King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:31 Mean?

Numbers 7:31 in the King James Version says “His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 7:31 · King James Version

Context

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:

33

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

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The repeated offering specifications—silver charger of 130 shekels, bowl of 70, golden spoon of 10—establish that God's requirements don't vary based on personal history or tribal status. Reuben's past sin didn't result in a diminished expectation or offering. This teaches that God's standard for worship is consistent, not adjusting down for the weak or up for the strong. The Reformed understanding of God's justice means He judges all by the same righteous standard, while His grace means Christ met that standard for all who believe.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The specific shekel weights were standardized measurements ensuring fairness and consistency. The sanctuary shekel was the official weight standard, preventing manipulation or variation. This standardization meant that rich and poor, prominent and marginalized tribes alike could know exactly what God expected.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's unchanging standard challenge both legalism and antinomianism?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing God's expectations don't fluctuate based on our performance?
  3. In what ways does Christ meeting the standard on our behalf free us to serve without fear?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
קָרְבָּנ֞וֹ1 of 20

“His offering”

H7133

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

קַֽעֲרַת2 of 20

“charger”

H7086

a bowl (as cut out hollow)

כֶּ֔סֶף3 of 20

“silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אֶחָד֙4 of 20

“shekels one”

H259

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

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים5 of 20

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּמֵאָה֮6 of 20

“of an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

מִשְׁקָלָהּ֒7 of 20

“of the weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

מִזְרָ֤ק8 of 20

“bowl”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

אֶחָד֙9 of 20

“shekels one”

H259

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

כֶּ֔סֶף10 of 20

“silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שִׁבְעִ֥ים11 of 20

“of seventy”

H7657

seventy

בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל12 of 20

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל13 of 20

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ14 of 20

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם׀15 of 20

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מְלֵאִ֗ים16 of 20

“of them full”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

סֹ֛לֶת17 of 20

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּלוּלָ֥ה18 of 20

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן19 of 20

“with oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

לְמִנְחָֽה׃20 of 20

“for a meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

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 7:31 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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