Old Testament
Numbers 15:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Also present 1/2 a hin of wine as a drink offering. This is a fire offering that produces a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Compare translations
And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
What Numbers 15:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 15:10, God instructs the Israelites to offer a drink offering of half a hin of wine alongside their sacrifices. This offering is meant to be burned on the altar, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The drink offering symbolizes joy and gratitude, complementing the main sacrifice. It reflects the importance of giving God our best and recognizing His provision. The act of pouring out wine signifies a dedication of one's resources to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and blessings. This practice was part of the larger sacrificial system, which included various offerings to express devotion and worship. The wine, as a drink offering, enhances the overall sacrifice, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship and the relationship between God and His people. Through these rituals, the Israelites were reminded of their covenant with God and the need for atonement and gratitude in their lives.
How to apply Numbers 15:10 to your life
In our lives today, we can apply this verse by recognizing the importance of dedicating our resources and time to God. Just as the Israelites offered wine, we should offer our best in service, worship, and gratitude, acknowledging God's blessings in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 15:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 15:10
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of the drink offering in Numbers 15:10?
The drink offering in Numbers 15:10 signifies joy and gratitude towards God. It complements the main sacrifices and symbolizes the dedication of one's resources to the Lord. This offering, made with half a hin of wine, is meant to be burned on the altar, creating a pleasing aroma that represents the worshiper's devotion and acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty.
How does Numbers 15:10 relate to modern worship practices?
Numbers 15:10 teaches us the importance of dedicating our resources and time to God in modern worship. Just as the Israelites offered wine as a drink offering, we can offer our best in service, worship, and gratitude. This verse encourages us to recognize and acknowledge God's blessings in our lives, fostering a deeper relationship with Him through acts of devotion.
What does 'a pleasing aroma to the LORD' mean in this context?
'A pleasing aroma to the LORD' refers to the idea that the offerings made by the Israelites, including the drink offering, are acceptable and delightful to God. This phrase symbolizes the worshiper's sincere devotion and the desire to honor God through their sacrifices. It reflects the belief that God appreciates and responds to acts of worship that come from a heart of gratitude and reverence.
Why is wine specifically mentioned as a drink offering?
Wine is mentioned as a drink offering because it symbolizes joy, celebration, and abundance. In the ancient Israelite culture, wine was a valuable resource and represented the fruits of the land. By offering wine, the Israelites acknowledged God's provision and blessings in their lives, enhancing the significance of their sacrifices and expressing their gratitude in a tangible way.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.