King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:28 Mean?
“And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 29:28 · KJV
Context
26
And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
27
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:
28
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
29
And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
30
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 goat for a sin offering—The daily chatat (חַטָּאת, sin offering) throughout the festival, beside the continual burnt offering (olat ha-tamid, עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד), ensured ongoing atonement even during joyful celebration. This reflects the sobering reality that human sinfulness persists even in worship contexts.
The tamid (perpetual offering) of morning and evening lambs (Numbers 28:3-8) never ceased, forming the foundation upon which festival sacrifices were added. No matter the occasion, daily atonement remained essential—pointing to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice that fulfills what the perpetual system foreshadowed (Hebrews 10:11-14).
The tamid (perpetual offering) of morning and evening lambs (Numbers 28:3-8) never ceased, forming the foundation upon which festival sacrifices were added. No matter the occasion, daily atonement remained essential—pointing to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice that fulfills what the perpetual system foreshadowed (Hebrews 10:11-14).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The continual burnt offering, established in Exodus 29:38-42, was the backbone of Israel's sacrificial system, offered twice daily every day of the year. The additional festival sacrifices were layered on top of this perpetual worship, demonstrating that special occasions intensified rather than replaced regular devotion.
Reflection Questions
- How does the pairing of joyful festival worship with sin offerings guard against presumption in your spiritual life?
- What "continual" practices form the foundation of your walk with God that special occasions build upon?
- How does the perpetual nature of the tamid offering deepen your understanding of Christ's eternal intercession (Hebrews 7:25)?
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 29:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.