King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:29 Mean?

Numbers 7:29 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 Eliab the son of Helon.”

Numbers 7:29 · KJV

Peace

Context

27

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

28

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

29

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 Eliab the son of Helon.

30

On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:

31

His offering was one silver charger of the weight of 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' abundance—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—created substantial fellowship meals. The generous provision reflects God's character as the generous host who provides abundantly for those reconciled to Him. Peace offerings were not austere obligations but lavish celebrations. This abundance points forward to the wedding feast of the Lamb, where God's people will feast eternally in His presence. The Reformed emphasis on God's generosity in salvation is illustrated in these abundant peace offerings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The peace offering meals fostered community among the tribes. As families and friends gathered to eat the sacrificed animals, they experienced both vertical reconciliation (with God) and horizontal reconciliation (with each other). These meals created and reinforced covenant community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does abundance in worship challenge minimalist or consumer approaches to church?
  2. What does the communal feasting aspect of peace offerings teach about the social nature of salvation?
  3. In what ways should Christian fellowship reflect the generosity demonstrated in peace offerings?

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

אֱלִיאָ֖ב15 of 17

“of Eliab”

H446

eliab, the name of six 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

חֵלֹֽן׃17 of 17

“of Helon”

H2497

chelon, 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 7:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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