King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:61 Mean?

Numbers 7:61 in the King James Version says “His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy sh...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 7:61 · KJV

Context

59

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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60

On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

61

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:

62

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63

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

Read Numbers 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels—The Hebrew qe'arah (קְעָרָה) for 'charger' means a large, deep dish for presenting the minchah (מִנְחָה, grain offering). The 130-shekel weight (about 3.25 pounds silver) matched Judah's first offering (v. 13), establishing perfect equality among tribes. After the shekel of the sanctuary (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, sheqel ha-qodesh) ensures standardized weights—God's house operates by divine standards, not fluctuating commercial measures.

Both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering—The minchah represented Israel's labor and sustenance offered back to God. Fine flour (סֹלֶת, solet) required extensive grinding and sifting, symbolizing refined devotion. Oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) typifies the Holy Spirit's anointing. Together they picture Christ as the bread of life (John 6:35), perfectly human yet anointed without measure (John 3:34).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These tribal dedication offerings followed the tabernacle's completion (Exodus 40) and consecration of the Levites (Numbers 3-4). Each of the twelve tribal princes brought identical offerings over twelve consecutive days, demonstrating unified worship while honoring each tribe's distinct identity. The meticulous repetition in Scripture emphasizes that God values each tribe's individual participation equally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement for standardized sanctuary weights teach about God's unchanging standards in worship and righteousness?
  2. How does the fine flour mingled with oil (representing refined devotion anointed by the Spirit) challenge superficial or unexamined religious practice?
  3. Why does Scripture record each tribe's identical offering separately rather than summarizing 'all twelve tribes brought the same'?

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

“silver”

H3701

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

אֶחָד֙4 of 20

“shekels 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

“whereof was an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

מִשְׁקָלָהּ֒7 of 20

“the weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

מִזְרָ֤ק8 of 20

“bowl”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

אֶחָד֙9 of 20

“shekels one”

H259

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

כֶּ֔סֶף10 of 20

“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 7:61 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 7 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes