Numbers 15:8
And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And when thou preparest
H6213
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And when thou preparest
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בֶן
a bullock
H1121
בֶן
a bullock
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּקָ֖ר
H1241
בָּקָ֖ר
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
4 of 12
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
עֹלָ֣ה
for a burnt offering
H5930
עֹלָ֣ה
for a burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
5 of 12
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
אוֹ
H176
אוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
6 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
זָ֑בַח
or for a sacrifice
H2077
זָ֑בַח
or for a sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
לְפַלֵּא
in performing
H6381
לְפַלֵּא
in performing
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
10 of 12
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
Historical Context
The bullock was costly (worth approximately 30-50 days' wages), making it the sacrifice of significant commitment. In agrarian Israel, livestock represented stored labor and wealth, so offering a bullock was substantial economic worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents of 'costly worship' parallel the sacrifice of a valuable bullock?
- How does the complete consumption of the burnt offering challenge half-hearted dedication to God?
- In what ways does Christ's role as both priest and offering (Hebrews 9:11-14) fulfill and surpass the Levitical system?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering (עֹלָה olah, 'that which ascends')—The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, representing complete consecration to God. The bullock, most valuable of domestic animals, required the largest grain offering (3/10 ephah) and drink offering (1/2 hin of wine).
The olah typologically points to Christ's perfect self-offering (Hebrews 10:5-10). The ascending smoke symbolized prayers and devotion rising to God (Psalm 141:2). Unlike peace offerings where the worshiper ate portions, the burnt offering belonged entirely to Yahweh—a picture of unreserved surrender.