King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:31 Mean?
“And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 29:31 · KJV
Context
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:
31
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
32
And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
33
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 sixth repetition of this phrase in the Tabernacles liturgy (vv. 5, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 38) underscores the relentless need for atonement. The chatat goat was not incidental but central—beside the continual burnt offering anchored each day's elaborate ritual in the reality of human sinfulness.
The daily sin offering during a joyful harvest festival reveals a profound theological truth: celebration before a holy God requires covering. This dual emphasis on joy and atonement finds fulfillment in Christ, through whom believers "rejoice with joy unspeakable" (1 Peter 1:8) because our sins are fully covered.
The daily sin offering during a joyful harvest festival reveals a profound theological truth: celebration before a holy God requires covering. This dual emphasis on joy and atonement finds fulfillment in Christ, through whom believers "rejoice with joy unspeakable" (1 Peter 1:8) because our sins are fully covered.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Unlike the Yom Kippur sin offering (Leviticus 16), which involved elaborate ceremonies and the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, the daily festival sin offerings were routine priestly duties. Yet both testified to the same need: sinful people require mediation to approach God.
Reflection Questions
- How do you balance joyful celebration of God's blessings with sober awareness of your ongoing need for grace?
- What does the "beside the continual burnt offering" pattern teach about layering special devotion on regular spiritual disciplines?
- How does the repetitive nature of sin offerings throughout the festival deepen your gratitude for Christ's once-for-all atonement?
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
מִנְחָתָ֖הּ7 of 8
“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 29:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.