King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:52 Mean?

Numbers 7:52 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 7:52 · KJV

Context

50

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

51

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

52

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

53

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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54

On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One kid of the goats for a sin offering (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים לְחַטָּאת, se'ir-izim lechatat)—The sin offering (chatat) specifically atoned for unintentional sin and ritual uncleanness (Leviticus 4:1-5:13). Using a male goat (se'ir) rather than female (prescribed for individuals, Leviticus 4:28) reflected the prince's leadership status. The goat's role in atonement climaxes in Leviticus 16, where two goats on Yom Kippur—one sacrificed, one released—picture complete sin removal.

The singular one kid emphasizes sufficiency: a single sacrifice covered the tribe's guilt. This anticipates Hebrews 10:12: Christ 'offered one sacrifice for sins forever.' The chatat restored covenant relationship, making subsequent offerings (peace offerings) possible—reconciliation precedes fellowship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew chatat (sin offering) appears over 50 times in Leviticus. Ancient Israel distinguished between intentional ('high-handed') sins requiring exile/death and unintentional sins requiring sacrifice. This system taught sin's seriousness while providing gracious provision for restoration. The goat's blood sprinkled on the altar satisfied divine justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the distinction between sin offerings (for unintentional sin) and capital punishment (for 'high-handed' sin) teach about the nature of repentance and presumption?
  2. How does the single goat for sin offering point toward the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
  3. In what ways does understanding sin offering as prerequisite for peace offering inform your approach to confession before worship?

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 7:52 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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