King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:54 Mean?

Numbers 7:54 in the King James Version says “On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 7:54 · KJV


Context

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:

56

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh—The eighth day transcends the seven-day creation week, symbolizing new creation and resurrection (Jesus rose on the eighth day counting from Palm Sunday). Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn, received the secondary blessing (Genesis 48:14), yet remained prominent among the tribes. Gamaliel ('reward of God,' גַּמְלִיאֵל, Gamliel) appears as a theophoric name acknowledging divine blessing.

The son of Pedahzur ('the Rock has ransomed') connects offering to redemption theology. Names in Numbers 7 aren't incidental but carry theological freight. Gamaliel later appears in the census (1:10, 2:20) as Manasseh's representative. His eighth-day offering begins the second week of dedication, suggesting renewal and fresh consecration beyond Sabbath completion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph's sons) received full tribal status when Jacob adopted them (Genesis 48:5), replacing Joseph's single portion. This created thirteen tribes, necessitating Levi's non-territorial status (serving at the tabernacle). Manasseh later split into half-tribes (east and west of Jordan), fulfilling Jacob's blessing that Ephraim's younger brother would 'also become great' (Genesis 48:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. What significance do you see in Manasseh offering on the 'eighth day'—moving beyond Sabbath rest into new beginnings?
  2. How does Gamaliel's name ('reward of God') and patronym ('the Rock has ransomed') shape your understanding of worship as responding to divine initiative?
  3. In what ways does Joseph's double portion through Ephraim and Manasseh reflect New Testament themes of abundance and inheritance (Ephesians 1:3-14)?

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

הַשְּׁמִינִ֔י2 of 8

On the eighth

H8066

eight

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה5 of 8

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

גַּמְלִיאֵ֖ל6 of 8

offered Gamaliel

H1583

gamliel, an israelite

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

פְּדָהצֽוּר׃8 of 8

of Pedahzur

H6301

pedahtsur, 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 7:54 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 7:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study