King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:34 Mean?

Numbers 7:34 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 7:34 · KJV

Context

32

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

33

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

34

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35

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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering addresses the ongoing reality that even redeemed people continue to sin and need atonement. The repeated sin offering day after day throughout the dedication emphasizes that dealing with sin is not a one-time event but an ongoing necessity. This prefigures the Christian life where we continually confess sin and receive forgiveness, not because Christ's sacrifice was insufficient but because our need is ongoing. The Reformed emphasis on progressive sanctification is relevant here.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The regular sin offering taught Israel that sin's consequences couldn't be ignored or minimized. Each offering required the shedding of blood, reinforcing that sin's penalty is death and only substitutionary death could atone. The accumulation of sin offerings throughout Israel's history pointed forward to the need for a final, perfect sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does ongoing confession of sin differ from doubting the completeness of Christ's atonement?
  2. What does the repeated nature of sin offerings teach about the Christian's battle with sin?
  3. In what ways does regular confession of sin keep us humble and dependent on grace?

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 7:34 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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