Numbers 28:15

Translation
King James Version
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And one H259 kid H8163 of the goats H5795 for a sin offering H2403 unto the LORD H3068 shall be offered H6213, beside the continual H8548 burnt offering H5930, and his drink offering H5262.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Also a male goat is to be offered as a sin offering to ADONAI, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.
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Berean Standard Bible
In addition to the regular burnt offering with its drink offering, one male goat is to be presented to the LORD as a sin offering.
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American Standard Version
And one he-goat for a sin-offering unto Jehovah; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt-offering, and the drink-offering thereof.
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World English Bible Messianic
One male goat for a sin offering to the LORD; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt offering, and its drink offering.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And one hee goat for a sinne offring vnto the Lord shalbe prepared, besides the continuall burnt offring, and his drinke offring.
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Young's Literal Translation
and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering to Jehovah; besides the continual burnt-offering it is prepared, and its libation.
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See also
Numbers 28:3Numbers 15:24Numbers 28:22Leviticus 4:23Leviticus 16:152 Corinthians 5:21Numbers 28:10
In the KJVVerse 4,593 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 28:15 meticulously details a specific requirement for the monthly New Moon sacrifices: the offering of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD." This particular sacrifice was not a replacement but an essential addition to the daily continual burnt offering and its accompanying drink offering. The verse underscores the comprehensive and ceaseless nature of Israel's worship, which divinely mandated the consistent integration of atonement for sin alongside acts of devotion and thanksgiving, ensuring the community's ongoing ceremonial purity and reconciliation with God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 28-29 constitutes a highly detailed legislative block within the book of Numbers, serving as a comprehensive calendar of sacrifices and offerings that were to be meticulously observed by Israel once they were settled in the Promised Land. Numbers 28 specifically delineates the regular offerings for daily worship, Sabbaths, New Moons, and the Passover. Verse 15 concludes the section on New Moon offerings (Numbers 28:11-15), emphasizing the indispensable role of the sin offering in purifying the community at the commencement of each new lunar cycle. This offering was mandated to supplement the burnt and drink offerings, which primarily symbolized dedication, homage, and fellowship. The inclusion of such precise and exhaustive regulations throughout these chapters reinforces the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people, ensuring that their communal worship was conducted with divine precision and reverence.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The sacrificial regulations presented in Numbers were given to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, specifically as they stood on the threshold of entering and inheriting the land of Canaan. This elaborate system of worship was designed to establish a structured and holy life for a settled nation. While various forms of sacrifice were common in ancient Near Eastern religions, Israel's system was distinct due to its monotheistic focus, its direct divine revelation, and its profound emphasis on atonement for sin as a means of maintaining covenant fidelity with a holy God. The "kid of the goats" was a readily available and common sacrificial animal, making it suitable for communal offerings. The New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) marked the beginning of each lunar month, a significant occasion for communal gathering, rest, and spiritual renewal in ancient Israel. Its designation as a time for a specific sin offering highlights the critical importance of commencing each new period in a state of ceremonial purity and reconciliation, addressing any unintentional transgressions or impurities that might have occurred.
  • Key Themes: Numbers 28:15 powerfully articulates the theme of Divine Prescription for Worship, revealing God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous instructions for how Israel was to approach Him. This precision ensured purity, order, and reverence in their communion. It profoundly emphasizes the perpetual Need for Atonement and Purification, as the sin offering specifically addressed unintentional sins or ceremonial impurities, serving as a constant reminder of the people's ongoing need for divine forgiveness and cleansing, even amidst their most dedicated acts of worship. Furthermore, the verse, within the broader context of Numbers 28, illustrates the Completeness and Regularity of Sacrifice. Atonement was not an occasional act but an integral, recurring component of Israel's covenant relationship with God, alongside offerings of total dedication (burnt offerings) and fellowship (drink offerings). The integration of the sin offering "beside the continual burnt offering" (as first detailed in Numbers 28:3) underscores a holistic approach to maintaining a right and pure relationship with a holy God.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • sin offering (Hebrew, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): From the root chaṭâʼ (to miss the mark, to sin), this pivotal term signifies both "sin" itself and, more commonly in sacrificial contexts, "an offering for sin." It represents a specific type of sacrifice designed to atone for unintentional transgressions or ceremonial impurities, thereby restoring the relationship between the offerer (whether an individual, a leader, or the entire community) and God. Unlike the burnt offering, which focused on total dedication and general atonement, the chaṭṭâʼâh specifically addressed the defilement of sin, providing a divinely ordained means for purification and reconciliation.
  • kid (Hebrew, sâʻîyr', H8163): This term refers to a "he-goat" or "shaggy goat," often a young male goat, specifically chosen for its suitability in certain sacrificial contexts. In the Old Testament, a "kid of the goats" was frequently prescribed for sin offerings (e.g., Leviticus 4:23), symbolizing a substitute for the community's or individual's unintentional sins. Its selection highlights the precise requirements for different sacrificial types, each carrying specific theological significance and emphasizing the value placed on the offering.
  • continual (Hebrew, tâmîyd', H8548): This word, derived from an unused root meaning "to stretch," denotes "continuance" or "constancy." When applied to the "burnt offering," it refers to the daily morning and evening sacrifices (e.g., Exodus 29:38-42), which symbolized ongoing dedication, general atonement, and the constant communion between God and Israel. Its mention in Numbers 28:15 emphasizes that the New Moon sin offering was an addition to this foundational, perpetual act of worship, highlighting the comprehensive and layered nature of Israel's sacrificial system and their continuous need for divine grace.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered": This clause precisely identifies the specific animal required—a single young male goat—and explicitly states its purpose: to serve as a sin offering. The phrase "unto the LORD" underscores that this sacrifice is directed solely to Yahweh, emphasizing His absolute holiness and the divine initiative in providing a means for His people to address their sin and maintain covenant relationship. The offering of the goat signifies the transfer of sin and the provision of atonement, allowing for the ceremonial cleansing of the community from unintentional transgressions or impurities.
  • "beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering": This crucial phrase clarifies that the sin offering for the New Moon is not a standalone ritual but an addition to the established daily sacrifices. The "continual burnt offering" (detailed in Leviticus 6:8-13 and Exodus 29:38-42) symbolized constant devotion, general atonement, and the ongoing communion between God and Israel. The accompanying "drink offering" (as prescribed in Numbers 15:1-10) often represented homage, thanksgiving, or the sealing of a covenant. By stipulating that the sin offering is "beside" these regular offerings, the text emphasizes that even in their daily and monthly acts of worship, the Israelites were continually reminded of their inherent sinfulness and their ongoing reliance on God's provision for purification and forgiveness.

