King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:83 Mean?

Numbers 7:83 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 Ahira the son of Enan.”

Numbers 7:83 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

84

This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

85

Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, zevach hashelamim)—The peace offering (shelamim, from shalom) celebrates restored fellowship. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed) or sin offerings (for priests), portions of the peace offering were eaten by the worshiper, symbolizing covenant communion with God.

The abundance—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—demonstrates lavish gratitude. The number five represents grace; the total of seventeen animals suggests completeness in worship. Ahira's offering, though last chronologically, is equal in value and acceptance. This concludes the twelve-tribe dedication with the same joy as it began, teaching that God's presence makes the last equal to the first (Matthew 20:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings (Leviticus 3, 7:11-21) included thanksgiving, vow, and freewill categories. Portions were burned on the altar (God's portion), given to priests (Aaron's sons), and eaten by the offerer and family. This three-way sharing symbolized covenant fellowship—God, mediator, and worshiper dining together.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fellowship meal aspect of peace offerings enrich our understanding of the Lord's Supper as covenant communion?
  2. What does the greater abundance of peace offerings (versus one sin offering) reveal about God's desire for relationship over transaction?
  3. Why might Naphtali's offering be recorded with as much detail as Judah's, and what does this teach about God's impartiality?

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

אֲחִירַ֖ע15 of 17

“of Ahira”

H299

achira, 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

עֵינָֽן׃17 of 17

“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 7:83 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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