King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:64 Mean?

Numbers 7:64 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 7:64 · King James Version

Context

62

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63

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

64

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

65

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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66

On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
One kid of the goats for a sin offering—The chatta'th (חַטָּאת, sin offering) addresses defilement and broken fellowship with God. The Hebrew se'ir (שְׂעִיר, male goat) was the standard sin offering for leaders and the congregation (Leviticus 4:23, 9:3). Unlike the burnt offering that ascended entirely to God, portions of the sin offering were eaten by priests (Leviticus 6:26), symbolizing the transfer of guilt to the sacrifice and then removal through priestly mediation.

The Day of Atonement featured two goats—one slain, one bearing sins into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:7-10). Together they picture Christ's dual work: dying for sin (chatta'th) and removing sin's guilt and consequences (the scapegoat, Azazel). 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares Christ 'made sin for us'—the Greek mirrors the Hebrew chatta'th, which means both 'sin' and 'sin offering.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering system was instituted at Sinai (Leviticus 4-5) to maintain Israel's covenantal purity. Different animals were required based on the offender's status: bulls for priests and the whole congregation, male goats for rulers, female goats or lambs for common people. This gradation reflected greater responsibility for those in leadership, not greater divine favoritism for common people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the distinction between burnt offerings (devotion) and sin offerings (atonement) teach about the relationship between consecration and forgiveness?
  2. How does Christ being 'made sin' (2 Corinthians 5:21) fulfill the sin offering's substitutionary principle?
  3. Why did God require a fresh sin offering for each tribal prince rather than one collective sacrifice?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

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 7:64 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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