King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:39 Mean?

Numbers 7:39 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 7:39 · KJV


Context

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:

38

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39

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

40

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

41

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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering of bullock, ram, and lamb represents the offering of our entire selves—our strength, our leadership capacity, and our innocent trust. All consumed by fire, nothing held back. This total consecration prefigures the Christian life described by Paul—presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly given to God. The Reformed understanding of sanctification as increasing conformity to Christ is illustrated in these repeated burnt offerings—daily, progressive dedication of all we are to God's glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering was the most common sacrifice in Israel's system, offered daily in the morning and evening. The princes' offerings supplemented this regular worship, demonstrating that extraordinary devotion builds on, rather than replaces, ordinary faithfulness. The continual burnt offering established baseline worship; these dedication gifts exceeded that baseline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do special seasons of dedication relate to daily, ordinary faithfulness in Christian living?
  2. What areas of life are we tempted to withhold from the 'fire' of complete consecration?
  3. In what ways does progressive sanctification involve daily, repeated acts of dedication?

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 7:39 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 7:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study