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.

NUMBERS 7:86KJV
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Numbers 7:86 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:86 mean?

Numbers 7:86 describes how twelve golden spoons, each filled with incense and weighing ten sanctuary shekels apiece, were offered, making a total of 120 shekels of gold. This verse records the precise details of the offerings made by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

In the context of Numbers 7, Moses is recording the gifts brought by each tribal leader for the dedication of the tabernacle altar. Each leader brings the same items, and this verse sums up the total number and weight of the golden spoons filled with incense, emphasizing the careful accounting and shared participation of all twelve tribes.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:86

  • "golden" (זָהָב, zahav): This word highlights that the spoons were made of pure gold, underlining the value and sacredness of the offering.
  • "spoons" (כַּף, kaf): This term means a small vessel or ladle, here used for holding incense, showing the practical role of these items in worship.
  • "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret): Incense was a special mixture burned as an offering to God, symbolizing prayers or devotion.
  • "shekel" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel) and "sanctuary" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): The shekel was a standard unit of weight, and specifying "after the shekel of the sanctuary" means it followed the official temple standard, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Why Numbers 7:86 matters

  • Numbers 7:86 shows the importance of equal participation among the tribes, as each leader brings the same offering, highlighting unity and shared responsibility in worship.
  • The verse emphasizes careful record-keeping and transparency in offerings, which was important for trust and reverence in the community.
  • By detailing the use of gold and incense, Numbers 7:86 connects the physical offerings to the spiritual significance of the tabernacle, reminding readers of the value placed on worship and dedication.

Where else these words appear

“shekel” Hebrew H8255 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 23:15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
  • Leviticus 27:25 And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.
  • Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

“incense” Hebrew H7004 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
  • Numbers 16:35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

“full” Hebrew H4392 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 23:9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
  • Numbers 7:67 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:
  • Ecclesiastes 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.