Old Testament
Numbers 7:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 7:20, we see a specific offering made to God, which includes a gold ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
He also brought one gold ladle weighing 10 shekels, filled with incense.
One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 7:20, we see a specific offering made to God, which includes a gold ladle weighing ten shekels, filled with incense. This ladle represents a significant gift, as gold was a precious metal, and the incense symbolizes the prayers and worship of the people. The act of bringing such an offering highlights the importance of giving to God with sincerity and reverence. The weight of the ladle indicates its value, suggesting that the offerings to God should be of the best quality. Incense was often used in worship to create a pleasing aroma, representing the people's devotion and the desire for God's presence. This verse emphasizes the idea that worship involves tangible expressions of faith, and it encourages believers to consider how they can offer their best to God in their own lives, whether through material gifts, acts of service, or heartfelt prayers.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 7:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own offerings to God. Are we giving our best in our worship, time, and resources? Just as the gold ladle was valuable, we should strive to offer our best efforts and intentions in our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 7:20 mean?
Numbers 7:20 describes an offering made to God that includes a gold ladle weighing ten shekels filled with incense. This symbolizes the value of sincere worship and the importance of giving the best to God.
What is the significance of the gold ladle in Numbers 7:20?
The gold ladle in Numbers 7:20 represents a valuable offering to God, highlighting the importance of giving high-quality gifts in worship. It signifies the people's devotion and desire to honor God with their best.
What does the incense represent in Numbers 7:20?
In Numbers 7:20, the incense symbolizes the prayers and worship of the people, creating a pleasing aroma that represents their devotion and desire for God's presence.
Why is the weight of the ladle mentioned in Numbers 7:20?
The weight of the ladle, ten shekels, indicates its value and emphasizes that offerings to God should be of the best quality, reflecting the sincerity and reverence of the giver.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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