Old Testament
Numbers 7:87
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 7:87, we see a detailed account of the offerings made during the dedication of the altar.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
The animals for the burnt offerings totaled 12 bulls, 12 rams, and 12 year-old male lambs, along with their grain offerings. There were also 12 male goats for the sin offerings.
All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 7:87, we see a detailed account of the offerings made during the dedication of the altar. The offerings included twelve bulls, twelve rams, and twelve one-year-old male lambs, each accompanied by grain offerings. Additionally, there were twelve male goats designated for sin offerings. This structured presentation of offerings highlights the importance of worship and atonement in the Israelite community. Each type of animal represents a different aspect of sacrifice, with burnt offerings symbolizing total dedication to God and sin offerings serving as a means of seeking forgiveness. The repetition of the number twelve signifies completeness and the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing that these offerings were made on behalf of the entire nation. This passage illustrates the seriousness of approaching God and the communal responsibility of maintaining a right relationship with Him through sacrifices.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 7:87 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of making sacrifices in our own lives, whether through time, resources, or service to others. It encourages us to approach God with sincerity and dedication, recognizing the need for atonement and the value of communal worship.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 7:87 mean?
Numbers 7:87 details the offerings made during the dedication of the altar, including twelve bulls, twelve rams, and twelve male lambs, along with grain offerings and twelve male goats for sin offerings. This verse emphasizes the importance of worship and atonement in the Israelite community.
What is the significance of the number twelve in Numbers 7:87?
The number twelve in Numbers 7:87 signifies completeness and represents the twelve tribes of Israel. It highlights that the offerings were made on behalf of the entire nation, reflecting communal responsibility in worship.
What types of offerings are mentioned in Numbers 7:87?
In Numbers 7:87, the offerings include burnt offerings of twelve bulls, twelve rams, and twelve one-year-old male lambs, along with their grain offerings, and twelve male goats for sin offerings. Each type of offering serves a specific purpose in worship and atonement.
What do the burnt offerings represent in Numbers 7:87?
The burnt offerings in Numbers 7:87 represent total dedication to God. They symbolize the worshippers' commitment to God and their desire to maintain a right relationship with Him.
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.
Unlock the full Numbers summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.