King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:81 Mean?

Numbers 7:81 in the King James Version says “One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 7:81 · KJV


Context

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:

81

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

82

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

83

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 Ahira the son of Enan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering (פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן־בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ־אֶחָד בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה, par echad ben-baqar ayil echad keves-echad ben-shenato le'olah)—The burnt offering (olah, עֹלָה, "ascension") represents total consecration. The bullock (strength), ram (substitution), and firstling lamb (innocence) together form a triad pointing to Christ's multifaceted atonement.

Naphtali, though last in order, brings the same costly worship as Judah. The lamb of the first year (בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ, ben-shenato, "son of its year") must be without blemish, prefiguring Christ as the spotless Lamb offered in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4). The burnt offering's complete consumption by fire symbolizes that partial obedience is not acceptable—God requires all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Burnt offerings were the most common sacrifice in Israel's worship, offered daily (morning and evening) in addition to special occasions. The complete consumption distinguished it from other offerings where portions were eaten. Leviticus 1 details the burnt offering regulations, emphasizing the necessity of blood atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the burnt offering's complete consumption challenge half-hearted discipleship or partial obedience?
  2. What does Naphtali's identical burnt offering (despite being last) teach about the equal access to God that all believers possess through Christ?
  3. Why did God require three different animals for the burnt offering rather than one, and what might this reveal about Christ's atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
פַּ֣ר1 of 11

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

אֶחָ֥ד2 of 11

One

H259

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

בֶּן3 of 11

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

בָּקָ֗ר4 of 11

young

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

אַ֧יִל5 of 11

ram

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֶחָ֥ד6 of 11

One

H259

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

כֶּֽבֶשׂ7 of 11

lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אֶחָ֥ד8 of 11

One

H259

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

בֶּן9 of 11

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

שְׁנָת֖וֹ10 of 11

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְעֹלָֽה׃11 of 11

for a burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)


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 7:81 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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