King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:43 Mean?

Numbers 7:43 in the King James Version says “His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, af...” — 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, 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:”

Numbers 7:43 · King James Version

Context

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:

44

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

45

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

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The silver charger and bowl with specified weights continue the pattern of precise, prescribed worship. The consistency across offerings demonstrates that God's standard doesn't shift based on who is worshiping or when. This immutability of divine expectation provides both clarity and security—we know what God requires and can be confident that His acceptance doesn't depend on our performance but on meeting His revealed standard through grace. Christ perfectly fulfilled these standards on our behalf.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The sanctuary shekel was the official standard weight, ensuring fairness and preventing fraud. Using this standardized measure meant offerings could be compared and verified. The precision prevented disputes and ensured that wealth differences didn't create worship inequality—all brought the same amount.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God's standards are unchanging provide confidence in worship?
  2. What does standardized expectation teach about equality before God?
  3. In what ways does Christ's perfect fulfillment of God's standards free us from performance anxiety?

Compare 2 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

“shekels a silver”

H3701

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

אֶחָד֙4 of 20

“was 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

“was one”

H259

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

כֶּ֔סֶף10 of 20

“shekels a 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 7:43 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 7:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:5Leviticus 14:101 John 2:27Hebrews 1:9

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