King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:15 Mean?

Numbers 7:15 in the King James Version says “One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 7:15 · KJV


Context

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:

16

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

17

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The young bullock, ram, and lamb without blemish for burnt offering represent comprehensive dedication—strength (bullock), leadership (ram), and innocence (lamb). The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The requirement that animals be without blemish teaches that God deserves perfect offerings, not defective gifts. This prefigures Christ, the spotless Lamb of God who offered Himself wholly for our redemption. The Reformed doctrine of Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfilling all Old Testament types is foundational here.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Burnt offerings were completely consumed by fire, with nothing reserved for the priests or the offerer. This total consumption symbolized complete devotion to God. The three different animals together represented a substantial offering, demonstrating the princes' significant wealth dedicated to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the three animals together symbolize the comprehensiveness of Christ's sacrifice?
  2. What does the requirement for unblemished animals teach about God's standard of perfection?
  3. In what ways should the total consumption of the burnt offering inform our understanding of complete surrender to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
פַּ֣ר1 of 11

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

אֶחָ֥ד2 of 11

One

H259

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

בֶּן3 of 11

of the first

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָּקָ֗ר4 of 11

young

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

אַ֧יִל5 of 11

ram

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֶחָ֥ד6 of 11

One

H259

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

כֶּֽבֶשׂ7 of 11

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אֶחָ֥ד8 of 11

One

H259

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

בֶּן9 of 11

of the first

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שְׁנָת֖וֹ10 of 11

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְעֹלָֽה׃11 of 11

for a burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)


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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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