King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:28 Mean?

Numbers 7:28 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 7:28 · KJV

Context

26

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

27

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

28

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

29

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 Eliab the son of Helon.

30

On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sin offering kid of the goats addresses sin even in the context of joyful dedication. Celebration doesn't eliminate the need for atonement; rather, atonement makes celebration possible. This ordering—sin addressed before fellowship enjoyed—establishes the gospel pattern. We cannot feast with God until sin is dealt with through sacrifice. The Reformed ordo salutis (order of salvation) is prefigured—justification precedes sanctification, atonement precedes adoption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering's blood was essential for approaching God. Without it, the other offerings would be unacceptable because unforgiven sin creates a barrier between God and humanity. The consistent placement of the sin offering in the sequence taught Israel that access to God always requires atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must confession of sin and reception of forgiveness precede worship and service?
  2. How does understanding the order of salvation prevent works-righteousness?
  3. In what ways does the necessity of blood atonement challenge modern therapeutic approaches to guilt?

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 7:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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