings for this feast, was central to Israelite worship, providing the means for atonement, thanksgiving, and the maintenance of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had delivered them from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness.
  • Key Themes: Numbers 29:29, within the broader context of the festival laws, powerfully articulates several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the Divine Specificity and Sovereignty in Worship: God dictates precisely how He is to be approached and worshipped, leaving no room for human improvisation regarding the quantity, type, or quality of offerings. This meticulous detail emphasizes God's holiness and His absolute authority over His people's spiritual lives, a principle seen throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., Exodus 25:9). Secondly, the verse contributes to the theme of Continual Atonement and Consecration: The daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sacrifices, including those for Tabernacles, reinforced the constant need for the nation to be cleansed from sin and consecrated to God, maintaining their covenant purity before a holy God. This ongoing ritual served as a reminder of Israel's dependence on divine grace for reconciliation, as seen in passages like Leviticus 4:20). Finally, the phrase "without blemish" highlights the theme of Holiness and Purity of Offerings, symbolizing the perfection required for anything presented to God and foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice for sin, a concept foundational to the entire sacrificial system (e.g., Leviticus 1:3).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Bullocks (Hebrew, par', H6499): This word (פָּר, H6499) refers to a young bull, typically one that has not yet been yoked. In the sacrificial system, bullocks were among the most substantial and costly offerings, often used for communal sin offerings or major burnt offerings, signifying a significant act of atonement or devotion. Their strength and value made them a fitting representation of the community's collective offering to God, emphasizing the magnitude of the sin or the gratitude being expressed.
  • Rams (Hebrew, ʼayil', H352): This term (אֵיל, H352) denotes a male sheep, particularly one known for its strength. Rams were frequently used in burnt offerings, peace offerings, and especially in consecration rituals, such as the ordination of priests (e.g., Exodus 29:19). Their inclusion alongside bullocks and lambs in the Tabernacles offerings indicates a comprehensive and diverse presentation of the flock, symbolizing the totality of Israel's devotion and the breadth of God's provision.
  • Blemish (Hebrew, tâmîym', H8549): This word (תָּמִים, H8549) is crucial in the context of Old Testament sacrifices. It signifies being complete, whole, sound, perfect, or blameless. When applied to sacrificial animals, it means they must be physically perfect, without any defect, disease, or deformity. This requirement was not merely for aesthetic reasons but carried profound theological weight. It symbolized the holiness of God, who is Himself perfect and demands perfection in what is offered to Him. It also underscored the gravity of sin, implying that only a perfect substitute could adequately atone for imperfection. The "without blemish" standard was a constant reminder of the high standard of purity and moral integrity God expected from His people and a prefigurement of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And on the sixth day": This phrase precisely situates the offerings within the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles. The progression of days for the festival's unique bullock offerings (decreasing daily) was a significant element, emphasizing the cumulative nature of the feast and perhaps the increasing focus on the people's joy and thanksgiving as the festival neared its climax. It highlights the structured and orderly nature of divine worship.
  • "eight bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs": This specifies the exact quantities and types of animals required for the burnt offering on this particular day. The bullocks, rams, and lambs represent different categories of livestock, indicating a comprehensive and substantial offering from the community's resources. The large numbers signify the magnitude of the feast and the communal nature of the worship, with the entire congregation participating through these representative sacrifices, demonstrating their collective devotion and thanksgiving.
  • "of the first year without blemish": This clause provides a critical qualitative requirement for the lambs. "Of the first year" indicates young, prime animals, emphasizing the offering of the best and most vigorous, signifying that God deserves the freshest and most valuable. The phrase "without blemish" is a non-negotiable standard for all sacrificial animals in the Mosaic Law, signifying the purity, perfection, and wholeness demanded for anything presented in the presence of a holy God. It highlights the sanctity of the sacrificial act and the divine standard of acceptance, underscoring that only the perfect can approach the Perfect One.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Numbers 29:29, and indeed throughout Numbers 28-29, is Precision and Detailing. The meticulous enumeration of each animal type and quantity, along with the specific day and the requirement of being "without blemish," serves to emphasize the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these commands. This extreme specificity underscores God's sovereignty over worship and the absolute obedience He demands. It also functions as a form of Symbolism, where the physical perfection of the animals symbolizes the spiritual purity and holiness required to approach God, and the vast quantity represents the communal and comprehensive nature of the nation's worship. Furthermore, the Repetition of similar sacrificial formulas across different festival days reinforces the continuity and foundational importance of the sacrificial system in Israelite life and worship. The decreasing number of bullocks over the seven days of Tabernacles also introduces a unique, almost poetic, Pattern within the detailed instructions, setting this feast apart and possibly suggesting a progressive spiritual journey or a culminating focus.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 29:29, with its precise sacrificial requirements, profoundly connects to the broader theological understanding of God's holiness, humanity's sinfulness, and the divine provision for reconciliation. The meticulous nature of the offerings underscores that approaching a holy God is not a casual matter but requires specific, divinely ordained means. The "without blemish" requirement for the animals points to the absolute perfection necessary for atonement, a standard that no human or animal sacrifice could ultimately meet perfectly or permanently. This constant need for repeated sacrifices highlighted the temporary and symbolic nature of the Old Covenant system, preparing the way for a definitive and perfect solution. The communal aspect of these large offerings also emphasizes the corporate identity of Israel as a people consecrated to God, whose collective well-being depended on their adherence to His covenant commands and the ongoing provision for their sins, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While believers in Christ are no longer bound by the Mosaic sacrificial system, Numbers 29:29 offers enduring lessons for contemporary worship and discipleship. The divine specificity in these ancient commands challenges us to consider the intentionality and reverence with which we approach God. Our worship, though transformed by Christ's finished work, should still be offered with our "best"—not in terms of material offerings, but in the sincerity of our hearts, the devotion of our lives, and the purity of our motives. Just as the Israelites were called to present unblemished animals, we are called to present ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God," which is our true and proper worship (Romans 12:1). The meticulous nature of these Old Testament commands highlights God's absolute holiness and the immense cost of sin, thereby magnifying the infinite value of the perfect redemption accomplished through Christ. It reminds us that grace does not diminish God's standards but fulfills them in a way we never could, inviting us into a relationship characterized by both reverence and profound gratitude for His perfect provision.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the divine specificity of the offerings in Numbers 29:29 challenge or affirm your understanding of worship today?
  • In what ways can we, as New Covenant believers, offer ourselves "without blemish" to God in our daily lives?
  • What does the sheer quantity of animals offered on the sixth day of Tabernacles communicate about the nature of communal worship and thanksgiving?
  • How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen your appreciation for the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

