King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:41 Mean?

Numbers 7:41 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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.”

Numbers 7:41 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

42

On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:

43

His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a 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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings of two oxen, five rams, five goats, and five lambs provided abundant provision for fellowship meals. The specific number five (repeated three times) may symbolize grace—God's gracious provision for fellowship with His people. These offerings were not grudging obligations but generous expressions of gratitude and celebration. The abundance reflects the generous heart that grace produces. The Reformed understanding that grace enables generous living is demonstrated in these lavish peace offerings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings were eaten joyfully in the tabernacle courtyard, creating a connection between worship and celebration, between sacrifice and feast. These meals built community relationships while celebrating divine-human reconciliation. The joy of these feasts anticipated the eternal feast of the Lamb.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does experiencing God's grace produce generosity in our giving and living?
  2. What does the connection between sacrifice and feasting teach about Christian celebration?
  3. In what ways should worship include both solemn acknowledgment of cost and joyful celebration of reconciliation?

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

שְׁלֻֽמִיאֵ֖ל15 of 17

“of Shelumiel”

H8017

shelumiel, 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

צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃17 of 17

“of Zurishaddai”

H6701

tsurishaddai, 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 7:41 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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