Numbers 29:3

KJV

And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, [and] two tenth deals for a ram,

KJV (with Strong's)

And their meat offering {H4503} shall be of flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, three {H7969} tenth deals {H6241} for a bullock {H6499}, and two {H8147} tenth deals {H6241} for a ram {H352},

Complete Jewish Bible

with their grain offering, consisting of fine flour mixed with olive oil - six quarts for the bull, four quarts for the ram,

Berean Standard Bible

together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephah with the bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram,

American Standard Version

and their meal-offering, fine flour mingled with oil, three tenth parts for the bullock, two tenth parts for the ram,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:3 meticulously details the precise quantities of fine flour and oil required for the grain offering, known as the *minchâh*, which was to accompany the burnt offerings of a bullock and a ram. This specific instruction is given within the context of the additional sacrifices mandated for the Feast of Trumpets, underscoring God's absolute demand for meticulous adherence in worship and the Israelites' comprehensive dedication of their agricultural produce alongside their animal sacrifices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:3 is embedded within a significant legislative block spanning [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Prescribed Offerings for Feasts and Sabbaths"), which provides a comprehensive calendar of public sacrifices for the Israelite community. [Numbers 28](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Offerings") establishes the foundational rhythm of worship with instructions for daily, Sabbath, and New Moon offerings. [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Annual Feasts") then elaborates on the heightened sacrificial requirements for the seven annual feasts, presenting them in chronological order. The verse in question specifically falls within the instructions for the Feast of Trumpets (Numbers 29:1-6), a solemn day of convocation. This placement highlights a progressive intensification of worship throughout the year, with each feast demanding increased and specific offerings, demonstrating the intricate and divinely ordained structure of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 29:3 are deeply rooted in the liturgical practices of ancient Israel, where the sacrificial system served as the primary means of communion with God, initially at the Tabernacle and later at the Temple. Grain offerings (`minchâh`) were a staple component of this system, distinct from blood sacrifices, reflecting the agricultural basis of Israelite society. These offerings, made from flour and oil, symbolized the dedication of the worshiper's labor and the produce of the land, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of all sustenance. The emphasis on precise measurements—"three tenth deals" and "two tenth deals"—was not arbitrary. It reflected a divine standard for the value and proportion of the offering, ensuring uniformity, obedience, and a tangible expression of reverence across all tribes of Israel, preventing haphazard or self-determined worship.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:3, along with its surrounding chapters, powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Precise Obedience** in worship. God's detailed instructions regarding quantities, types of offerings, and timing underscore that true worship is not subject to human innovation or convenience but must conform to divine revelation. This theme is consistently reinforced throughout the Pentateuch, exemplified by the meticulous blueprints for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Holistic Nature of Worship**. The grain offering, an offering of sustenance, was an indispensable accompaniment to the animal burnt offerings, symbolizing a complete dedication. This teaches that devotion to God involves not only atonement and the dedication of life (symbolized by the animal sacrifice) but also the offering of one's livelihood, resources, and daily provision, as further elaborated in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering"). Finally, the recurring emphasis on offerings points to God's **Sovereignty and Provision**, reminding Israel that all they possessed, including their crops and livestock, ultimately came from Him. Therefore, a portion was to be returned in worship as an act of gratitude and dependence, a principle powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to apportion" or "bestow," this term (H4503) refers to a donation, euphemistically tribute, and specifically a sacrificial offering, usually bloodless and voluntary. In the King James Version, "meat" is an archaic term for "food" in general. The _minchâh_ was a grain or meal offering, typically composed of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. Unlike the burnt offering which was entirely consumed, a portion of the _minchâh_ was burned, and the remainder was given to the priests for their sustenance. It symbolized thanksgiving, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's provision.
* **Flour (Hebrew, _çôleth'_):** From an unused root meaning "to strip," this word (H5560) refers to flour (as chipped off), specifically fine flour or meal. Its inclusion in the offering signifies the dedication of the highest quality produce, representing the worshiper's best efforts and the choicest yield of the land. The use of "fine flour" underscored the reverence and honor due to God, demanding an offering that was pure and unblemished.
* **Mingled (Hebrew, _bâlal'_):** A primitive root (H1101) meaning "to fodder," "to overflow (specifically with oil)," or "to mix." When applied to the grain offering, it signifies that the oil was thoroughly incorporated into the flour, not merely poured on top. This intimate mixing created a unified, consecrated substance, symbolizing the complete dedication of the ingredients and the worshiper's integrated devotion.
