King James Version

What Does Numbers 28:22 Mean?

Numbers 28:22 in the King James Version says “And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.”

Numbers 28:22 · KJV

Context

20

And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;

21

A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

22

And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.

23

Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.

24

After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת לְכַפֵּר, se'ir-izzim echad lechattat lechaper)—the sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) dealt with unintentional sins and ritual impurity. The verb kaper (כָּפַר, "to atone") means "to cover" or "to purge." Even during joyful Passover celebrations, atonement remained necessary, acknowledging persistent human sinfulness requiring ongoing cleansing.

The goat's blood was applied to the altar, purifying the sacred space from contamination by human sin (Leviticus 16). This daily sin offering during Passover week anticipated Yom Kippur's comprehensive atonement. Hebrews 10:4 declares such blood could not actually remove sin but was a "reminder" (ἀνάμνησις, anamnesis) pointing to Christ, who by one offering perfected forever them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering was introduced in the Mosaic law, distinct from older patriarchal sacrifices. It addressed Israel's covenant relationship, providing ritual means to restore fellowship broken by sin. In Jesus's sacrificial death, all categories—burnt offering (total consecration), sin offering (purification), peace offering (fellowship)—converge in one sufficient sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why would even a feast celebrating redemption (Passover) require ongoing sin offerings?
  2. How does the repeated need for atonement in the Old Testament highlight the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
  3. What does it mean that Christ serves as both the sacrifice and the High Priest offering it (Hebrews 9:11-14)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וּשְׂעִ֥יר1 of 5

“goat”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

חַטָּ֖את2 of 5

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֶחָ֑ד3 of 5

“And one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְכַפֵּ֖ר4 of 5

“to make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃5 of 5
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 28:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 28:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:3

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