King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:48 Mean?

Numbers 7:48 in the King James Version says “On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

Numbers 7:48 · KJV


Context

46

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

47

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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48

On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

49

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:

50

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered—The seventh day holds symbolic significance: creation rest (Genesis 2:2), Sabbath observance, and completion. Ephraim's prominence (Joseph's younger son who received Jacob's primary blessing, Genesis 48:17-20) is reflected in Elishama leading the tribe. The title prince (נָשִׂיא, nasi, 'lifted one/leader') appears 60 times in Numbers 7 alone.

The phrase son of Ammihud ('my kinsman is majesty') preserves genealogical identity. Every offering in Numbers 7 includes the prince's full lineage, emphasizing that worship flows from covenant family identity, not anonymous individuals. Elishama later appears in the census (1:10, 2:18) and as Ephraim's representative.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elishama led Ephraim during the wilderness wanderings and was an ancestor of Joshua (1 Chronicles 7:26-27). Ephraim's central position in Israel's camp (west of tabernacle, Numbers 2:18-24) corresponded to their prominence. The tribe fulfilled Jacob's prophecy that Ephraim would become greater than Manasseh (Genesis 48:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the inclusion of each prince's full genealogy teach about the importance of knowing your spiritual heritage and family identity?
  2. How might Ephraim's offering on the 'seventh day' connect to themes of rest, completion, and Sabbath in worship?
  3. In what ways does the repetitive naming of each tribal leader challenge the modern desire for anonymity or minimal recognition in giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בַּיּוֹם֙1 of 8

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י2 of 8

On the seventh

H7637

seventh

נָשִׂ֖יא3 of 8

prince

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן4 of 8

of the children

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

אֶפְרָ֑יִם5 of 8

of Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע6 of 8

Elishama

H476

elishama, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן7 of 8

of the children

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

עַמִּיהֽוּד׃8 of 8

of Ammihud

H5989

ammihud, the name of three israelites


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 7:48 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 7:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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