* **Oil (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** From a root meaning "to be fat," this term (H8081) refers to grease, especially liquid (as from the olive), often perfumed. Figuratively, it denotes richness. Oil was a precious commodity in ancient Israel, symbolizing anointing, joy, sustenance, and blessing. Its presence in the _minchâh_ elevated the offering, adding value and signifying a rich, consecrated gift, often associated with the divine presence and blessing.
* **Tenth deals (Hebrew, _ʻissârôwn'_):** This term (H6241), derived from the word for "ten," literally means "a tenth part." It refers to an omer, which was one-tenth of an ephah, a standard dry measure in ancient Israel. An ephah was approximately 22 liters, making an omer roughly 2.2 liters. Thus, "three tenth deals" would be approximately 6.6 liters of flour, and "two tenth deals" approximately 4.4 liters, indicating the precise and substantial nature of these divinely mandated offerings.
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** From a root meaning "to break forth," this term (H6499) refers to a bullock, apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof. A bullock was a large, valuable, and strong animal, typically offered for significant communal sacrifices or by individuals for grave offenses. Its high value necessitated a substantial accompanying grain offering, reflecting the magnitude of the primary sacrifice.
* **Ram (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From a root meaning "strength," this term (H352) refers to a ram (from its strength), or anything strong. A ram was a male sheep, a valuable but less costly animal than a bullock, often offered for individual sacrifices or less extensive communal rites. The proportionally smaller grain offering for a ram reflected its relative value compared to a bullock, demonstrating a graduated scale within the sacrificial system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil":** This foundational clause specifies the composition of the grain offering that accompanies the animal sacrifices. It clarifies that this offering is plant-based, consisting of fine flour thoroughly mixed with oil. This combination was characteristic of the _minchâh_ and symbolized the dedication of the produce of the land, representing the worshiper's labor, sustenance, and the finest resources offered back to God.
* **"three tenth deals for a bullock":** This segment provides the precise quantity of the grain offering required when a bullock was presented as a burnt sacrifice. A bullock was a large, valuable animal, typically offered for significant occasions or by the community as a whole. The corresponding "three tenth deals" (approximately 6.6 liters of flour and oil) indicates a substantial accompanying offering, proportional to the value and significance of the bullock sacrifice, emphasizing the generosity and completeness expected in worship.
* **"[and] two tenth deals for a ram":** This final clause specifies the quantity of the grain offering when a ram was offered. A ram was a smaller, less valuable animal than a bullock, often offered by individuals or for less extensive communal sacrifices. The "two tenth deals" (approximately 4.4 liters of flour and oil) demonstrates the graduated scale of offerings, where the accompanying grain offering was proportionally reduced according to the size and value of the animal sacrifice it accompanied, maintaining proportionality and divine order.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Numbers 29:3, and indeed throughout the sacrificial legislation in [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Prescribed Offerings for Feasts and Sabbaths"), is **Precision** and **Detailing**. The meticulous enumeration of specific quantities ("three tenth deals," "two tenth deals") and precise ingredients ("flour mingled with oil") underscores God's absolute authority and His demand for exact adherence in worship. This is not merely a practical instruction but a profound theological statement about the nature of divine command and human obedience, emphasizing that worship is not left to human discretion but must conform to divine revelation. Coupled with this is **Repetition**, as similar precise instructions for various offerings are reiterated across these chapters, reinforcing the importance of each detail and embedding the sacrificial system deeply into the Israelite consciousness. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is embedded within the very components of the offering: the "flour" symbolizes sustenance derived from human labor and God's provision, while the "oil" can symbolize anointing, blessing, joy, and even the presence of the Holy Spirit, elevating the mundane elements of food to sacred significance within the context of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:3, with its precise instructions for grain offerings accompanying animal sacrifices, underscores a foundational theological truth: God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including our provision and our worship. The detailed nature of the command reveals that God is not indifferent to how He is approached; He desires worship that is intentional, obedient, and reflective of His revealed will. The inclusion of the grain offering alongside the animal sacrifice teaches that true devotion is holistic, encompassing both atonement for sin (symbolized by the animal) and the grateful dedication of one's resources, labor, and daily sustenance. This integrated approach to worship acknowledges God as the source of all blessings and calls for a complete surrender of self and possessions in His service, recognizing that our worship is a response to His abundant grace and provision.

