King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:21 Mean?

Numbers 7:21 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 7:21 · KJV


Context

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:

20

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

21

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

22

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23

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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering of bullock, ram, and lamb continues the pattern of total dedication to God. These three animals together—the strength of the ox, the leadership of the ram, and the innocence of the lamb—represent the totality of what Israel offered. Each completely consumed by fire, holding nothing back. This comprehensive dedication prefigures Christ who gave Himself wholly as our burnt offering, holding nothing back in His sacrifice. The Reformed doctrine of Christ's active and passive obedience is illustrated—He both fulfilled all righteousness and bore all punishment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The repetition of these offerings day after day reinforced the costliness of worship and dedication. Each tribe witnessed the others' offerings, creating communal commitment and mutual encouragement. The consistent pattern across twelve days established that devotion to God should be sustained, not sporadic.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of life are we tempted to hold back from complete dedication to God?
  2. How does Christ's total self-giving challenge partial commitment in Christian living?
  3. In what ways does public, repeated dedication strengthen communal faithfulness?

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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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