King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:35 Mean?

Numbers 7:35 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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.”

Numbers 7:35 · King James Version

Peace

Context

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.

36

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

37

His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was 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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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The peace offerings creating fellowship meals transformed worship from individual sacrifice into communal celebration. Eating together in God's presence fostered unity among the tribes while celebrating vertical reconciliation with God. These meals were not somber but joyful, reflecting the truth that reconciliation produces joy. The abundant provision—twelve animals total—ensured everyone could participate fully in the celebration. The Lord's Supper in the New Testament echoes this pattern of reconciliation expressed through shared meals.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offering meals were eaten within the tabernacle courtyard within prescribed time limits to prevent spoilage and maintain the meal's sacred character. Families invited guests to share their portion, creating networks of relationship and hospitality. These communal meals built social cohesion alongside spiritual communion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sharing meals in God's presence strengthen both our relationship with Him and with each other?
  2. What does the joyful nature of peace offerings teach about the Christian life?
  3. In what ways can Christian communities recover the connection between worship and shared meals?

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

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

אֱלִיצ֖וּר15 of 17

“of Elizur”

H468

elitsur, an israelite

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

שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃17 of 17

“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 7:35 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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