King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:73 Mean?

Numbers 7:73 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 7:73 · KJV

Context

71

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 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72

On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:

73

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:

74

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75

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 (קַעֲרַת־כֶּסֶף, qa'arat-kesef)—Pagiel, prince of Asher, brings the eleventh offering, identical in content and value to the previous ten tribes. The repetition underscores that God values fine flour mingled with oil (סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן, solet belulah bashemen) equally from every tribe—the grain offering symbolizes the fruit of human labor consecrated to God.

The 130-shekel charger and 70-shekel bowl total 200 shekels, representing completeness. Asher, whose name means "blessed," brings blessing through costly, identical worship. No tribe innovates or seeks distinction; all conform to the divine pattern, demonstrating that true worship is not creative self-expression but obedient conformity to God's revealed will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Asher's offering came on the eleventh day of the twelve-day dedication (c. 1445 BC). As a northern tribe known for its olive oil (Deuteronomy 33:24), Asher's participation demonstrates the united worship of all twelve tribes at the newly erected tabernacle.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does the repetitive nature of these offerings challenge modern assumptions that worship must be novel or creative to be meaningful?
  2. How does Asher's conformity to the pattern reflect the relationship between individual liberty and corporate obedience in worship?
  3. What does the equal value of each tribe's offering teach about spiritual equality before God despite differing gifts or prominence?

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 7:73 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 7:73 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 7:13-88

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