Numbers 28:5
And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽעֲשִׂירִ֧ית
And a tenth
H6224
וַֽעֲשִׂירִ֧ית
And a tenth
Strong's:
H6224
Word #:
1 of 9
tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part
הָֽאֵיפָ֛ה
part of an ephah
H374
הָֽאֵיפָ֛ה
part of an ephah
Strong's:
H374
Word #:
2 of 9
an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general
לְמִנְחָ֑ה
for a meat offering
H4503
לְמִנְחָ֑ה
for a meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
4 of 9
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
בְּלוּלָ֛ה
mingled
H1101
בְּלוּלָ֛ה
mingled
Strong's:
H1101
Word #:
5 of 9
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
בְּשֶׁ֥מֶן
oil
H8081
בְּשֶׁ֥מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
6 of 9
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Historical Context
The grain offering (minchah) represented the fruit of human labor—planting, cultivating, harvesting, grinding, and baking. Offering it to God acknowledged that all productivity comes from Him and belongs to Him. The oil mixed with flour created a rich, fragrant bread partially burned and partially eaten by priests, demonstrating that worship feeds both God's pleasure and His ministers' sustenance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does offering both animal and grain teach about comprehensive devotion?
- How does beaten oil symbolize affliction that produces spiritual fruit?
- In what ways should our daily labor be seen as potential offering to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil accompanies the lamb, demonstrating that worship involves comprehensive giving—not just animal sacrifice but also grain and oil, representing agricultural labor. The specific measurements show that God prescribes not just what we offer but how much. The beaten oil (made by crushing olives) represents the Spirit's work through affliction, producing the oil that makes our offerings acceptable. Nothing we bring to God is acceptable without the Spirit's enabling work.