Numbers 28:19
But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish:
Original Language Analysis
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם
But ye shall offer
H7126
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם
But ye shall offer
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 17
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אִשֶּׁ֤ה
a sacrifice made by fire
H801
אִשֶּׁ֤ה
a sacrifice made by fire
Strong's:
H801
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
עֹלָה֙
for a burnt offering
H5930
עֹלָה֙
for a burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
3 of 17
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פָּרִ֧ים
bullocks
H6499
פָּרִ֧ים
bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
5 of 17
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
בְּנֵ֣י
of the first
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָקָ֛ר
young
H1241
בָקָ֛ר
young
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
7 of 17
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וְאַ֣יִל
ram
H352
וְאַ֣יִל
ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
אֶחָ֑ד
and one
H259
אֶחָ֑ד
and one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וְשִׁבְעָ֤ה
and seven
H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֤ה
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
11 of 17
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
בְּנֵ֣י
of the first
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תְּמִימִ֖ם
they shall be unto you without blemish
H8549
תְּמִימִ֖ם
they shall be unto you without blemish
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
15 of 17
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:21And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.Leviticus 22:20But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.Numbers 29:8But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:Numbers 28:31Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.
Historical Context
Passover week offerings were more elaborate than regular monthly sacrifices, reflecting the feast's significance as Israel's founding event. The two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs provided substantial meat for the priests (who received portions) while the fat and blood were fully offered to God, maintaining the principle that God receives the first and best.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the requirement of "without blemish" animals point to Christ's necessity as a sinless substitute?
- What would it mean to offer your life as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) in the spirit of these wholly-consumed burnt offerings?
- How does the costliness of festival offerings challenge minimalist approaches to worship and giving?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A sacrifice made by fire (אִשֶּׁה, isheh)—offerings consumed by fire on the altar, distinguishing them from non-burnt offerings. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, "that which goes up") was wholly consumed, symbolizing total consecration to God. Two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year—a substantial offering requiring community resources. The animals must be without blemish (תְּמִימִם, temimim)—physically perfect, reflecting moral purity required of worshipers (Psalm 15).
This typology finds fulfillment in Christ, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Hebrews 9:14 emphasizes that Christ "offered himself without spot to God," making animal perfection a prophetic pointer to His sinless humanity. The fire that consumed these offerings symbolized divine judgment that Christ bore vicariously.