Numbers 29:20
New International Version
“’On the third day offer eleven bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect.

New Living Translation
“On the third day of the festival, sacrifice eleven young bulls, two rams, and fourteen one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects.

English Standard Version
“On the third day eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish,

Berean Standard Bible
On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

Berean Literal Bible
And on the third day: Eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, sons of a year, unblemished,

King James Bible
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;

New King James Version
‘On the third day present eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs in their first year without blemish,

New American Standard Bible
‘Then on the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs one year old without defect;

NASB 1995
‘Then on the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs one year old without defect;

NASB 1977
‘Then on the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs one year old without defect;

Legacy Standard Bible
‘Then on the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs one year old without blemish;

Amplified Bible
‘Then on the third day [of the Feast of Booths]: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs one year old without blemish,

Berean Annotated Bible
On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

Christian Standard Bible
“On the third day present eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old—all unblemished—

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On the third day present 11 bulls, two rams, 14 male lambs a year old—all unblemished—

American Standard Version
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen he-lambs a year old without blemish;

English Revised Version
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen he-lambs of the first year without blemish;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"On the third day bring 11 bulls, 2 rams, and 14 one-year-old lambs that have no defects.

Good News Translation
On the third day offer eleven young bulls, two rams, and fourteen one-year-old male lambs, all without any defects.

International Standard Version
"On the third day, you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen one year old lambs, all without defects,

NET Bible
"'On the third day you must offer eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs one year old, all without blemish,

New Heart English Bible
"'On the third day eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish;

Webster's Bible Translation
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

World English Bible
“‘On the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without defect;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And on the third day: eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs, sons of a year, perfect ones;

Berean Literal Bible
And on the third day: Eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, sons of a year, unblemished,

Young's Literal Translation
'And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs, sons of a year, perfect ones;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the third day, eleven bullock; two rams, fourteen blameless lambs, sons of a year.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The third day you shall offer eleven calves, two rams, and fourteen lambs of a year old, without blemish:

Catholic Public Domain Version
On the third day, you shall offer eleven calves, two rams, and fourteen immaculate one-year-old lambs.

New American Bible
On the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen unblemished yearling lambs,

New Revised Standard Version
On the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without blemish,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And in the third day, eleven bulls and two rams and fourteen lambs, males of a year that have no flaw in them;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen he-lambs of the first year without blemish;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
On the third day eleven calves, two rams, fourteen lambs of a year old without blemish.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feast of Tabernacles
19Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering. 20On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 21along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed.…

Cross References
On the third day

Numbers 7:24
On the third day Eliab son of Helon, the leader of the Zebulunites, drew near.

Numbers 7:30
On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, drew near.

Numbers 7:36
On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near.
you are to present

Numbers 28:2
“Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me.

Numbers 15:4
then the one presenting his offering to the LORD shall also present a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of olive oil.

Leviticus 1:3
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD.
eleven bulls,

Numbers 28:19
Present to the LORD a food offering, a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished.

Ezekiel 45:23
Each day during the seven days of the feast, he shall provide seven bulls and seven rams without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD, along with a male goat for a sin offering.

Ezra 6:17
For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel.
two rams,

Leviticus 23:18
Along with the bread you are to present seven unblemished male lambs a year old, one young bull, and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Exodus 29:1
“Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without blemish,

Leviticus 8:2
“Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread,
and fourteen male lambs a year old,

Numbers 28:3
And tell them that this is the food offering you are to present to the LORD as a regular burnt offering each day: two unblemished year-old male lambs.

Leviticus 23:12
On the day you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a year-old lamb without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD,

Exodus 29:38
This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old.
all unblemished,

Leviticus 22:20
You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.


Treasury of Scripture

And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;

after the manner

Numbers 29:18
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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Numbers 29
1. The offering at the feast of trumpets
7. At the day of afflicting their souls
12. And on the eight days of the feast of tabernacles












On the third day
The third day of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, is part of a seven-day festival that follows the Day of Atonement. This feast is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. The number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection in the Bible, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus on the third day, symbolizing new life and fulfillment.

you are to present
The act of presenting offerings is a form of worship and obedience to God's commands. It reflects the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. This practice is rooted in the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

eleven bulls
Bulls were considered valuable and significant offerings due to their size and strength. The number eleven, while not as symbolically prominent as other numbers, indicates a substantial offering, reflecting the importance of the feast. Bulls are often associated with leadership and strength, and their sacrifice points to the need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

two rams
Rams are often associated with substitutionary sacrifice, as seen in the story of Abraham and Isaac, where a ram was provided as a substitute for Isaac. The number two can signify witness or testimony, suggesting that these offerings bear witness to God's covenant with His people.

and fourteen male lambs a year old
Lambs are frequently used in sacrificial offerings due to their innocence and purity, symbolizing the sinless nature of Christ, the Lamb of God. The number fourteen, being a multiple of seven, signifies completeness and perfection. The age of one year indicates the lambs are in their prime, representing the best of what the Israelites could offer.

all unblemished
The requirement for offerings to be unblemished underscores the need for purity and perfection in sacrifices, pointing to the sinless nature of Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice. This requirement emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with integrity and sincerity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people of God who are receiving these instructions for offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's laws and instructions to the people.

3. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and God's provision.

4. Offerings
Specific sacrifices commanded by God, including bulls, rams, and lambs, which were to be without blemish.

5. Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where these offerings were to be presented.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were required to follow God's instructions precisely, highlighting the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism of Sacrifices
The unblemished animals symbolize purity and point to Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

God's Provision and Faithfulness
The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of God's provision and faithfulness during the Israelites' journey, encouraging us to trust in His provision today.

Worship and Reverence
The detailed instructions for offerings teach us about approaching God with reverence and the seriousness of worship.

Community and Celebration
The communal aspect of the Feast of Tabernacles encourages us to celebrate God's goodness together as a community of believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 29:20?

2. How does Numbers 29:20 emphasize the importance of daily offerings to God?

3. What can we learn about obedience from the instructions in Numbers 29:20?

4. How does Numbers 29:20 connect to the New Testament teachings on sacrifice?

5. In what ways can we apply the principle of regular offerings today?

6. Why is consistency in worship important, as demonstrated in Numbers 29:20?

7. What is the significance of the offerings in Numbers 29:20 for modern believers?

8. How do the rituals in Numbers 29:20 reflect ancient Israelite worship practices?

9. Why are specific offerings detailed in Numbers 29:20 important for understanding biblical sacrifice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 29?

11. What evidence exists that these extensive rituals, detailed in Numbers 29, were historically observed or feasible at that scale?

12. Is there any archaeological record corroborating the elaborate sacrificial system described in Numbers 29?

13. How do the repeated animal offerings in Numbers 29 align or conflict with the later prophetic criticism of sacrifices (e.g., Isaiah 1:11)?

14. How could the Israelites realistically supply the large number of animals required for the consecutive sacrifices in Numbers 29?
What Does Numbers 29:20 Mean
On the third day

Numbers 29 sets out a seven-day pattern for the Feast of Tabernacles; the third day marks the midpoint where the number of bulls offered continues its daily decrease (13 → 12 → 11), showing the LORD’s precise ordering (Leviticus 23:34; Numbers 29:12-22).

• “Third day” language threads through Scripture as a signal of divine action and fulfillment—Exodus 19:16 (Sinai), Jonah 1:17, Hosea 6:2, and ultimately Luke 24:7—reminding worshipers that God brings life and covenant renewal right on schedule.


you are to present

• This is not a suggestion but a covenant command. Israel’s priests must actively “bring” or “present” the offerings, echoing Psalm 96:8, “Bring an offering and enter His courts,” and Romans 12:1, which calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices.

• Presentation underscores relationship: the worshiper draws near (Hebrews 10:22) while God receives, forgives, and blesses. Obedience in sacrifice equals fellowship with the Holy One.


eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old

• The count matters:

– Bulls (strength, leadership) drop by one each day, picturing a week-long, measured outpouring of devotion (compare Numbers 29:13-19).

– Rams represent consecration; two mirror the daily morning-evening rhythm (Exodus 29:38-39).

– Fourteen lambs (two each for every tribe) stress completeness and shared blessing. John 1:29 reminds us the ultimate Lamb takes away sin for all who believe.

• God ordains both variety and number, teaching that every dimension of life—strength, direction, innocence—must be surrendered to Him.


all unblemished

• Perfection was non-negotiable (Leviticus 22:20-21). The offerer brought the best because the LORD is holy.

• Unblemished animals foreshadow the flawless, sinless Messiah—“a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 4:15). The shadow sacrifices point forward to the once-for-all sacrifice that actually removes sin (Hebrews 10:4-10).

• The condition also calls believers to moral integrity. While only Christ is perfectly spotless, His people are urged to walk “blameless and innocent” (Philippians 2:15).


summary

Numbers 29:20 records God’s precise, day-three instruction for Tabernacles: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen year-old lambs, each perfect. The verse teaches that worship follows God’s calendar, demands active obedience, covers every aspect of life, and requires purity—truths ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the flawless Lamb who brings us into lasting fellowship with the Father.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On the third
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֛י (haš·šə·lî·šî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

day
וּבַיּ֧וֹם (ū·ḇay·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

[you are to present] eleven
עַשְׁתֵּי־ (‘aš·tê-)
Number - common singular construct
Strong's 6249: Eleven, eleventh

bulls,
פָּרִ֥ים (pā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer

two
שְׁנָ֑יִם (šə·nā·yim)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

rams,
אֵילִ֣ם (’ê·lim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 352: Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree

[and] fourteen
אַרְבָּעָ֥ה (’ar·bā·‘āh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 702: Four

male lambs
כְּבָשִׂ֧ים (kə·ḇā·śîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3532: A lamb

a year old,
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

all unblemished,
תְּמִימִֽם׃ (tə·mî·mim)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth


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OT Law: Numbers 29:20 On the third day eleven bulls two (Nu Num.)
Numbers 29:19
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