King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:16 Mean?
“And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 29:16 · KJV
Context
14
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,
15
And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:
16
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
17
And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
18
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOne kid of the goats for a sin offering—The single chatat daily throughout Sukkot acknowledged that even joyful harvest celebration occurred among sinners needing atonement. No festival exempted Israel from confronting sin. The juxtaposition of abundant burnt offerings (expressing worship) with the sin offering (confessing guilt) balanced joy with sobriety.
Beside the continual burnt offering (olat ha-tamid)—The twice-daily lamb (morning and evening) never ceased, even during festivals. This perpetual sacrifice symbolized uninterrupted communion with God, later fulfilled in Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:25) and believers' unceasing access to the throne (Hebrews 4:16).
Beside the continual burnt offering (olat ha-tamid)—The twice-daily lamb (morning and evening) never ceased, even during festivals. This perpetual sacrifice symbolized uninterrupted communion with God, later fulfilled in Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:25) and believers' unceasing access to the throne (Hebrews 4:16).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The tamid lamb, first prescribed in Exodus 29:38-42, was Israel's most fundamental offering, maintaining covenant relationship. Even during Sukkot's extravagance, it continued unchanged. After the temple's 70 AD destruction, its cessation devastated Jewish worship, for Daniel had prophesied Messiah would 'cause the sacrifice to cease' (Daniel 9:27).
Reflection Questions
- How does the daily sin offering during a joyful feast challenge 'prosperity gospel' theology that downplays ongoing repentance?
- What does the continual burnt offering's perpetuity teach about the need for constant worship, not merely seasonal enthusiasm?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsעִזִּ֥ים2 of 9
“of the goats”
H5795a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
חַטָּ֑את4 of 9
“for a sin offering”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
מִלְּבַד֙5 of 9
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
עֹלַ֣ת6 of 9
“burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֔יד7 of 9
“beside the continual”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
מִנְחָתָ֖הּ8 of 9
“his meat offering”
H4503a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
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 29:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.