Numbers 15:3

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 15:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and will make an offering by fire unto Jehovah, a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a freewill-offering, or in your set feasts, to make a sweet savor unto Jehovah, of the herd, or of the flock;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and will make an offering by fire unto Jehovah, a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a freewill-offering, or in your set feasts, to make a sweet savor unto Jehovah, of the herd, or of the flock;
Numbers 15:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3and will make an offering by fire unto Jehovah, a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a freewill-offering, or in your set feasts, to make a sweet savor unto Jehovah, of the herd, or of the flock;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And will make an offering by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, etc.] The first of these respects such offerings by fire, which were not wholly burnt, but part of them were eaten by the priests, (<051801>Deuteronomy 18:1); and the latter such as were wholly burnt, unless the latter can be thought to be only an explanation of the former: or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering; these were peace offerings, some of which were for thanksgiving, and others were either a vow or a freewill offering, as here: (see <030711>Leviticus 7:11,12,16); or in your solemn feasts; as the passover, pentecost, etc. of which, and the offerings in them, (see <032304>Leviticus 23:4-37…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“make an offering by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering--It is evident that a peace offering is referred to because this term is frequently used in such a sense (Exo 18:12; Lev 17:5).”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A sacrifice - A peace - offering. Numbers 15:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“15:3 special gifts . . . a pleasing aroma to the Lord: God is pleased by the honor and thanksgiving that sacrifices and offerings show him.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“will make: Exo 29:18, Exo 29:25, Exo 29:41; Lev 1:2, Lev 1:3, Lev 1:9, Lev 1:13, Lev 1:17, Lev 10:13 a burnt: Lev. 1:1-17 a sacrifice: Lev 7:16, Lev 22:18-23; Deu 12:11 performing: Heb. separating, Lev 27:2 or in a freewill: Lev 22:21, Lev 22:23; Deu 12:6, Deu 12:17, Deu 16:10 in your: Num 28:16-19, Num 28:27, Num 29:1, Num 29:2, Num 29:8, 13-40; Lev 23:8, Lev 23:12, Lev 23:36; Deut. 16:1-17 a sweet: Gen 8:21; Exo 29:18; Mat 3:17; Eph 5:2; Phi 4:18 the herd: Under the term bakar, are comprehended the ox, heifer, etc; and under tzon, are included sheep and goats. The animals enjoined in the Levitical law are the very same which commanded Abraham to offer ( Gen 15:9). Hence it is evident, that…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification