Numbers 29:37 — Word Study
WLCמִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם לַפָּ֨ר לָאַ֧יִל וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
BSAalong with the grain and drink offeringsminchâh [meal, libation] for the bullspar [young oxen] ramsʼayil [strong male sheep] and lambskebes [young sheep] according to the numbermiçpâr [quantity, narrative] prescribedmishpâṭ [ordained, after the manner]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מִנְחָתָ֣ם | grain offering their | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם | and drink offerings their | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| לַפָּ֨ר | for the young bull | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לָאַ֧יִל | for the ram | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים | and for the lambs | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם | by number their | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ | according to the ordinance | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. |
| KJV | Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: |
| ASV | their meal-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance: |
| YLT | their present, and their libations, for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, in their number, according to the ordinance; |
| WEB | their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance, |
| BBE | With the meal offering and the drink offerings for the ox, the male sheep, and the lambs, in relation to their number, as it is ordered: |
Where they part company is מִנְחָתָ֣ם — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is supported by two prepositional phrases that provide detail about the offerings and their quantity.
2 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Whedon & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Numbers 29:37
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Offerings During the Festivalgenerated
Numbers 29:37 describes the offerings that are to be presented during a festival, emphasizing the importance of both grain and drink offerings as part of the ceremonial sacrifices. This verse is part of a larger section detailing the various offerings required during the festivals, which includes burnt offerings and sin offerings, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
The Key Word — מִנְחָתָ֣ם, min.cha.Tamgenerated
The word מִנְחָה (minchah) refers to a gift or offering, particularly in a religious context. It is often used to describe grain offerings, which are bloodless sacrifices given to God. The term is derived from a root meaning to apportion or bestow, indicating a donation or present, especially to God.
In this verse, it highlights the significance of the grain offering as part of the overall sacrificial system, illustrating the communal aspect of worship and the need for various types of offerings in the rituals prescribed by God.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause of the verse is structured around the offerings, with the finite verb implied in the context of presenting these offerings. The sentence includes several noun phrases detailing the types of offerings and the animals involved, creating a comprehensive picture of the sacrificial requirements.
The order of the Hebrew words emphasizes the offerings first, followed by the animals and their prescribed numbers, showing the importance of each element in the ritual process.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the offerings with the Greek word μόσξῳ for לַפָּ֨ר (la.Par), indicating a young bull, which aligns with the sacrificial context. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew while also adapting to Greek sacrificial terminology.
The use of κριῷ for לָאַ֧יִל (la.'A.yil) shows a similar focus on the strength and significance of the ram in the offerings, maintaining the integrity of the original intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Numbers 29:37 explains the offerings that must be presented during a festival, including grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to a specific number. This highlights the importance of these offerings in the worship practices of the Israelites.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The verse mentions grain offerings and drink offerings specifically for bulls, rams, and lambs.
The offerings are prescribed by number to ensure that the rituals are performed correctly and in accordance with God's instructions.
Grain and drink offerings are significant as they represent the fruits of the land and are part of the worship and thanksgiving to God.
These offerings complement the burnt offerings, which are also part of the sacrificial system and are meant to be pleasing to God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What do the grain and drink offerings symbolize in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my offerings to God are presented with the right heart and intention?
- In what ways can I appreciate the significance of communal worship through these offerings?
- How do the prescribed numbers of offerings reflect God's order and structure in worship?
Commentators on this verse — 2 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Numbers 29:37 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Numbers 29 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleTHE FEAST OF — , Numbers 29:12-40.The cycle of Jewish feasts culminated in this, the grandest and most joyful of all.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Numbers 29 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed.
their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance,
along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed.
and with their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, according to their number as prescribed,
Tyndale line
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
their meal-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance:
their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance:
Their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
Their meate offring and their drinke offrings for the bullocke, for the ramme, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after the maner,
Strictly literal
their oblation and their drink-offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, by their number, according to the ordinance;
their present, and their libations, for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, in their number, according to the ordinance;
their present and their drink-offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, in their number, according to the ordinance;
Their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the sheep, shall be according to their number, after the prescribed manner;
You must offer their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, making as many offerings as were commanded.
From the Latin
And the sacrifices and the libations of every one for the calves and for the rams and for the lambs you shall celebrate according to the rite:
Simplified
They are to be accompanied by their grain offerings and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, all according to the number required.
With the meal offering and the drink offerings for the ox, the male sheep, and the lambs, in relation to their number, as it is ordered:
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word with the Hebrew text. The Septuagint matches 6 of the 7 words, indicating a close relationship between these ancient texts, though its word order and articles differ.
מִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם לַפָּ֨ר לָאַ֧יִל וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ומנחתם ונסכיהם לפר לאיל ולכבשׂים במספרם כמשׁפט
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Numbers 29:37
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
מִנְחָה (minchah) refers to a gift or offering, particularly in a religious context. It encompasses a range of meanings including tribute, voluntary offerings, and specifically bloodless sacrifices, often grain offerings. The term is derived from a root meaning to apportion or bestow, indicating a donation or present, especially to God.
מִנְחָה 153 n.f. gift, tribute, offering
gift, present
tribute
offering made to God, of any kind, whether grain or animals
grain offering
grain-offering, always with this meaning in P
vbs. of offering are
base
H4503 מִנְחָה gift, tribute, offering
4503 minchah min-khaw'
from an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. bestow; a
donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial
offering (usually bloodless and voluntary):--gift, oblation,
(meat) offering, present, sacrifice.
מִנְחָה (min.chah) — offering.
: offering/sacrifice
1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering
1a) gift, present
1b) tribute
1c) offering (to God)
1d) grain offering
מִנְחָה (min.chah) — offering: gift.
: gift
1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering
1a) gift, present
1b) tribute
1c) offering (to God)
1d) grain offering
מִנְחָה (min.chah) — offering: tribute.
: tribute
1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering
1a) gift, present
1b) tribute
1c) offering (to God)
1d) grain offering
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word נֶ֫סֶךְ (*necek*) primarily means 'drink offering' or 'libation,' referring to a ritual pouring of liquid. It can also denote 'molten images' or 'cast idols.' The word is derived from a root meaning to pour out, and its Aramaic equivalent is noted as well.
נֶ֫סֶךְ n.m. drink-offering
drink-offering
molten images
base
H5262 נֶ֫סֶךְ drink-offering . drink-offering
. molten images
5262 necek neh'-sek
or necek {nay'-sek}; from 5258; a libation; also a cast
idol:--cover, drink offering, molten image.
see HEBREW for 05258
נֶ֫סֶךְ (ne.sekh) — drink offering.
1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out
1a) drink offering
1b) molten images
Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp
פַּר (par) refers to a young bull or steer. It is derived from a root that suggests strength or breaking forth. The term encompasses meanings like bullock and calf, indicating its use in contexts related to livestock.
פַּר 132 n.m. young bull, steer
base
H6499 פַּר young bull, steer
6499 par par
or par {pawr}; from 6565; a bullock (apparently as breaking
forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof):--(+
young) bull(-ock), calf, ox.
see HEBREW for 06565
פַּר (par) — bullock.
young bull, steer, bullock
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
אַ֫יִל (ayil) encompasses several meanings, including 'ram,' 'projecting pillar or pilaster,' 'leader or chief,' and 'terebinth.' It is derived from a root meaning strength, suggesting a connection to might and support. The term appears in various contexts, reflecting its diverse applications in the Old Testament.
אַ֫יִל 156 n.m. ram (as leader of flock)
base
אַ֫יִל n.[m.] projecting pillar or pilaster
base
[אַ֫יִל ?] n.m. leader, chief
base
[אַ֫יִל ?] n.m. terebinth
base
H352a אַ֫יִל ram H352b אַ֫יִל projecting pillar or pilaster H352c אַ֫יִל leader, chief H352d אַ֫יִל terebinth
352 'ayil ah'-yil
from the same as 193; properly, strength; hence, anything
strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from
his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or
other strong tree:--mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram,
tree.
see HEBREW for 0193
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — ram.
1) ram
1a) ram (as food)
1b) ram (as sacrifice)
1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — pillar.
pillar, door post, jambs, pilaster
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — leader.
strong man, leader, chief
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — terebinth.
mighty tree, terebinth
Aramaic equivalent: i.lan (אִילָן "tree" H0363)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
Ram
Exalted. (1.) The son of Hezron, and one of the ancestors of the royal line (Ruth 4:19). The margin of 1 Chr. 2:9, also Matt. 1:3, 4 and Luke 3:33, have “Aram.”
