Old Testament
Numbers 28:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Their grain offerings should be fine flour mixed with oil: 3 tenths of an ephah for each bull and 2 tenths for the ram.
Compare translations
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;
What Numbers 28:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 28:20, God provides specific instructions for the grain offerings that are to accompany sacrifices. The offerings consist of fine flour mixed with oil, which symbolizes the best quality ingredients being offered to God. For each bull, the offering is three-tenths of an ephah, while for each ram, it is two-tenths. This detail emphasizes the importance of giving God our best and the significance of the offerings in the worship process. The mixing of flour and oil represents a complete and pleasing offering, as oil is often associated with the Holy Spirit and anointing. These offerings were part of the larger sacrificial system that helped the Israelites maintain their relationship with God, showing gratitude and seeking atonement for sins. The precise measurements also reflect the order and structure that God desires in worship, highlighting that worship should be intentional and thoughtful, not haphazard or careless.
How to apply Numbers 28:20 to your life
This verse reminds us to offer our best to God in our worship and service. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we should approach God with intentionality and gratitude, ensuring that our offerings reflect our love and commitment to Him.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 28:20
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 28:20
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 does Numbers 28:20 teach about offerings?
Numbers 28:20 emphasizes the importance of giving quality offerings to God. It specifies that grain offerings should consist of fine flour mixed with oil, highlighting the need for the best ingredients in worship. This reflects the idea that our offerings should be intentional and meaningful, symbolizing our dedication and gratitude towards God.
Why is oil significant in the grain offerings?
In Numbers 28:20, oil mixed with flour in the grain offerings symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit and anointing. Oil is often associated with blessings and divine favor, indicating that the offerings are not just about the physical ingredients but also about the spiritual significance of dedicating our best to God.
How can we apply Numbers 28:20 in modern worship?
We can apply the principles of Numbers 28:20 by ensuring that our worship and service to God are done with intentionality and excellence. This means dedicating our time, talents, and resources to God in a way that reflects our love and commitment, just as the Israelites were instructed to offer their best in sacrifices.
What do the measurements in Numbers 28:20 signify?
The specific measurements in Numbers 28:20—three-tenths of an ephah for a bull and two-tenths for a ram—reflect God's desire for order and structure in worship. They signify that worship should be thoughtful and precise, reminding us that God values intentionality in how we approach Him and our offerings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.