Numbers 7:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:21 mean?

Numbers 7:21 lists the specific animals—one young bull, one ram, and one year-old lamb—that were offered as a burnt offering during the dedication of the altar. This verse is part of a detailed record of the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel’s tribes.

The context is the dedication of the tabernacle in the wilderness, where each tribal leader brings offerings on behalf of their tribe. Moses is recording the exact animals and types of offerings given, showing the careful attention to following God’s instructions for worship. The verse highlights the importance of order and obedience in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:21

• בָּקָר (baqar, H1241) — "young": This word refers to cattle, specifically a young bull in this context. The age and type of animal mattered for ritual purity and symbolism.
• פַּר (par, H6499) — "bullock": This is the specific term for a bull, often used for significant sacrifices, representing strength and value.
• כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, H3532) — "lamb": This word refers to a young male sheep, and specifying "of the first year" (בֶּן־שָׁנָה, ben-shanah, H1121 + H8141) means the animal was in its prime, considered the best for offering.
• עֹלָה (olah, H5930) — "burnt offering": This term means an offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.

Why Numbers 7:21 matters

• Numbers 7:21 shows the care and precision with which Israel’s leaders followed God’s instructions, emphasizing that worship was not casual but required specific obedience.
• The verse connects to the larger chapter, where each tribe brings identical offerings, highlighting unity and equality among the tribes before God.
• By listing the animals and their ages, the verse clarifies that only the best and most appropriate animals were acceptable for sacrifice, reflecting the seriousness of approaching God in worship.