King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:38 Mean?
“And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 29:38 · KJV
Context
36
But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
37
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
38
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
39
These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. do: or, offer
40
And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOne goat for a sin offering—The eighth and final chatat of the festival sequence. Even this climactic day beyond the seven-day completeness requires atonement beside the continual burnt offering. The eschatological symbolism of the eighth day does not negate present sinfulness—a crucial corrective to over-realized eschatology.
The eighth-day sin offering points to the permanence of Christ's atonement in the new creation. While the old covenant required repeated offerings, even on the "eternal eighth day," Christ's single sacrifice secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). The pattern is fulfilled and transcended: we need no more goats, for we have the Lamb.
The eighth-day sin offering points to the permanence of Christ's atonement in the new creation. While the old covenant required repeated offerings, even on the "eternal eighth day," Christ's single sacrifice secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). The pattern is fulfilled and transcended: we need no more goats, for we have the Lamb.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This concluding sin offering of the most joyful festival in Israel's calendar reinforced that covenant relationship rested on blood atonement, not human merit. The entire eight-day sequence taught that God's blessings flow through substitutionary sacrifice, a pattern pointing to Calvary.
Reflection Questions
- How does the eighth-day sin offering, even in its eschatological symbolism, guard against presumption about your spiritual state?
- What does the contrast between eight days of goat offerings and Christ's one eternal offering reveal about the superiority of the New Covenant?
- How does the "beside the continual burnt offering" refrain shape your understanding of layering special devotion on foundational daily obedience?
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 29:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.