FAQ

Why did the number of bullocks decrease each day during the Feast of Tabernacles?

Answer: The decreasing number of bullocks offered each day during the Feast of Tabernacles (from thirteen on the first day to seven on the seventh day) is a unique feature of this festival's sacrificial requirements, not explicitly explained in the text. Various interpretations exist. Some scholars suggest it symbolized a progressive focusing of the offerings, moving from a broader national scope to a more intense, culminating focus on the seventh day. Others propose it might represent a gradual decrease in sin or an increasing sense of completion and rest as the festival progressed towards its conclusion, particularly with the emphasis on the "great day" of the feast in John 7:37. It could also simply be a divinely ordained pattern, unique to this joyous harvest festival, emphasizing its distinctiveness among the annual feasts and highlighting the unique character of God's instructions for His people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 29:29, with its exacting requirements for "unblemished" sacrifices and its place within the elaborate sacrificial system, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the bullocks, rams, and lambs offered on the sixth day of Tabernacles, were but a shadow of the true reality to come, as emphasized in Colossians 2:16-17. The repeated need for these offerings underscored their inadequacy to permanently deal with sin, pointing forward to a single, perfect, and final sacrifice. Jesus is identified as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" in John 1:29, fulfilling the requirement of an "unblemished" offering. Just as the Old Testament animals had to be without physical defect, Christ was morally and spiritually perfect, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). His sacrifice on the cross was not merely one among many, but the definitive act of atonement, rendering all previous animal sacrifices obsolete, as the book of Hebrews powerfully argues. Through His perfect offering, Christ has obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12), allowing us to approach God with boldness and confidence, no longer through the blood of bulls and goats, but through the precious blood of the Son of God, establishing a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Copy as

Commentary on Numbers 29 verses 12–40

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.
Copy as
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.
Copy as

Continue studying Numbers 29:29 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.