King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:3 Mean?

Numbers 7:3 in the King James Version says “And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, an...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.”

Numbers 7:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

2

That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: and were: Heb. who stood

3

And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

4

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

5

Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.

Read Numbers 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The princes' offering of six covered wagons and twelve oxen demonstrates generous, coordinated giving for God's work. These were not token gifts but substantial, practical resources for transporting the tabernacle. The covered wagons protected the sacred items from weather and dust. The Reformed principle of proportionate giving is evident—these were leaders giving according to their capacity. Two princes per wagon shows partnership in service, reflecting that God's work is often best accomplished through cooperation rather than individual heroism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These princes (tribal leaders) brought offerings on the day Moses finished erecting the tabernacle and anointing it. Their gifts met a real need—the Levites required transportation for the heavy tabernacle components during Israel's wilderness wanderings. The wagons would be distributed according to the weight of each Levitical clan's burden.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the princes' practical giving challenge us to meet real needs in God's work, not just symbolic gestures?
  2. What does their coordinated generosity teach about unified giving in the church?
  3. In what ways should church leaders model sacrificial generosity for their congregations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ1 of 21

“And they brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קָרְבָּנָ֜ם3 of 21

“their offering”

H7133

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

לִפְנֵ֥י4 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 21

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שֵׁשׁ6 of 21

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֲגָלָ֛ה7 of 21

“a wagon”

H5699

something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle

צָב֙8 of 21

“covered”

H6632

a species of lizard (probably as clinging fast)

שְׁנֵ֥י9 of 21

“for two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֣ר10 of 21

“and twelve”

H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

בָּקָ֔ר11 of 21

“oxen”

H1241

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

עֲגָלָ֛ה12 of 21

“a wagon”

H5699

something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle

עַל13 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁנֵ֥י14 of 21

“for two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים15 of 21

“of the princes”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

וְשׁ֣וֹר16 of 21

“an ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

לְאֶחָ֑ד17 of 21

“and for each one”

H259

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

וַיַּקְרִ֥יבוּ18 of 21

“and they brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אוֹתָ֖ם19 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִפְנֵ֥י20 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃21 of 21

“the tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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 7:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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