King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:23 Mean?

Numbers 7:23 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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.”

Numbers 7:23 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

24

On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

25

His offering was 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—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—provided abundant meat for fellowship meals. The numbers (totaling twelve animals) speak of completeness and abundance. These offerings transformed worship from duty into celebration, from sacrifice into feast. This reflects the theological truth that reconciliation with God leads to joy and fellowship, not merely obligation. The Reformed understanding of worship includes both reverent fear and joyful celebration in God's presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The peace offerings were eaten by the offerers, their families, and guests within the tabernacle precincts, creating large communal meals. These feasts would have involved entire tribal contingents, cementing social bonds while celebrating covenant relationship with God. The abundance ensured no one went away hungry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transition from sin offering to peace offering illustrate the gospel movement from guilt to grace?
  2. What does the communal feasting aspect teach about worship as corporate, not merely individual?
  3. In what ways should Christian worship balance solemnity about sin with joy in salvation?

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

עַתֻּדִ֣ים7 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

נְתַנְאֵ֖ל15 of 17

“of Nethaneel”

H5417

nethanel, the name of ten israelites

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

צוּעָֽר׃17 of 17

“of Zuar”

H6686

tsuar, an israelite

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 7:23 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 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 7:11-13Colossians 1:1Proverbs 7:141 Kings 8:63

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