Numbers 6:15

KJV

And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And a basket {H5536} of unleavened bread {H4682}, cakes {H2471} of fine flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, and wafers {H7550} of unleavened bread {H4682} anointed {H4886} with oil {H8081}, and their meat offering {H4503}, and their drink offerings {H5262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

a basket of matzah, loaves made of fine flour mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers spread with olive oil, their grain offering and their drink offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—and a basket of unleavened cakes made from fine flour mixed with oil and unleavened wafers coated with oil.

American Standard Version

and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their meal-offering, and their drink-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:15 meticulously details a specific portion of the offerings required from a Nazirite upon the completion of their vow. These items—a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, along with their grain and drink offerings—represent the culmination of a period of special consecration to the Lord. This precise enumeration symbolizes purity, thanksgiving, and a complete dedication of the individual and their resources to God, marking the successful conclusion of their period of heightened separation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:15 is situated within the comprehensive legislative framework concerning the Nazirite vow, detailed in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazirite Vow"). This chapter outlines the voluntary commitment of an Israelite, male or female, to a period of heightened separation unto the Lord, involving strict prohibitions against grape products, cutting hair, and contact with the dead. The entire Nazirite legislation culminates in the elaborate ritual of the vow's completion, described from [Numbers 6:13](/numbers/6-13 "Numbers 6:13 - The Day of Completion of the Nazirite Vow") onward. Verse 15 specifically lists the various grain and drink offerings that the Nazirite was to bring to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, alongside other sacrifices like a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, signifying purification, atonement, and thanksgiving for the successful completion of their consecrated period.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazirite vow provided a unique pathway for any Israelite to voluntarily engage in a period of intense devotion and holiness, a level of separation typically reserved for priests. This temporary separation was a profound act of personal piety within a communal worship system centered on the Tabernacle. Offerings, such as those listed in [Numbers 6:15](/numbers/6-15 "Numbers 6:15 - Nazirite Offerings"), were integral to Israelite worship, serving various purposes: atonement for sin, expressing thanksgiving, fulfilling vows, and demonstrating devotion. The specific items like unleavened bread, oil, and wine were staples of the ancient Israelite diet, symbolizing God's provision and the worshiper's willingness to return a portion of their blessings to Him. The meticulous nature of these instructions underscores the seriousness with which vows were regarded in ancient Israel, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord"), emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's commitments to God.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and broader Old Testament theology. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as the Nazirite vow itself is an act of setting oneself apart to the Lord. The specific offerings, particularly the unleavened bread and oil, reinforce the pursuit of purity and the anointing for sacred service. The verse also highlights the theme of **Vow Fulfillment and Faithfulness**, emphasizing the importance of completing commitments made to God with integrity and prescribed acts of worship. Furthermore, it speaks to **Thanksgiving and Dedication**, as the grain and drink offerings were expressions of gratitude for God's provision and a complete surrender of one's life and resources. These offerings, therefore, are not merely ritualistic but deeply theological, reflecting the Nazirite's spiritual state and their covenantal relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unleavened bread (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** From H4682, meaning "sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf." This bread, made without yeast, symbolizes purity, sincerity, and freedom from corruption or sin. Its inclusion in various offerings, most notably the Passover, underscored a commitment to a life free from the "leaven" of malice and wickedness. In the Nazirite context, it highlights the desire for spiritual purity at the culmination of their consecrated period.
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From H4503, meaning "a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." While translated as "meat offering" in the KJV, this Hebrew term more accurately denotes a **grain offering** or **meal offering**. It was a bloodless offering, typically composed of fine flour, baked goods, or grain, often presented with oil and frankincense. The _minchâh_ was primarily an offering of thanksgiving and dedication, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty, and was often presented alongside burnt and peace offerings.
* **Drink offerings (Hebrew, _neçek'_):** From H5262, meaning "a libation; also a cast idol." These were typically libations of wine poured out before the Lord, accompanying other sacrifices. The act of pouring out symbolized complete devotion, joy, and a total surrender to God. It represented the "pouring out" of one's life and substance in worship, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern religions, here consecrated to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a basket of unleavened bread":** This refers to the container holding the primary bread offerings. The unleavened nature signifies purity and sincerity, reflecting the Nazirite's desire to present themselves as uncorrupted before God after their period of separation. The basket itself (H5536, _çal_) indicates a specific, prescribed vessel for these sacred items.
* **"cakes of fine flour mingled with oil":** These were flat cakes made from the highest quality flour (H5560, _çôleth_), indicating that the offering to God must be of the very best. The "mingling with oil" (H1101, _bâlal_ for "mingled"; H8081, _shemen_ for "oil") suggests the oil was thoroughly mixed into the dough, symbolizing the permeating presence and consecration by the Holy Spirit, or a general blessing and anointing that permeates the worshiper's life.
* **"and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil":** This describes another form of bread offering, thin and crisp (H7550, _râqîyq_), which were specifically "anointed" or smeared with oil (H4886, _mâshach_ for "anointed"; H8081, _shemen_ for "oil") after baking. This anointing further emphasizes consecration and dedication, setting apart the offering as holy to the Lord, indicating a distinct act of sanctification.
* **"and their meat offering":** This refers to the grain offering (H4503, _minchâh_), which, as explained above, was a bloodless offering of flour or baked goods. It served as an act of thanksgiving for God's provision and a dedication of the Nazirite's life and labor, representing the fruits of their toil offered back to the Creator.
* **"and their drink offerings":** These were libations (H5262, _neçek_), typically of wine, poured out as an accompaniment to the other sacrifices. They symbolized the pouring out of one's life in devotion and joy before the Lord, completing the comprehensive act of worship and dedication at the conclusion of the Nazirite vow, signifying a complete surrender and joyful offering.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:15 primarily employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing the various components of the Nazirite's offerings. This detailed listing ensures precision in ritual observance, leaving no ambiguity about what was required and emphasizing the meticulousness demanded in worship. The repeated mention of "unleavened bread" and "oil" demonstrates **Repetition**, highlighting their profound symbolic significance—purity and consecration, respectively—within the offering. The entire description is steeped in **Symbolism**, where each item (unleavened bread, fine flour, oil, drink offerings) carries profound theological meaning beyond its physical form, representing aspects of the Nazirite's spiritual state, their relationship with God, and the nature of their completed vow. The verse also utilizes **Ritual Language**, characteristic of Levitical and Numbers texts, to meticulously describe the sacred acts of worship, reinforcing the divine authority and sacredness of the instructions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:15, as part of the Nazirite vow's completion, powerfully illustrates several core theological concepts. It underscores the sanctity of vows made to God, emphasizing that commitment must be followed by faithful fulfillment and appropriate expression of worship. The meticulous nature of the offerings highlights God's demand for holiness and the worshiper's pursuit of purity and separation unto Him. Furthermore, the various components of the offering—especially the grain and drink offerings—speak to themes of thanksgiving for God's sustaining provision, the dedication of one's best resources, and a complete pouring out of oneself in devotion. It reveals a covenantal relationship where human commitment is met with divine acceptance when expressed according to God's prescribed ways, laying a foundation for understanding the nature of acceptable worship.

