King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:5 Mean?
“And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:”
Numbers 29:5 · KJV
Context
3
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram,
4
And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
5
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:
6
Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
7
And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement—again, the chattat (חַטָּאת) sin offering accompanies even the joyful Feast of Trumpets. Every festival required atonement, underscoring human sinfulness as a perpetual condition requiring constant remedy. The goat kid (שְׂעִיר, se'ir) was appropriate for sin offerings due to its lesser economic value than bulls or rams, making atonement accessible across economic classes.
The annual Day of Atonement (nine days after Trumpets) would employ two goats—one sacrificed, one sent into the wilderness bearing Israel's sins (Leviticus 16). But even on days leading up to Yom Kippur, daily atonement continued. This rhythm demonstrates that forgiveness is not earned by one dramatic act but received through persistent faith in God's provision. Christ's sacrifice ended the repetition by being once for all (ἐφάπαξ, ephapax—Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10).
The annual Day of Atonement (nine days after Trumpets) would employ two goats—one sacrificed, one sent into the wilderness bearing Israel's sins (Leviticus 16). But even on days leading up to Yom Kippur, daily atonement continued. This rhythm demonstrates that forgiveness is not earned by one dramatic act but received through persistent faith in God's provision. Christ's sacrifice ended the repetition by being once for all (ἐφάπαξ, ephapax—Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The seventh month (Tishri) was the most solemn in Israel's calendar, marked by Trumpets (summons), Atonement (judgment), and Tabernacles (joy). This progression from warning to forgiveness to celebration mirrors the gospel: conviction of sin, atonement through Christ, and joy of salvation. Paul's description of salvation in Romans 5:1-11 follows this same pattern: justification (atonement) leads to peace and rejoicing.
Reflection Questions
- Why would even a New Year's celebration (Trumpets) require a sin offering?
- How does the repetitive nature of Old Testament sacrifices highlight Christ's once for all finality?
- What does the movement from Trumpets (warning) to Atonement (cleansing) to Tabernacles (joy) teach about spiritual life?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsעִזִּ֥ים2 of 6
“of the goats”
H5795a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
חַטָּ֑את4 of 6
“for a sin offering”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃6 of 6
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 29:5 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 29:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge