King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:77 Mean?

Numbers 7:77 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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.”

Numbers 7:77 · KJV

Peace

Context

75

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

76

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

77

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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78

On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:

79

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, zevach hashelamim)—The peace offering (shelamim, from shalom, שָׁלוֹם, "wholeness/peace") celebrates restored fellowship between God and man. Unlike burnt offerings (entirely consumed) or sin offerings (for the priests), portions were eaten by the worshiper, symbolizing covenant communion. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran—Asher's prince completes his dedication with abundant thanksgiving.

The five-fold repetition (five rams, five goats, five lambs) suggests the number of grace and God's favor. These voluntary offerings express gratitude, not obligation. The oxen (strength), rams (leadership), goats (atonement), and lambs (innocence) together picture the fullness of reconciliation, anticipating the messianic feast (Isaiah 25:6, Luke 14:16-24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings were detailed in Leviticus 3 and 7:11-21. They included thanksgiving offerings, vow offerings, and freewill offerings. The worshiper, priests, and God (via the altar fire) all partook, symbolizing covenant fellowship. Pagiel's offering concluded Asher's presentation on the eleventh day.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fellowship meal aspect of the peace offering deepen our understanding of the Lord's Supper as covenant communion?
  2. What does the abundance of peace offerings (compared to one sin offering) teach about God's desire for relationship over mere transaction?
  3. Why might the peace offerings include the greatest variety of animals (oxen, rams, goats, lambs) compared to the other sacrifices?

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

פַּגְעִיאֵ֖ל15 of 17

“of Pagiel”

H6295

pagiel, an israelite

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

עָכְרָֽן׃17 of 17

“of Ocran”

H5918

okran, 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 7:77 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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