Numbers 29:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The second day of Sukkot calls for twelve bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs, all without defect.
The Context of Numbers 29:17
The second day of Sukkot's burnt offering.
What Does Numbers 29:17 Mean?
The pattern of the seven-day festival showed a diminishing sequence: thirteen bulls on day one, twelve on day two, continuing downward. This descending order created a rhythmic cadence, giving shape to the festival and ensuring that interest built through anticipation rather than merely repeating the same amounts.
Each day's sacrifice maintained its own integrity while forming part of a larger narrative. The intentional reduction in bulls each day suggested that the festival built toward an inward climax rather than sustained external magnificence throughout.
Numbers 29:17 in the Original Language
tamiim (תָּמִים), 'without spot' — variant form of tamim, emphasizing animals wholly fit and pure for sacred use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 29:17
What does Numbers 29:17 mean?
The second day of Sukkot calls for twelve bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs, all without defect.
What is the context of Numbers 29:17?
The second day of Sukkot's burnt offering.