Literary Devices

Numbers 28:15, embedded within a larger block of sacrificial legislation, employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and emphasis. The text utilizes Precise Enumeration by specifying "one kid of the goats," highlighting the exactitude required in Israel's worship and the divine origin of these commands. The phrase "beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering" functions as Formulaic Language that recurs throughout Numbers 28 and 29, consistently reminding the reader that these special offerings are supplementary to the foundational daily sacrifices. This recurring phrase contributes to a sense of Ritual Completeness, demonstrating God's comprehensive provision for every aspect of Israel's spiritual life, from daily devotion to monthly purification. The entire chapter, including this verse, serves as a Legal Code, laying out prescriptive laws for communal worship, characterized by its detailed and systematic approach to religious practice, ensuring order and holiness.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 28:15 powerfully illustrates the Old Covenant's unwavering emphasis on atonement and purification as indispensable components of acceptable worship. The divine requirement for a sin offering, even during regular monthly observances like the New Moon, underscores the pervasive reality of human sin and the constant, ongoing need for divine provision to bridge the chasm between a holy God and an imperfect, fallen people. It reveals God's gracious initiative in establishing a system by which His people could maintain covenant relationship despite their failings, pointing to His profound desire for fellowship and purity. This elaborate system of sacrifices, while burdensome and repetitive, served as a tangible, visual, and visceral reminder of the gravity of sin and the immense cost of reconciliation, thereby preparing the way for a deeper, more profound understanding of ultimate atonement.

  • Leviticus 4:1-35 provides the foundational and detailed instructions for various types of sin offerings, highlighting their purpose in atoning for unintentional sins and ceremonial uncleanness for individuals and the community.
  • Exodus 29:38-42 establishes the institution of the foundational "continual burnt offering," which the New Moon sacrifices, including the sin offering, were designed to augment and supplement.
  • Hebrews 10:1-4 articulates the inherent limitation of these Old Testament sacrifices, stating that they could never truly take away sins but served as a shadow of the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice to come.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 28:15, though rooted in the ancient rituals of Israel, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our approach to a holy God must always be marked by a deep awareness of our sinfulness and an absolute reliance on His gracious provision for atonement. While the Old Testament sacrifices were temporary and symbolic, they powerfully communicated the immutable truth that sin is a grave offense against a holy God and demands a divine remedy. For us today, this means recognizing that our worship, our daily lives, and our very standing before God are entirely predicated on the ultimate sin offering—Jesus Christ. Our spiritual cleanliness and acceptance are not achieved through our own efforts or rituals, but solely through faith in His finished work on the cross. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, genuine repentance, and overflowing gratitude, continually acknowledging our deep need for grace and resting securely in the perfect purification offered through Christ. It encourages us to live lives that authentically reflect the holiness we have been graciously granted through His sacrifice, striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, knowing that our forgiveness is complete and our access to God is unhindered by the barriers of sin.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the sin offering in Numbers 28:15 deepen your understanding of His holiness, justice, and unwavering demand for purity?
  • In what specific ways does the Old Testament emphasis on continual atonement for sin enhance your appreciation for the "once for all" and completely sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
  • As New Covenant believers, how can we practically cultivate a posture of humility and ongoing awareness of our need for God's grace, even though animal sacrifices are no longer required?

