Numbers 15 4

Numbers 15:4 kjv

Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil.

Numbers 15:4 nkjv

then he who presents his offering to the LORD shall bring a grain offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of oil;

Numbers 15:4 niv

then the person who brings an offering shall present to the LORD a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of olive oil.

Numbers 15:4 esv

then he who brings his offering shall offer to the LORD a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil;

Numbers 15:4 nlt

When you present these offerings, you must also give the LORD a grain offering of two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of olive oil.

Numbers 15 verses

Numbers 15 4 Meaning

This verse details a mandatory accompanying offering, a "grain offering" (also known as a meal offering or tribute offering), which was required whenever an individual presented a burnt offering or a sacrifice to the Lord as specified in the preceding verses. It precisely prescribes the components and quantities for this specific offering: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a fourth of a hin of oil, symbolizing a dedication of staple provisions and life’s sustenance to God. This grain offering was integral to the larger sacrificial system, highlighting the Israelites' dependence on the Lord for their daily bread and emphasizing the quality and specific measurements required in their worship.

Numbers 15 4 Context

Numbers Chapter 15 provides a set of laws concerning various offerings that the Israelites were to observe once they entered and settled in the promised land. Following the recent rebellious incidents and punishments during the wilderness wanderings, this chapter redirects the people's focus from their immediate failures and consequences to their future responsibilities in the land God was bringing them into. It begins with foundational laws for common sacrificial offerings, particularly those voluntarily offered, such as burnt offerings (ʾōlāh) and sacrifices for a special vow (nedava), or freewill offerings (nāba). Numbers 15:4, specifically, outlines the required "grain offering" (minḥāh) and "drink offering" (nesekh) that must accompany any of these voluntary burnt offerings or sacrifices, providing the precise measurements and ingredients. Historically and culturally, the giving of firstfruits and portions of the harvest as offerings was a deeply embedded practice among ancient Near Eastern peoples, demonstrating gratitude and seeking favor from their deities. This Mosaic law for offerings established specific parameters for Yahwistic worship, differentiating it from the unprescribed and often corrupt practices of pagan fertility cults by demanding exact quantities and quality given solely to YHWH, thereby reaffirming the covenant and Yahweh's exclusive claim over His people and their produce.

Numbers 15 4 Word analysis

• then he who presents his offering: The phrase connects back to the circumstances described in Num 15:3.

  • presents his offering: Hebrew "maqrib qorbanô" (מַקְרִ֥יב קָרְבָּנ֖וֹ). "Maqrib" is the Hiphil participle of "qarab" (קרב), meaning "to draw near" or "to bring near." It signifies an action of approaching God with something. "Qorban" (קרבן) is a general term for an offering or anything brought near to God, encompassing various types of sacrifices. The use of "qorban" emphasizes that this is something dedicated and given to God.
  • to the Lord: Hebrew "l'YHWH" (לַֽיהוָה). Designates the recipient of the offering as Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This underlines the exclusive nature of their worship and offering to the true God.

• shall bring: Hebrew "heqrib" (הִקְרִ֣יב). A Hiphil imperative/future verb of "qarab" (קרב), conveying a command or definite instruction that this action must take place.

• a grain offering: Hebrew "minchah" (מִנְחָה). This term specifically refers to a non-blood offering, often composed of flour, oil, and frankincense. It implies a tribute, a gift, or an acknowledgment of sovereignty. Unlike blood sacrifices which dealt with atonement, the minchah generally symbolized dedication, devotion, gratitude, dependence on God for daily provision, or a communion with Him. It frequently accompanied animal sacrifices as a supplementary gift, rather than serving as the primary means of atonement.

• a tenth of an ephah: Hebrew "ʿissaron ʾephah" (עִשָּׂר֖וֹן אֵיפָ֥ה).

  • tenth: Hebrew "ʿissaron" (עשרון) implies a precise, prescribed measurement, reinforcing the detailed nature of God's commands regarding worship. This standardized quantity ensured uniformity in offerings.
  • ephah: Hebrew "ʾephah" (איפה). A dry measure for grain or flour, roughly equivalent to 23 liters or about 25 pounds. This quantity was significant and demonstrated a substantive contribution from the worshiper’s livelihood.

• of fine flour: Hebrew "soleth" (סֹ֥לֶת). The purest and most refined flour, usually from wheat. It symbolizes purity, excellence, and the giving of one's best to God. The act of sifting and preparing "fine flour" demanded labor and care, representing the worshiper's diligent effort and dedication. In a broader theological sense, it can typologically point to Christ's perfect humanity and purity.

• mixed with: Hebrew "belulah" (בְּלוּלָ֥ה). Means "mixed," "mingled," or "blended." It indicates that the flour and oil were to be thoroughly combined before being offered, signifying their unity and integration in the offering. This mixing highlights that the components form a singular, complete offering to God.

• one-fourth of a hin of oil: Hebrew "revaʿ hahin shemen" (רֶ֤בַע הַהִין֙ שֶׁ֖מֶן).

  • one-fourth of a hin: Hebrew "revaʿ hahin" (רֶבַע ההין). "Revaʿ" means a quarter. "Hin" (הין) is a liquid measure, roughly 3.6-6.1 liters. This too emphasizes precise and specific proportions required for the offering.
  • oil: Hebrew "shemen" (שמן), specifically olive oil in this context. Oil was a staple in ancient Israel, used for food, fuel for lamps, anointing, and medicinal purposes. In the tabernacle and temple rituals, oil often symbolized consecration, provision, and frequently, the Holy Spirit (e.g., in anointing priests and kings). Its inclusion indicates an offering of vital sustenance and a spiritual dimension of blessing or anointing upon the offering.

Numbers 15 4 Bonus section

The precision of the measurements ("tenth of an ephah," "one-fourth of a hin") highlights the divine expectation of careful and exact obedience in matters of worship. This meticulousness served as a constant reminder that God's requirements are specific, differentiating Him from pagan deities whose worship might involve arbitrary or impulsive offerings. The very act of preparing these precise quantities of "fine flour" and oil would have involved diligence and careful husbandry, thereby inculcating virtues of discipline and mindfulness in worship. The minchah, or grain offering, despite not involving blood, was still "a pleasing aroma to the Lord," suggesting that these non-bloody gifts, symbolizing sustenance and provision from God's land, were fully acceptable and carried a spiritual significance that extended beyond atonement to aspects of fellowship and communion. The blending of flour and oil symbolizes a complete and unified offering, signifying that various aspects of the worshiper's life (sustenance, effort, spiritual anointing) are interwoven and dedicated holistically to God.

Numbers 15 4 Commentary

Numbers 15:4 prescribes an indispensable element of Israelite worship: the grain offering that was to accompany all voluntary burnt offerings and specific sacrifices upon their entry into the Promised Land. This meticulous instruction emphasizes that their worship was not merely a matter of heart but also of prescribed form and specific contribution. The exact measurements (a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, a fourth of a hin of oil) ensured consistency and uniformity, preventing haphazard giving. "Fine flour" (sōleṯ) signified the best quality, reflecting that only the most excellent produce should be offered to a holy God, symbolizing a dedicated and unblemished life presented to Him. "Oil" (shemen), a vital commodity, often symbolized the Holy Spirit or divine anointing, adding a spiritual dimension to the physical act of offering. Together, these components represented daily provision, labor, and a deeper dedication of oneself and one's substance to the Lord. This verse teaches that our offerings to God are not incidental but an integral, precisely defined act of devotion and dependence on Him for every aspect of life. It prefigures the call to spiritual sacrifices for New Testament believers, emphasizing giving one's 'best' in Spirit-empowered living.