King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:33 Mean?

Numbers 7:33 in the King James Version says “One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 7:33 · KJV


Context

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:

34

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35

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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering animals—bullock, ram, lamb—wholly consumed by fire represent total dedication without reservation. Nothing held back, nothing preserved for personal use. This complete offering prefigures Christ who gave Himself entirely for our redemption, holding nothing back, not even His life. The Reformed doctrine of Christ's complete satisfaction for sin is illustrated—His sacrifice was total, sufficient, and efficacious. Nothing needs to be added to what He accomplished.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering fire burned continually on the altar, never allowed to go out. Adding these offerings maintained and increased the flame, symbolizing the continual dedication of God's people. The priests' responsibility to maintain the fire taught that devotion requires constant attention and fuel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does total dedication to God look like in daily Christian living?
  2. How does Christ's complete sacrifice free us from attempting to add to His finished work?
  3. In what ways does the continual burning of the altar fire inform our understanding of ongoing sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
פַּ֣ר1 of 11

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

אֶחָ֥ד2 of 11

One

H259

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

בֶּן3 of 11

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

בָּקָ֗ר4 of 11

young

H1241

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

אַ֧יִל5 of 11

ram

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֶחָ֥ד6 of 11

One

H259

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

כֶּֽבֶשׂ7 of 11

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אֶחָ֥ד8 of 11

One

H259

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

בֶּן9 of 11

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

שְׁנָת֖וֹ10 of 11

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְעֹלָֽה׃11 of 11

for a burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)


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 7:33 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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