King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:40 Mean?

Numbers 7:40 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 7:40 · KJV


Context

38

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39

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

40

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

41

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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42

On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering continues to address sin even in joyful dedication. This repetition emphasizes that confronting sin is not negative or pessimistic but realistic and necessary. We cannot celebrate reconciliation without acknowledging the sin that necessitated it. The sin offering doesn't dampen celebration but makes it possible. The Reformed doctrine that assurance of salvation includes ongoing conviction of sin is reflected here—we simultaneously rejoice in forgiveness and acknowledge ongoing sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering required confession of specific sins when known, or general acknowledgment of defilement when the specific sin was unclear. This practice maintained humility and prevented presumption. The consistent need for sin offerings taught Israel that access to God always required acknowledgment of sin and trust in substitutionary atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does ongoing confession of sin coexist with confidence in complete forgiveness?
  2. What does the placement of sin offerings before fellowship offerings teach about approaching God?
  3. In what ways does acknowledging sin enhance rather than diminish Christian joy?

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 7:40 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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