Numbers 7:37
New International Version
His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering;

New Living Translation
His offering consisted of a silver platter weighing 3 1 / 4 pounds and a silver basin weighing 1 3 / 4 pounds (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel). These were both filled with grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil.

English Standard Version
his offering was one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Berean Standard Bible
His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Berean Literal Bible
His offering was one silver platter, its weight a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl, seventy shekels according to the shekel of the sanctuary, the two of them full of fine flour mixed with the oil as a grain offering;

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;

New American Standard Bible
his offering was also one silver dish whose weight was 130 shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels in sanctuary shekels, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;

NASB 1995
his offering was one silver dish whose weight was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

NASB 1977
his offering was one silver dish whose weight was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Legacy Standard Bible
his offering was one silver dish whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver bowl of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Amplified Bible
his offering was one silver dish, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver basin of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;

Berean Annotated Bible
His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Christian Standard Bible
His offering was one silver dish weighing 3 1 /4 pounds and one silver basin weighing 1 3 /4 pounds, measured by the standard sanctuary shekel, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His offering was one silver dish weighing 3 1/4 pounds and one silver basin weighing 1 3/4 pounds, measured by the standard sanctuary shekel, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

American Standard Version
his oblation was one silver platter, the weight whereof was a 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 meal-offering;

English Revised Version
his oblation was one silver charger, the weight thereof 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 meal offering;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
brought his gifts: a silver plate that weighed 31/4 pounds and a silver bowl that weighed 13/4 pounds using the standard weight of the holy place. Each dish was filled with flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering.

International Standard Version
as his offering a silver dish weighing 130 shekels and a silver bowl weighing 70 shekels (calculated according to the shekel of the sanctuary), both filled with choice flour mixed with oil for grain offering;

NET Bible
His offering was one silver platter weighing 130 shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing 70 shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each of them full of fine flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering;

New Heart English Bible
gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

Webster's Bible Translation
His offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was a 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:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

World English Bible
gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
his offering [is] one silver dish, its weight one hundred and thirty [shekels], [and] one silver bowl of seventy shekels, by the shekel of the holy place, both of them full of flour mixed with oil for a present;

Berean Literal Bible
His offering was one silver platter, its weight a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl, seventy shekels according to the shekel of the sanctuary, the two of them full of fine flour mixed with the oil as a grain offering;

Young's Literal Translation
his offering is one silver dish, its weight a hundred and thirty shekels; one silver bowl of seventy shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of flour mixed with oil, for a present;

Smith's Literal Translation
His offering one silver dish, thirty and a hundred its weight, one silver vase, seventy shekels, according to the holy shekel; they two full of fine flour mingled with oil for a gift:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Offered a silver dish weighing one hundred and thirty sides, a silver bowl of seventy sides after the weight of the sanctuary, both full of flour tempered with oil for a sacrifice:

Catholic Public Domain Version
offered a silver dish weighing one hundred thirty shekels, a silver bowl having seventy shekels, by the weight of the Sanctuary, and both were filled with fine wheat flour sprinkled with oil as a sacrifice,

New American Bible
His offering consisted of one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver basin weighing seventy shekels according to the sanctuary shekel, both filled with bran flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

New Revised Standard Version
his offering was one silver plate weighing one hundred thirty shekels, one silver basin weighing seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of choice flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
His offering was one silver plate, weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
His offering: one plate of silver of a hundred and thirty shekels and one saucer of silver of seventy shekels, by the shekel of Holiness, both being filled with fine flour mixed with oil for the offering.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He brought his gift, one silver charger, its weight one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels according to the holy shekel; both full of fine flour kneaded with oil for a meat-offering.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Offerings of Dedication
36On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near. 37His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; 38one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;…

Cross References
His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels,

1 Chronicles 29:2
Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance.

Ezra 8:25-27
and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God. / I weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold, / 20 gold bowls valued at 1,000 darics, and two articles of fine polished bronze, as precious as gold.

Numbers 4:7
Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.
and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels,

Ezra 1:10
30 gold bowls, 410 matching silver bowls, and 1,000 other articles.

