King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:30 Mean?

Numbers 7:30 in the King James Version says “On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 7:30 · King James Version


Context

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:

32

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Elizur, prince of Reuben, offering on the fourth day continues the pattern despite Reuben's complicated tribal history. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn but lost his birthright due to sin. Yet here, his tribal representative offers the same gifts as Judah and all others. This demonstrates that God's grace overcomes past failure. The Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace is reflected—God's call and purpose are not thwarted by human sin. Past failure doesn't disqualify from present service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reuben's loss of the birthright due to defiling his father's bed (Genesis 35:22) might have created shame, yet the tribe participated fully in tabernacle dedication. God's restoration of Reuben to equal standing among the tribes demonstrates divine grace overcoming human failure. The tribe would eventually settle east of the Jordan but remained part of Israel's covenant community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Reuben's full participation despite past sin encourage those struggling with failure?
  2. What does God's restoration of failed tribes and individuals teach about His character?
  3. In what ways should the church balance accountability for sin with restoration to service?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בַּיּוֹם֙1 of 8

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָֽרְבִיעִ֔י2 of 8

“On the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

נָשִׂ֖יא3 of 8

“prince”

H5387

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

בֶּן4 of 8

“of the children”

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

רְאוּבֵ֑ן5 of 8

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

אֱלִיצ֖וּר6 of 8

“Elizur”

H468

elitsur, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 8

“of the children”

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

שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃8 of 8

“of Shedeur”

H7707

shedejur, 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 7:30 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 7:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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