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 Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

NUMBERS 7:17KJV
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Numbers 7:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:17 mean?

Numbers 7:17 lists the specific animals Nahshon son of Amminadab brought as a peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five one-year-old lambs. This verse records Nahshon's contribution as part of a larger ceremony where each tribal leader brought offerings for the dedication of the altar.

Nahshon was the leader of the tribe of Judah, and his offering was the first in a series from each tribe. The verse is part of a detailed account in which every leader brings the same types and numbers of animals, showing both individual participation and shared responsibility in Israel’s worship. The focus is on the orderly and generous giving for the dedication of the tabernacle.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:17

  • The word for "sacrifice" is זֶבַח (zevach), which often refers to an animal offering, especially one involving a shared meal, highlighting the communal aspect of the peace offering.
  • "Peace offerings" is שְׁלָמִים (shelamim), meaning offerings that symbolize peace, well-being, or fellowship with God, not just the absence of conflict.
  • The numbers "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim) and "five" (חָמֵשׁ, chamesh) are repeated for each type of animal, emphasizing the deliberate and balanced nature of the gift.
  • The word for "offering" is קָרְבָּן (korban), which means something brought near or presented, underlining that these gifts are meant to draw the people closer to God.

Why Numbers 7:17 matters

  • This verse shows that Nahshon's offering was not random but carefully prescribed, reflecting both obedience and generosity in worship.
  • The repetition and detail in this passage highlight the importance of every tribe and leader participating equally in the dedication of the altar, reinforcing unity among the Israelites.
  • Understanding the specific terms for the offerings helps clarify that these were not just sacrifices for sin, but acts meant to express peace, gratitude, and fellowship with God.

Where else these words appear

“Nahshon” Hebrew H5177 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 2:3 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.
  • Ruth 4:20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

“Amminadab” Hebrew H5992 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 7:12 And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
  • 1 Chronicles 2:10 And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

“goats” Hebrew H6260 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
  • Numbers 7:65 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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.
  • Proverbs 27:26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:16 But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:
  • Numbers 7:41 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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.