King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:78 Mean?

Numbers 7:78 in the King James Version says “On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 7:78 · KJV

Context

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:

80

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered (בְּיוֹם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר יוֹם, beyom sheneym asar yom)—Naphtali, positioned last in the camp order (Numbers 2:29-31), brings the final tribal offering. The twelfth day completes the cycle, as twelve represents governmental perfection and divine order (twelve tribes, twelve apostles, Revelation's twelve gates). Ahira's name means "my brother is evil" or "brother of harm," yet he serves as a consecrated leader—demonstrating that God's calling transcends flawed lineage.

Naphtali, meaning "my wrestling," was born to Rachel through her handmaid Bilhah after desperate struggle (Genesis 30:8). The tribe's position in the rear guard (Numbers 10:27) made them vulnerable, yet their offering is identical in value to Judah's, the leading tribe. No hierarchy in worth exists among God's people when approaching His altar.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Naphtali occupied the northernmost territory in Israel's later settlement (Joshua 19:32-39). Despite being listed last in the camp order, their contribution to the tabernacle dedication was equal to all others, demonstrating covenantal equality. Ahira led 53,400 men according to the wilderness census (Numbers 1:43).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ahira's flawed name ('brother of harm') yet faithful service illustrate the doctrine of redemption from sinful heritage?
  2. What does Naphtali's equal offering despite their rear-guard position teach about spiritual equality versus worldly hierarchy?
  3. Why might God have ordered the tribal offerings sequentially over twelve days rather than simultaneously on one day?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
י֔וֹם1 of 10

“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

שְׁנֵ֣ים2 of 10
H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֣ר3 of 10

“On the twelfth”

H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

י֔וֹם4 of 10

“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

נָשִׂ֖יא5 of 10

“prince”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן6 of 10

“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

נַפְתָּלִ֑י7 of 10

“of Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲחִירַ֖ע8 of 10

“Ahira”

H299

achira, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 10

“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

עֵינָֽן׃10 of 10

“of Enan”

H5881

enan, 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 7:78 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 7:78 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:15Numbers 2:29

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