King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:88 Mean?

Numbers 7:88 in the King James Version says “And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats si...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.”

Numbers 7:88 · KJV

Peace

Context

86

The golden spoons were twelve , full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.

87

All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve , the lambs of the first year twelve , with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve .

88

And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

89

And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him. with him: that is, with God

Read Numbers 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty (כָּל־הַבָּקָר זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבָּעָה פָרִים, kol-habaqar zevach hashelamim esrim ve'arba'ah parim)—The peace offering totals dwarf the burnt and sin offerings: 24 oxen, 60 rams, 60 goats, 60 lambs (204 total animals). This abundance demonstrates that fellowship with God is the goal and joy of worship, not mere duty.

This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed (זֹאת חֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ אַחֲרֵי הִמָּשַׁח אֹתוֹ)—The dedication (chanukkah) celebrates the altar's sanctification. The sacrifices don't sanctify the altar; the anointing does. The offerings express gratitude for God's condescension to dwell among His people. The 24 oxen recall the 24 priestly courses and 24 elders before God's throne (Revelation 4:4), while the sixty of each category (60 + 60 + 60 = 180) symbolizes completeness multiplied.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings were unique in that portions were eaten by the worshiper and family (Leviticus 7:11-21), symbolizing covenant fellowship. The abundance of peace offerings compared to burnt/sin offerings reflects God's desire for relationship over transaction. The dedication concluded the tabernacle's consecration (Exodus 40, Leviticus 8-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why are peace offerings so much more abundant than burnt or sin offerings, and what does this reveal about God's priorities?
  2. How does the declaration that the dedication occurred 'after it was anointed' emphasize that the altar's sanctity comes from God, not human offering?
  3. What might the numbers 24 (oxen) and 60 (rams, goats, lambs) symbolize, especially given their appearance elsewhere in Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְכֹ֞ל1 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּקַ֣ר׀2 of 21

“And all the oxen”

H1241

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

זֶ֣בַח3 of 21

“for the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַשְּׁלָמִ֗ים4 of 21

“of the peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים5 of 21

“were twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבָּעָה֮6 of 21

“and four”

H702

four

פָּרִים֒7 of 21

“bullocks”

H6499

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

אֵילִ֤ם8 of 21

“the rams”

H352

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

שִׁשִּׁ֑ים9 of 21

“sixty”

H8346

sixty

עַתֻּדִ֣ים10 of 21

“the he goats”

H6260

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

שִׁשִּׁ֑ים11 of 21

“sixty”

H8346

sixty

כְּבָשִׂ֥ים12 of 21

“the lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי13 of 21

“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

שָׁנָ֖ה14 of 21

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שִׁשִּׁ֑ים15 of 21

“sixty”

H8346

sixty

זֹ֚את16 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

חֲנֻכַּ֣ת17 of 21

“This was the dedication”

H2598

initiation, i.e., consecration

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ18 of 21

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י19 of 21

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הִמָּשַׁ֥ח20 of 21

“that it was anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹתֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 7:88 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 7:88 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 7:1Numbers 7:10Numbers 7:84

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