King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:76 Mean?

Numbers 7:76 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 7:76 · KJV

Context

74

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75

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

76

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

77

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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78

On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One kid of the goats for a sin offering (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת, se'ir-izim echad lechatat)—The male goat (se'ir) served as the chatat (חַטָּאת, sin offering), addressing unintentional transgression and ceremonial defilement. Unlike the burnt offering (voluntary consecration), the sin offering was mandatory, acknowledging that even covenant people require ongoing purification.

The goat prefigures Christ as the sin-bearer (Leviticus 16, Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21). The singular "one kid" emphasizes that each tribe bears corporate responsibility for sin—there is no national offering sufficient without personal participation. The blood was applied to the altar's horns (Leviticus 4:25), symbolizing the power of atonement to sanctify worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering was instituted in Leviticus 4-5 for unintentional sins and ritual impurity. Unlike the burnt offering (total consecration) or peace offering (fellowship), the sin offering addressed the constant reality of human sinfulness in God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the mandatory nature of the sin offering challenge the modern assumption that confession and repentance are optional spiritual disciplines?
  2. What does the requirement for each tribe to bring its own sin offering teach about corporate versus individual responsibility for sin?
  3. Why did God choose the goat (rather than a lamb or bullock) specifically for the sin offering in this context?

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 7:76 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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