King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:51 Mean?

Numbers 7:51 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 7:51 · KJV


Context

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:

51

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

52

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

53

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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah)—The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The progression from young bullock (פַּר בֶּן־בָּקָר, par ben-baqar) to ram (אַיִל, ayil) to lamb of the first year (כֶּבֶשׂ בֶּן־שָׁנָה, keves ben-shanah) represents varying degrees of value and maturity.

The bullock (most expensive, used by leaders, Leviticus 4:3) signified substantial sacrifice; the ram (adult sheep, Genesis 22:13) recalled Abraham's substitute; the year-old lamb (Passover animal, Exodus 12:5) pointed toward Christ, the Lamb slain before the world's foundation (Revelation 13:8). This threefold pattern in each tribe's offering created a comprehensive picture of substitutionary atonement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Burnt offerings were the most ancient sacrifice, practiced since Abel (Genesis 4:4) and Noah (Genesis 8:20). The Hebrew olah ('that which ascends') described the smoke rising to God. These offerings at the tabernacle dedication (1444 BC) consecrated the sacrificial system that would operate until Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the burnt offering as 'wholly consumed' challenge partial or conditional surrender to God in your own life?
  2. What theological significance do you see in the three-animal pattern (bullock, ram, lamb) pointing toward different aspects of Christ's sacrifice?
  3. In what ways does understanding the burnt offering as 'that which ascends' inform your view of worship and prayer rising to God?

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 7:51 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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