* [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1-3 "Leviticus 2:1-3 - The Law of the Grain Offering")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows to God")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Nazirite vow belong to the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of Numbers 6:15 offer profound insights for contemporary believers. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness of our commitments to God, reminding us that spiritual dedication is not merely an internal disposition but often requires tangible, intentional acts of worship and obedience. Just as the Nazirite brought their best and completed their vow with specific offerings, we are called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), presenting our time, talents, and resources to God with integrity and excellence. The emphasis on "fine flour" and "oil" challenges us to give God our very best, not our leftovers, and to live lives permeated by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and wholehearted devotion, recognizing God's abundant provision and responding with a desire to pour out our lives in worship and service, reflecting the purity and dedication exemplified by the Nazirite.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Nazirite's commitment to a period of heightened separation challenge my own level of dedication and intentionality in my walk with God?**
* **In what practical ways can I offer "fine flour" and "oil"—my best efforts, purest intentions, and consecrated resources—to the Lord in my daily life?**
* **What spiritual "vows" or commitments (e.g., to prayer, service, stewardship) have I made to God, and how faithfully am I pursuing their fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "unleavened bread" in the Nazirite offering?**

Answer: Unleavened bread, or _matzot_, was significant for several reasons. Theologically, it symbolized purity, sincerity, and freedom from corruption or sin. Leaven (yeast) in biblical symbolism often represented sin or evil (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6-8 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - The Leaven of Malice and Wickedness")). Historically, it was a central component of the Passover meal, commemorating the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, where there was no time for bread to rise ([Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Unleavened Bread at Passover")). For the Nazirite, presenting unleavened bread at the completion of their vow underscored their desire to end their consecrated period in a state of ceremonial and spiritual purity, free from the "leaven" of any defilement.

**Why is "meat offering" in the King James Version now typically translated as "grain offering" or "meal offering"?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) for [Numbers 6:15](/numbers/6-15 "Numbers 6:15 - Nazirite Offerings"), and other Old Testament passages, is a linguistic artifact. In 17th-century English, "meat" was a general term for food, not specifically animal flesh. The Hebrew word translated here is _minchah_ (מִנְחָה), which refers to a bloodless offering made of grain, flour, or baked goods, often accompanied by oil and frankincense ([Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Law of the Grain Offering")). Modern translations use "grain offering" or "meal offering" to accurately convey that this offering was distinct from animal sacrifices and consisted of plant-based food items.

**Were Nazirite vows always temporary, or could they be lifelong?**

Answer: Generally, Nazirite vows were temporary and for a specified period, as indicated by the detailed instructions for their completion in [Numbers 6:13-21](/numbers/6-13-21 "Numbers 6:13-21 - The Completion of the Nazirite Vow"). However, there were rare instances of lifelong Nazirites, such as Samson ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")), Samuel ([1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel")), and potentially John the Baptist ([Luke 1:15](/luke/1-15 "Luke 1:15 - John the Baptist's Consecration")). These lifelong vows were usually initiated by a divine calling or a parental dedication rather than a personal, voluntary choice for a set period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:15, with its intricate details of the Nazirite's offerings, beautifully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Covenant types and shadows. While Jesus did not take a formal Nazirite vow, His entire life perfectly embodied the spirit of absolute consecration and separation unto God. He was the "unleavened bread" of life, utterly pure and sinless, a perfect offering without blemish ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). His anointing with the Holy Spirit for ministry ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit")) parallels the oil mingled with and anointed upon the offerings, signifying His divine commissioning and empowerment. Moreover, His life was a continuous "grain offering" of perfect obedience and thanksgiving, culminating in His self-sacrifice on the cross. There, He poured out His life as the ultimate "drink offering" ([Philippians 2:17](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Life as a Drink Offering"), echoing Christ's ultimate sacrifice), a complete surrender unto death for the redemption of humanity. Through His perfect offering, Christ fulfills the need for purification and dedication, enabling believers to become spiritual Nazirites—a "holy priesthood" offering "spiritual sacrifices" acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")).

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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 2:4

And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, [it shall be] unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.

Exodus 29:2

And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: [of] wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

Numbers 15:10

And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, [for] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Joel 1:9

The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn.

Numbers 15:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 15:7

And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third [part] of an hin of wine, [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Joel 2:14

Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?