FAQ

What was the significance of the "kid of the goats" for a sin offering?

Answer: The "kid of the goats" (or young male goat) was a common and accessible animal for sacrifice in ancient Israel. In the context of the sin offering (Hebrew: chaṭṭâʼâh), it symbolized a substitute for the community's or individual's unintentional sins or ritual impurities. Its death represented the penalty for sin, and its blood, applied according to specific rituals, was understood to make atonement, ceremonially cleansing the people and restoring their relationship with God. The selection of a specific animal type underscored the divine prescription and the seriousness of the offering, distinguishing it from other types of sacrifices like burnt offerings or peace offerings, which had different purposes (see Leviticus 4 for more detailed instructions on various sin offerings).

Why was a sin offering required "beside the continual burnt offering" for the New Moon?

Answer: The inclusion of a sin offering "beside the continual burnt offering" for the New Moon (Numbers 28:11-15) highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's worship and the perpetual need for atonement. The "continual burnt offering" (established in Exodus 29:38-42) was a daily sacrifice symbolizing general devotion and ongoing atonement for the nation. The New Moon sin offering was an additional purification, specifically addressing any unintentional sins or impurities that might have accumulated during the preceding month. This demonstrated that even in their regular, dedicated worship, the Israelites were continually reminded of their inherent sinfulness and their constant reliance on God's provision for forgiveness and ceremonial cleansing, ensuring they began each new month in a state of renewed purity before the LORD.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 28:15, with its meticulous command for a sin offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the kid of the goats offered for atonement, were not ends in themselves but merely a shadow of the glorious reality to come, as the writer of Hebrews 10:1 clearly articulates. While these animal sacrifices had to be offered repeatedly because they possessed no inherent power to truly take away sins (Hebrews 10:4), Christ, by His single, perfect, and eternally sufficient sacrifice, has "perfected forever those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, serving as both the High Priest and the perfect, unblemished offering. Through His shed blood, we receive not merely ceremonial cleansing but true, eternal forgiveness and complete reconciliation with God, rendering the Old Covenant sin offerings obsolete. Our access to God is no longer dependent on the blood of goats or calves, but on the precious, atoning blood of Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Thus, Numbers 28:15, in its very limitation and repetition, powerfully anticipates the glorious, once-for-all, and completely sufficient work of Christ, our perfect sin offering.

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Commentary on Numbers 28 verses 9–15

The new moons and the sabbaths are often spoken of together, as great solemnities in the Jewish church, very comfortable to the saints then, and typical of gospel grace. Now we have here the sacrifices appointed, 1. For the sabbaths. Every sabbath day the offering must be doubled; besides the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered, one (it is probable) added to the morning sacrifice, and the other to the evening, Num 28:9, Num 28:10. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order to a more close application to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up sabbath time. In Ezekiel's temple-service, which points at gospel times, the sabbath offerings were to be six lambs and a ram, with their meat-offerings, and drink-offerings (Eze 46:4, Eze 46:5), to intimate not only the continuance, but the advancement, of sabbath sanctification in the days of the Messiah. This is the burnt-offering of the sabbath in his sabbath, so it is in the original, v. 10. We must do every sabbath day's work in its day, studying to redeem every minute of sabbath time as those that believe it precious; and not thinking to put off one sabbath's work to another, for sufficient to every sabbath is the service thereof. 2. For the new moons. Some suggest that, as the sabbath was kept with an eye to the creation of the world, so the new moons were sanctified with an eye to the divine providence, which appoints the moon for seasons, guiding the revolutions of time by its changes, and governing sublunary bodies (as many think) by its influences. Though we observe not any feast of new moons, yet we must not forget to give God the glory of all the precious things put forth by the moon which he has established for ever, a faithful witness in heaven, Psa 89:37. The offerings in the new moons were very considerable, two bullocks, a ram, and seven lambs, with the meat-offerings and drink-offerings that were to attend them (Num 28:11, etc.), besides a sin-offering, Num 28:15. For, when we give glory to God by confessing his mercies, we must give glory to him likewise by confessing our own sins; and, when we rejoice in the gifts of common providence, we must make the sacrifice of Christ, that great gift of special grace, the fountain and spring-head of our joy. Some have questioned whether the new moons were to be reckoned among their feasts; but why should they not, when, besides the special sacrifices which were then to be offered, they rested from servile works (Amo 8:5), blew the trumpets (Num 10:10), and went to the prophets to hear the word? Kg2 4:23. And the worship performed in the new moons is made typical of gospel solemnities, Isa 66:23.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–15. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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