King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:53 Mean?

Numbers 7:53 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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.”

Numbers 7:53 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

54

On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

55

His offering was one silver charger of the weight of 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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year—This concludes Elishama's (Ephraim's) offering with the shelamim meal. The abundance (13 animals total) contrasts with the singular burnt offering (3 animals) and sin offering (1 goat). Peace offerings involved communal feasting, symbolizing restored fellowship. The phrase this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud personalizes the gift while conforming to the prescribed pattern.

The repeated pattern across all twelve tribes (7:12-83) creates liturgical rhythm—identical offerings prevent competition while allowing personal participation. Elishama's name appears three times in this section (7:48, 53), anchoring the offering in covenant identity. Worship unites prescribed form (identical offerings) with personal devotion (named givers).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The peace offering meal included the offerer's family and could last two days (Leviticus 7:15-16), creating extended fellowship. This reflected ancient Near Eastern covenant meals where shared food ratified agreements. The tabernacle dedication was essentially a twelve-day national feast, uniting Israel in joyful worship after the golden calf apostasy (Exodus 32).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the peace offering as a communal meal challenge individualistic approaches to worship and fellowship today?
  2. What does the balance between prescribed form (identical offerings) and personal identity (named givers) teach about liturgy and authenticity in worship?
  3. In what ways might the extended feasting (lasting up to two days per Leviticus 7:15-16) inform your understanding of Sabbath rest and celebratory worship?

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

אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע15 of 17

“of Elishama”

H476

elishama, the name of seven israelites

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

עַמִּיהֽוּד׃17 of 17

“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 7:53 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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