Numbers 15:5

Authorized King James Version

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And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.

Original Language Analysis

וְיַ֤יִן of wine H3196
וְיַ֤יִן of wine
Strong's: H3196
Word #: 1 of 11
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
לַנֶּ֙סֶךְ֙ for a drink offering H5262
לַנֶּ֙סֶךְ֙ for a drink offering
Strong's: H5262
Word #: 2 of 11
a libation; also a cast idol
רְבִיעִ֣ית And the fourth H7243
רְבִיעִ֣ית And the fourth
Strong's: H7243
Word #: 3 of 11
fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth
הַהִ֔ין part of an hin H1969
הַהִ֔ין part of an hin
Strong's: H1969
Word #: 4 of 11
a hin or liquid measure
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה shalt thou prepare H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה shalt thou prepare
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 5 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָֽעֹלָ֖ה with the burnt offering H5930
הָֽעֹלָ֖ה with the burnt offering
Strong's: H5930
Word #: 7 of 11
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
א֣וֹ H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 8 of 11
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
לַזָּ֑בַח or sacrifice H2077
לַזָּ֑בַח or sacrifice
Strong's: H2077
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ lamb H3532
לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ lamb
Strong's: H3532
Word #: 10 of 11
a ram (just old enough to butt)
הָֽאֶחָֽד׃ for one H259
הָֽאֶחָֽד׃ for one
Strong's: H259
Word #: 11 of 11
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis & Commentary

The drink offering of wine poured out before the Lord represents joy and celebration in worship. Wine symbolizes gladness and abundance throughout Scripture. Pouring it out as an offering teaches that our joy should be offered to God, not merely consumed for personal pleasure. The specific amount (quarter hin) demonstrates measured, intentional worship. The Reformed emphasis on joy in worship finds support here—we serve God gladly, not grudgingly.

Historical Context

Drink offerings were poured out at the base of the altar, creating a fragrant offering to the Lord. Wine was a valuable commodity, representing prosperity and blessing. Offering it to God demonstrated that all blessings come from Him and should be returned to His glory. The pouring out symbolized life poured out in devotion.

Questions for Reflection

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