1 Chronicles 28:17
the weight of the pure gold for the forks, sprinkling bowls, and pitchers; the weight of each gold dish; the weight of each silver bowl;

2 Chronicles 4:8
Additionally, he made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. He also made a hundred gold bowls.
both according to the sanctuary shekel

Exodus 30:13
Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD.

Leviticus 27:25
Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel.

Ezekiel 45:12
The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina.
and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Leviticus 2:1-2
“When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, / and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Numbers 15:4-5
then the one presenting his offering to the LORD shall also present a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of olive oil. / With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, you are to prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering.

Leviticus 6:14-15
Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar. / The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Exodus 25:29
You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.

Exodus 37:16
He also made the utensils for the table out of pure gold: its plates and dishes, as well as its bowls and pitchers for pouring drink offerings.

Leviticus 24:6-7
and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD.

1 Kings 7:48-50
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; / the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.


Treasury of Scripture

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:

Numbers 7:13
And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Jump to Previous
Basin Bowl Charger Dish Fine Flour Full Hundred Meal Meal-Offering Meat Meat-Offering Mingled Mixed Offering Oil Platter Sanctuary Seventy Shekel Shekels Silver Thereof Thirty Weight Whereof
Jump to Next
Basin Bowl Charger Dish Fine Flour Full Hundred Meal Meal-Offering Meat Meat-Offering Mingled Mixed Offering Oil Platter Sanctuary Seventy Shekel Shekels Silver Thereof Thirty Weight Whereof
Numbers 7
1. The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle
10. Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar
89. God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat












His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels
In the context of Numbers 7, the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel were part of the dedication of the altar. The silver platter, weighing 130 shekels, signifies a substantial and valuable gift. Silver in the Bible often symbolizes redemption and purity. The weight of the platter, measured in shekels, aligns with the sanctuary shekel, a standard weight used in the tabernacle, ensuring uniformity and fairness in offerings. This offering reflects the leader's commitment and the community's collective dedication to God.

and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels
The silver bowl, weighing 70 shekels, complements the platter, emphasizing the importance of the offering. The number 70 in the Bible can symbolize completeness or the nations, as seen in the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10. The use of silver again underscores themes of redemption and value. The bowl's purpose, like the platter, is to hold the grain offering, which is a significant part of the sacrificial system, representing sustenance and provision from God.

both according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a specific standard of weight used in the tabernacle, ensuring that all offerings were measured equally and fairly. This standardization reflects God's order and justice, ensuring that each leader's offering was of equal value and significance. It also points to the importance of integrity and honesty in worship and offerings to God.

and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering
The grain offering, consisting of fine flour mixed with oil, was a common type of offering in the Old Testament, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. Fine flour represents the best of the harvest, indicating that offerings to God should be of the highest quality. Oil, often symbolizing the Holy Spirit, adds richness and anointing to the offering. This mixture was a pleasing aroma to the Lord, signifying the worshiper's devotion and gratitude. The grain offering also foreshadows the ultimate offering of Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life, providing spiritual sustenance and fulfillment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the offerings from God.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to bring offerings as part of their worship and dedication to the Lord.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where these offerings were made.

4. Tribe of Reuben
The tribe that presented these offerings on the day described in this passage.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal was consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offering represents total surrender and dedication to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives wholly to Him.

Obedience in Worship
The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions for offerings highlights the importance of obedience in our worship practices today.

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The Old Testament sacrifices point forward to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross was once for all, fulfilling the need for continual offerings.

Community Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes underscore the importance of communal worship and unity in the body of Christ.

Spiritual Growth through Sacrifice
Just as the Israelites grew in their relationship with God through obedience and sacrifice, we too grow spiritually when we surrender our desires and follow God's will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 7:37?

2. How does Numbers 7:37 illustrate the importance of offerings in worship today?

3. What can we learn from the specific offerings listed in Numbers 7:37?

4. How do these offerings connect to New Testament teachings on giving?

5. How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our daily lives?

6. What does Numbers 7:37 teach about obedience and dedication to God's commands?

7. What is the significance of the offering described in Numbers 7:37?

8. How does Numbers 7:37 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God?

9. Why is the specific offering in Numbers 7:37 important in biblical history?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 7?

11. Numbers 7:85-88: How did a nomadic community manage the massive total of precious metals and livestock described in these verses?

12. Numbers 7:12-29: Is the repetitive listing of identical offerings by each tribe historically realistic, or does it suggest a literary formula?

13. Numbers 7:10-11: Why would God require each tribe to offer exactly the same items rather than reflecting different tribal resources?

14. How could the Israelites realistically acquire and transport the vast amounts of gold, silver, and bronze mentioned in Exodus 38:24-31 while wandering in the desert?
What Does Numbers 7:37 Mean
His offering was one silver platter

Numbers 7 records each tribal leader bringing identical gifts for dedicating the altar. The silver platter is the first item, matching what Nahshon of Judah (v. 13) and every other chief provided. This uniformity highlights Israel’s unity before the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10) and God’s impartial acceptance of worship (Acts 10:34).


weighing a hundred and thirty shekels

The sizeable weight—about 3 pounds or 1.5 kg—shows lavish generosity, not mere token giving (2 Samuel 24:24). By bringing costly metal, the leader demonstrates that God deserves the best, echoing Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth.”


and one silver bowl

Two distinct vessels suggest completeness: one large, one smaller. The tabernacle already had cups and dishes (Exodus 25:29), but personal contributions reinforce that worship involves shared responsibility (Hebrews 13:16). They also foreshadow fellowship offerings shared between God, priests, and people (Leviticus 7:15).


weighing seventy shekels

This smaller bowl (~1.6 lbs or .7 kg) still represents significant value. Seventy often symbolizes fullness (Exodus 1:5; Luke 10:1). Here it may hint that every gift, whether great or modest, fits into God’s perfect plan (Mark 12:41-44).


both according to the sanctuary shekel

Using the sanctuary standard (Exodus 30:13) prevents inflation or under-valuation. God alone sets the measure of acceptable worship (Micah 6:7-8). Equal scales protect unity and integrity (Leviticus 19:35-36).


and filled with fine flour

Fine flour points to quality—no coarse meal, no shortcuts (Leviticus 2:1). In Scripture, grain often pictures daily provision (Matthew 6:11). Presenting staple food acknowledges God as provider, mirroring Jesus’ teaching that He is the “bread of life” (John 6:35).


mixed with oil

Oil represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:6). Mixing oil with flour produces a pleasing aroma when burned (Leviticus 2:2), symbolizing consecrated service energized by the Spirit, not fleshly effort (Galatians 5:16).


for a grain offering

Unlike animal sacrifices, the grain offering contained no blood yet was still “a most holy part” (Leviticus 2:3). It expresses gratitude rather than atonement, reminding believers that redeemed lives continue to offer thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15). Combined with the preceding silver, it shows that worship involves both material resources and daily sustenance (Romans 12:1).


summary

Numbers 7:37 describes one tribal leader’s gift, yet its details teach timeless truths: worship is unified, generous, measured by God’s standards, Spirit-empowered, and overflowing with gratitude for daily provision.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
His offering
קָרְבָּנ֞וֹ (qā·rə·bā·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7133: Something brought near the altar, a sacrificial present

was one
אַחַ֗ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

silver
כֶּ֣סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

platter
קַֽעֲרַת־ (qa·‘ă·raṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7086: A dish, platter

weighing
מִשְׁקָלָהּ֒ (miš·qā·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4948: Weight, weighing

a hundred and thirty [shekels],
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

and one
אֶחָד֙ (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 259: United, one, first

silver
כֶּ֔סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

basin
מִזְרָ֤ק (miz·rāq)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4219: Bowl, basin

weighing seventy,
שִׁבְעִ֥ים (šiḇ·‘îm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7657: Seventy (a cardinal number)

both according to the sanctuary
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ (haq·qō·ḏeš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

shekel
בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל (bə·še·qel)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8255: A weight, a commercial standard

[and]
שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם ׀ (šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

filled with
מְלֵאִ֗ים (mə·lê·’îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 4392: Full, filling, fulness, fully

fine flour
סֹ֛לֶת (sō·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5560: Fine flour

mixed
בְּלוּלָ֥ה (bə·lū·lāh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 1101: To mingle, mix, confuse, confound

with oil
בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן (ḇaš·še·men)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

for a grain offering;
לְמִנְחָֽה׃ (lə·min·ḥāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering


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OT Law: Numbers 7:37 Gave his offering: one silver platter (Nu Num.)
Numbers 7:36
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