Numbers 7:63
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
Original Language Analysis
פַּ֣ר
bullock
H6499
פַּ֣ר
bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
1 of 11
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
בֶּן
of the first
H1121
בֶּן
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּקָ֗ר
young
H1241
בָּקָ֗ר
young
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
4 of 11
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אַ֧יִל
ram
H352
אַ֧יִל
ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בֶּן
of the first
H1121
בֶּן
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The burnt offering was the most frequent sacrifice, offered twice daily (morning and evening) for the entire nation (Exodus 29:38-42). It preceded other offerings, establishing the worshiper's complete dedication before specific atonement or fellowship. Noah's first post-flood act was a burnt offering (Genesis 8:20), and Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac was framed as an 'olah (Genesis 22:2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the burnt offering's complete consumption (nothing retained) challenge modern concepts of partial dedication or 'percentage' Christianity?
- What do the three animals (bullock, ram, lamb) collectively reveal about the multifaceted nature of Christ's sacrifice?
- Why did God require the 'best' animals (first year, unblemished) rather than accepting aged or defective offerings (Malachi 1:8, 13-14)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering—The 'olah (עֹלָה, burnt offering) derives from a root meaning 'to ascend,' as the entire sacrifice ascended as smoke to God. The bullock (par, פַּר) symbolizes strength and service; the ram (ayil, אַיִל) represents leadership and substitution (recalling Isaac, Genesis 22:13); the lamb (keves, כֶּבֶשׂ) embodies innocence and passive submission.
Of the first year (בֶּן־שָׁנָה, ben-shanah, 'son of a year')—young animals in their prime, unblemished and valuable. The burnt offering expressed complete consecration: nothing returned to the worshiper, everything consumed on the altar. This threefold sacrifice anticipates Christ's perfect offering—strong as a bull in His manhood, substitutionary as the ram, innocent and submissive as the lamb. Hebrews 10:5-10 shows Christ fulfilled all burnt offerings through His total self-giving.