Old Testament
Numbers 29:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On the 4th day, offer 10 bulls, 2 rams, and 14 one-year-old male lambs without any defect.
Compare translations
And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
What Numbers 29:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 29:23, God instructs the Israelites on the specific offerings to be made during the Feast of Tabernacles. On the fourth day of this festival, they are to present a significant number of animals: ten bulls, two rams, and fourteen one-year-old male lambs. Each of these animals must be without defect, symbolizing the importance of offering the best to God. This practice reflects the Israelites' commitment to worship and their acknowledgment of God's provision. The large number of animals signifies the communal aspect of the celebration, as the offerings are made not just for individual families but for the entire community. The meticulous nature of these instructions highlights the seriousness of worship and the need for purity in offerings, which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of honoring God with our best and the communal nature of worship in the Israelite tradition.
How to apply Numbers 29:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to give our best in our worship and service to God. Just as the Israelites were instructed to offer unblemished animals, we should strive to present our best efforts, time, and resources in our spiritual lives. This can strengthen our relationship with God and our community.
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 29:23
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 29:23
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 29:23 mean?
Numbers 29:23 outlines God's instructions for the offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles, specifically detailing the number and type of animals to be sacrificed on the fourth day. This emphasizes the importance of giving the best to God and reflects the communal nature of worship.
What is the significance of the offerings in Numbers 29:23?
The offerings in Numbers 29:23, which include ten bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs, symbolize the Israelites' commitment to worship and their acknowledgment of God's provision. The requirement for unblemished animals highlights the need for purity and excellence in offerings.
Why were unblemished animals required in Numbers 29:23?
Unblemished animals were required in Numbers 29:23 to symbolize the importance of presenting the best to God. This practice reflects the seriousness of worship and the desire to honor God with pure and perfect sacrifices.
What does this verse teach about community worship?
This verse teaches that worship is a communal activity, as the offerings are made not just for individual families but for the entire community. The large number of animals signifies collective participation in honoring God during the Feast of Tabernacles.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.