King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:22 Mean?
“And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 29:22 · KJV
Context
20
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
21
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:
22
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
23
And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
24
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 goat for a sin offering—Day three's chatat uses sa'ir (שָׂעִיר, male goat) rather than se'ir, though meaning is identical. The goat, commonly used for sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23, 9:3, 16:9), symbolized sin-bearing, contrasted with lambs representing innocence.
The goat/lamb distinction illuminated Christ's dual typology: the lamb led to slaughter (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29) and the scapegoat bearing iniquity into wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22). Each day's single goat reminded Israel that atonement was always necessary, even during joyful celebration.
The goat/lamb distinction illuminated Christ's dual typology: the lamb led to slaughter (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29) and the scapegoat bearing iniquity into wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22). Each day's single goat reminded Israel that atonement was always necessary, even during joyful celebration.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Goats, hardier than sheep, thrived in Judea's rocky terrain. Their use in sin offerings may reflect their association with wilderness (scapegoat sent to Azazel) versus sheep's pastoral domesticity. Priestly manuals specified age, gender, and type of animal for each offering category.
Reflection Questions
- Why did God designate goats rather than lambs for most sin offerings, and what does this teach about atonement's nature?
- How does the daily sin offering's regularity challenge the presumption that spiritual maturity eliminates the need for confession?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsחַטָּ֖את2 of 8
“for a sin offering”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
מִלְּבַד֙4 of 8
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
עֹלַ֣ת5 of 8
“burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֔יד6 of 8
“beside the continual”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וּמִנְחָתָ֖הּ7 of 8
“and 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 29:22 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 29:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge