King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:11 Mean?

Numbers 7:11 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.”

Numbers 7:11 · KJV

Context

9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.

10

And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

11

And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

12

And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

13

And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Read Numbers 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The instruction that one prince per day would offer demonstrates orderly worship and prevents chaos or competition. Spreading the offerings over twelve days allowed each tribal leader to present his gift with proper ceremony and attention. This reflects the Reformed principle of decency and order in worship—God is not honored by confusion or haste but by thoughtful, orderly service. The daily pattern also created anticipation and sustained focus on dedication for an extended period.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle dedication lasted twelve days beyond its initial anointing and consecration. Each day, a different tribal leader presented identical offerings, demonstrating both tribal unity (same gifts) and tribal identity (each tribe participating). This public display reinforced tribal structure while emphasizing national unity under God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of order in worship challenge both rigid formalism and chaotic informality?
  2. What does the extended dedication period teach about sustained focus on consecration rather than one-time events?
  3. In what ways does allowing each leader his own day balance unity with respect for individual participation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 15

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֑ה4 of 15

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

נָשִׂ֤יא5 of 15

“prince”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

אֶחָד֙6 of 15

“each”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַיּ֔וֹם7 of 15

“on his 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

נָשִׂ֤יא8 of 15

“prince”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

אֶחָד֙9 of 15

“each”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַיּ֔וֹם10 of 15

“on his 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

יַקְרִ֙יבוּ֙11 of 15

“They shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

קָרְבָּנָ֔ם13 of 15

“their offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לַֽחֲנֻכַּ֖ת14 of 15

“for the dedicating”

H2598

initiation, i.e., consecration

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃15 of 15

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:401 Corinthians 14:33Colossians 2:5

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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