King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:1 Mean?

Numbers 7:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and a... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

Numbers 7:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

2

That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: and were: Heb. who stood

3

And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the tabernacle's dedication day, 'Moses had fully set it up, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof.' The Hebrew 'kalah' (fully/completely) emphasizes thorough completion according to God's exact pattern (Ex 25:9). The anointing oil consecrated the tabernacle for God's exclusive use, separating it from common use. This dedication occurred on the first day of the first month in the second year after the Exodus (Ex 40:17), making it a new beginning for Israel as a worshiping community. Christ is the ultimate tabernacle - God dwelling with humanity (John 1:14) - anointed with the Spirit and fully consecrated for redemptive ministry (Luke 4:18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This chapter records the twelve tribal leaders' offerings over twelve days, each bringing identical gifts demonstrating equality before God. The total offerings were substantial: silver platters and bowls, gold spoons filled with incense, animals for sacrifices - all voluntarily given. The repetitive structure (each tribe's offering described identically) emphasizes that God values each tribe equally and records each contribution individually. This lavish dedication followed the enormous expense of building the tabernacle itself, showing Israel's priorities - worship before warfare or commerce.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your giving to God's house and work reflect your worship priorities?
  2. In what ways are you dedicating yourself as a living temple consecrated for God's exclusive use?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֡י1 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּיוֹם֩2 of 22

And it came to pass on the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כַּלּ֨וֹת3 of 22

had fully

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

מֹשֶׁ֜ה4 of 22

that Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לְהָקִ֣ים5 of 22

set up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת6 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן7 of 22

the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

וַיִּמְשָׁחֵ֖ם8 of 22

and had anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹת֜וֹ9 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַיְקַדֵּ֥שׁ10 of 22

it and sanctified

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֹתוֹ֙11 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת12 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל13 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֑יו14 of 22

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְאֶת15 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ16 of 22

thereof both the altar

H4196

an altar

וְאֶת17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל18 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֑יו19 of 22

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וַיִּמְשָׁחֵ֖ם20 of 22

and had anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

וַיְקַדֵּ֥שׁ21 of 22

it and sanctified

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֹתָֽם׃22 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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