King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:17 Mean?

Numbers 7:17 in the King James Version says “And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the o...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 7:17 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

18

On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:

19

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings of oxen, rams, goats, and lambs constituted a feast celebrated in God's presence. These offerings were partially burned on the altar, partially given to the priests, and partially eaten by the offerer, symbolizing communion with God and community. The variety and number of animals (seven total) indicate abundant provision for celebration. This reflects the Reformed understanding that God is glorified not only in our sacrifices but in our joy and fellowship in His presence. Worship includes both solemnity and celebration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings were unique in that they created fellowship meals eaten in the tabernacle courtyard in God's presence. The fat was burned as the Lord's portion, choice portions went to the priests, and the bulk was eaten by the offerer and his family within a prescribed time. These offerings transformed worship into feast, celebrating God's provision and blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fellowship meal aspect of peace offerings enrich our understanding of communion and the Lord's Supper?
  2. What does the abundance of the peace offerings teach about joy in God's presence?
  3. In what ways should celebration and feasting be incorporated into Christian worship alongside solemnity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּלְזֶ֣בַח1 of 17

“And for a sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַשְּׁלָמִים֮2 of 17

“of peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

בָּקָ֣ר3 of 17

“oxen”

H1241

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

שְׁנַיִם֒4 of 17

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֵילִ֤ם5 of 17

“rams”

H352

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

חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה6 of 17

“five”

H2568

five

עַתּוּדִ֣ים7 of 17

“he goats”

H6260

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה8 of 17

“five”

H2568

five

כְּבָשִׂ֥ים9 of 17

“lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בֶּן10 of 17

“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

שָׁנָ֖ה11 of 17

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה12 of 17

“five”

H2568

five

זֶ֛ה13 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

קָרְבַּ֥ן14 of 17

“this was the offering”

H7133

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

נַחְשׁ֖וֹן15 of 17

“of Nahshon”

H5177

nachshon, an israelite

בֶּן16 of 17

“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

עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃17 of 17

“of Amminadab”

H5992

amminadab, the name of four israelites

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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:1-172 Corinthians 5:19-21

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