(2.) One of the sons of Jerahmeel (1 Chr. 2:25, 27).
(3.) A person mentioned in Job 32:2 as founder of a clan to which Elihu belonged. The same as Aram of Gen. 22:21.
(high, exalted). A son of Hezron and the father of Ammin-adab, born in Egypt after Jacob’s migration there. (Ruth 4:19) (B.C. 1706.) In (Matthew 1:3,4) and Luke 3:33 He is called ARAM in the Authorized Version, but RAM in the Revised Version of (Matthew 1:3,4) and ARNI in the Revised Version of (Luke 3:33) The first-born of Jerahmeel, and therefore nephew of the preceding. (1 Chronicles 3:25,27) (B.C. after 1706.) One of the kindred of Elihu. (Job 32:2) Ewald identified this Ram with ARAM in (
elevated; sublime
כֶּ֫בֶשׂ (*kebes*) means 'lamb' and can also refer to a young ram or sheep. The word is derived from an unused root suggesting a meaning related to dominance. It appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily denoting young sheep.
כֶּ֫בֶשׂ 107 n.m. lamb
base
H3532 כֶּ֫בֶשׂ lamb
3532 kebes keh-bes'
from an unused root meaning to dominate; a ram (just old
enough to butt):--lamb, sheep.
כֶּ֫בֶשׂ (ke.ve.s) — lamb.
lamb, sheep, young ram
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Rd/Ncmpa
are the young of sheep, but originally included also the young of goats. They formed an important part of almost every sacrifice. (Exodus 29:38-41; Numbers 28:9,11; 29:2,13-40) etc. [On the paschal lamb see PASSOVER]
מִסְפָּר (mispar) means 'number' or 'tale.' It can refer to definite or indefinite quantities, ranging from large to small. The word also encompasses concepts of narration and recounting. The entries consistently highlight its numerical and narrative aspects without significant disagreement.
מִסְפָּר 133 n.m. number, tale
base
H4557 מִסְפָּר number, tale
4557 micpar mis-pawr'
from 5608; a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite
(large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly)
narration:--+ abundance, account, X all, X few, (in-)finite,
(certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, + time.
see HEBREW for 05608
מִסְפָּר (mis.par) — number.
1) number, tale
1a) number
1a1) number
1a2) innumerable (with negative)
1a3) few, numerable (alone)
1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep)
1b) recounting, relation
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) primarily means judgment or justice and encompasses various aspects such as legal rights, ordinances, and decisions. It is derived from a root meaning to pronounce a verdict, covering both human and divine law. The entries highlight its application in legal contexts, including the act of deciding cases and the attributes of justice and rectitude.
מִשְׁפָּט 422 n.m. judgment
judgment
justice, right, rectitude
ordinance
decision
one's (legal) right, privilege, due
proper, fitting, measure
custom, manner
what manner of
plan
base
H4941 מִשְׁפָּט judgment . judgment
. justice, right, rectitude
. ordinance
. decision
. one's (legal) right, privilege, due
. . proper, fitting, measure
. custom, manner
. what manner of
. plan
4941 mishpat mish-pawt'
from 8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable)
pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree
(human or (participant's) divine law, individual or
collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the
crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a
participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or
even a style:--+ adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime,
custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due,
fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly),
(manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order,
ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.
see HEBREW for 08199
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice: judgement.
: judgement/punishment
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man)
1c) ordinance
1d) decision (in law)
1e) right, privilege, due (legal)
1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice.
: justice/right/righteousness
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
or'-di-nans:
1. Old Testament Use:
This word generally represents chuqqah, something prescribed, enactment, usually with reference to matters of ritual. In the King James Version the same word is frequently translated by "statute" or "statutes," which is also the rendering of a similar Hebrew word, namely, choq. the Revised Version (British and American) generally retains "ordinance," but sometimes substitutes "statute" (e.g. Ex 18:20; Ps 99:7). In one instance the Revised Version (British and American) renders "set portion" (Eze 45:14). The word generally has a religious or ceremonial significance. It is used for instance in connection with the Passover (Ex 12:43;