Old Testament

Numbers 7:20

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

He also brought one gold ladle weighing 10 shekels, filled with incense.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

What Numbers 7:20 means

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.

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

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Numbers 7:20

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Numbers 7:20

At a Glance — the Book of Numbers

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness

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.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.