Numbers 28:27
But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;
Original Language Analysis
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם
But ye shall offer
H7126
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם
But ye shall offer
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 15
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
עוֹלָ֜ה
the burnt offering
H5930
עוֹלָ֜ה
the burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
2 of 15
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙
for a sweet
H5207
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙
for a sweet
Strong's:
H5207
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פָּרִ֧ים
bullocks
H6499
פָּרִ֧ים
bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
6 of 15
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
בְּנֵ֥י
of the first
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 15
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 #:
8 of 15
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אַ֣יִל
ram
H352
אַ֣יִל
ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
12 of 15
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot/Pentecost) occurred seven weeks after Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16), celebrating spring wheat harvest (May-June). Unlike other pilgrimage feasts focused on historical events, Pentecost centered on agricultural bounty, though later Judaism connected it to Sinai's law-giving.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pentecost's burnt offering (symbolizing complete consecration) challenge believers to offer harvest blessings back to God rather than hoarding them?
- What does the transformation of agricultural Pentecost into spiritual harvest day (Acts 2) teach about Old Testament festivals finding fulfillment in Christ?
- How can you practice 'firstfruits giving' that consecrates all subsequent blessings to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year—The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) burnt offering (עֹלָה לְרֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ olah lere'ach nichoach, ascension-offering for pleasing aroma) required two young bullocks (פָּרִים בְּנֵי־בָקָר parim benei-vaqar), symbolizing strength and agricultural prosperity. The sevenfold lambs (שִׁבְעָה כְּבָשִׂים shiv'ah kevasim) represented completeness in gratitude for harvest blessing.
This offering accompanied Pentecost's grain offering—the only feast where leavened bread was presented (Leviticus 23:17), celebrating wheat harvest. Acts 2's Holy Spirit outpouring at Pentecost transformed the feast from agricultural thanksgiving to celebration of spiritual harvest—3,000 souls saved (Acts 2:41). Paul calls converts 'the firstfruits unto God' (James 1:18), fulfilling Pentecost's harvest symbolism.