King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:13 Mean?

Numbers 7:13 in the King James Version says “And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of sevent...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 7:13 · KJV

Context

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:

14

One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15

One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

Read Numbers 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed inventory of Nahshon's offering—silver charger and bowl with specific weights, golden spoon filled with incense—demonstrates that worship of God deserves our finest resources. The weights indicated substantial value; these were not token gifts but costly sacrifices. The combination of silver (redemption), gold (deity/purity), and incense (prayer) represents comprehensive worship. The Reformed principle of giving God our best, not our leftovers, is powerfully illustrated in this specific, costly offering.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A silver charger was a large dish, likely used for presenting the grain offering. The bowl held the blood for sprinkling. The golden spoon contained fragrant incense that would be burned on the altar. Each item had both practical function and symbolic significance, combining beauty with utility in worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the costly nature of the offerings challenge our tendency toward cheap grace and minimal giving?
  2. What does the combination of silver, gold, and incense teach about comprehensive worship engaging all we have?
  3. In what ways should our best resources be dedicated to God's glory rather than personal comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְקָרְבָּנ֞וֹ1 of 20

“And his offering”

H7133

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

קַֽעֲרַת2 of 20

“charger”

H7086

a bowl (as cut out hollow)

כֶּ֔סֶף3 of 20

“silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אֶחָד֙4 of 20

“shekels one”

H259

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

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים5 of 20

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּמֵאָה֮6 of 20

“thereof was an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

מִשְׁקָלָהּ֒7 of 20

“the weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

מִזְרָ֤ק8 of 20

“bowl”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

אֶחָד֙9 of 20

“shekels one”

H259

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

כֶּ֔סֶף10 of 20

“silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שִׁבְעִ֥ים11 of 20

“of seventy”

H7657

seventy

בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל12 of 20

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל13 of 20

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ14 of 20

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם׀15 of 20

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מְלֵאִ֗ים16 of 20

“of them were full”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

סֹ֛לֶת17 of 20

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּלוּלָ֥ה18 of 20

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן19 of 20

“with oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

לְמִנְחָֽה׃20 of 20

“for a meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:13Exodus 25:29Exodus 37:16Leviticus 2:1Ezra 1:9-102 Kings 25:14-15

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