* [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1-3 "Leviticus 2:1-3 - The Law of the Grain Offering")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering, Acceptable to God")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system have been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 29:3 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to critically examine the intentionality and quality of our worship. Just as God demanded precise quantities and the finest ingredients from ancient Israel, He desires our "best" in every facet of our devotion—not haphazard, half-hearted, or convenient efforts, but thoughtful, prepared, and wholehearted offerings of our very lives. This principle extends far beyond formal church services, permeating our daily walk: how we steward our time, cultivate our talents, manage our finances, engage in our work, and interact with others. Our faith is not merely about grand, public gestures but also about the consistent, often seemingly small, acts of obedience and gratitude that accompany our larger commitments. We are called to offer our entire lives as a "living sacrifice," acknowledging God's supreme provision and sovereignty over all that we are and all that we possess, ensuring that our worship is both spiritually profound and practically expressed in every sphere of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer "fine flour mingled with oil"—my best, with intentionality and purity—to God?**
* **How does the precision of God's commands in Numbers 29:3 inform my understanding of what it means to truly obey Him today, even in seemingly small details?**
* **Beyond financial giving, what "resources" (e.g., time, talents, energy, relationships) am I called to dedicate to God as a holistic act of worship and gratitude?**
* **How can I cultivate a more integrated approach to worship, seamlessly connecting my daily life and work with my spiritual devotion and acknowledging God's presence in all things?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was a "meat offering" in the Old Testament context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word _minchâh_ (H4503), which more accurately means a "grain offering" or "meal offering." In older English, "meat" referred to food in general, not exclusively animal flesh. The _minchâh_ was typically composed of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and sometimes baked. It was distinct from animal sacrifices and served various purposes, including an offering of thanksgiving, devotion, or acknowledgment of God's provision and blessing. A portion of it was burned on the altar as a "memorial portion," and the remainder was given to the priests for their sustenance, as detailed in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering").

**Why are such specific quantities like "three tenth deals" and "two tenth deals" mentioned?**

Answer: The specific quantities underscore the divine demand for precision and order in Israelite worship. "Tenth deal" refers to an omer, which was one-tenth of an ephah, a standard dry measure. These exact measurements ensured that the offerings were made according to God's precise instructions, leaving no room for arbitrary human decisions or approximations. This precision highlighted the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. It also ensured uniformity across the nation, so that all offerings, whether from individuals or the community, adhered to the same divine standard. This meticulousness reflects God's character as a God of order and His expectation of complete obedience from His people in their acts of devotion, a principle seen throughout the Law, such as in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:3, with its emphasis on precise, accompanying grain offerings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including both the animal sacrifices and their accompanying grain offerings, pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the grain offerings symbolized the dedication of sustenance, labor, and the worshiper's very life, they were inherently imperfect and had to be continually repeated. Christ's singular offering of Himself on the cross was sufficient to atone for all sin and perfectly fulfill every requirement of the Law, rendering the old system obsolete, as powerfully explained in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Now, believers are called to offer not physical flour and oil, but spiritual sacrifices: their bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), the "sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), and acts of generosity and service to others ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing")). In Christ, the meticulous demands for offerings are transformed into a holistic, Spirit-empowered devotion, where our entire lives, empowered by His grace and indwelling Spirit, become a fragrant offering pleasing to God, a "sweet-smelling aroma" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")).

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.