King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:22 Mean?

Numbers 7:22 in the King James Version says “One kid of the goats for a sin offering: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

Numbers 7:22 · KJV


Context

20

One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

21

One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

22

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24

On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sin offering of a kid of the goats appears in every tribal offering, emphasizing the universal need for atonement. No tribe was exempt from sin; all required blood sacrifice for approach to God. This repetition drives home the Reformed doctrine of total depravity—every person, every tribe, every nation stands guilty before God and needs substitutionary atonement. The repeated goat offerings pointed forward to the ultimate Goat who would bear away the sins of His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The daily sin offering throughout the twelve-day dedication meant that atonement was continually being made. This established the pattern that worship always begins with addressing sin. The accumulation of twelve sin offerings demonstrated the seriousness and pervasiveness of sin in the community.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must every worship service begin with acknowledging sin and receiving atonement?
  2. How does the universality of sin offerings challenge self-righteousness and pride?
  3. In what ways does the repeated need for sin offerings highlight the superior efficacy of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
שְׂעִיר1 of 4

kid

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

עִזִּ֥ים2 of 4

of the goats

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

אֶחָ֖ד3 of 4

One

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְחַטָּֽאת׃4 of 4

for a sin offering

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender


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 7:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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