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1 Kings 4:23

Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

1 Kings 4:23 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker recounts the abundance of livestock and wild game that were acquired for a feast or sacrifice. The mention of "ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep" highlights the wealth and generosity of the speaker, as these animals were considered valuable commodities in ancient times. Additionally, the inclusion of harts, roebucks, fallowdeer, and fatted fowl demonstrates the variety and extravagance of the offerings. These animals were likely chosen for their symbolic significance in religious rituals or as a sign of the speaker's status and power. Overall, this verse serves as a testament to the bountiful blessings bestowed upon the speaker and the importance of sharing one's wealth with others in celebration or reverence.

Theological Overview

When examining the verse about animals to be offered in worship, we can see a pattern of abundance and variety, pointing to the generosity of the gift being presented. In the theological interpretation, the mention of ten fat oxen, twenty oxen, a hundred sheep, as well as harts, roebucks, fallowdeer, and fatted fowl, alludes to the idea of giving one's best to God. The selection of these animals symbolizes a holistic offering, covering different aspects of provision and sacrifice. The word "fatted" signifies that these animals were well-cared for and of high quality, representing the importance of making sacrifices that truly reflect one's devotion and respect for God. This verse serves as a reminder to believers of the value of giving sacrificially and wholeheartedly in worship, offering up the best of what they have for the glory of God.

1 Kings 4:23 in other translations

American Standard Version

ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and a hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fatted fowl.

World English Bible

ten head of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures, and one hundred sheep, besides deer, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl.

Douay-Rheims

Ten fat oxen, and twenty out of the pastures, and a hundred rams; besides venison of harts, roes, and buffles, and fatted fowls.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Ten fat oxen, and twentie oxen of the pastures, and an hundreth sheepe, beside hartes, and buckes, and bugles, and fat foule.