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Translation
King James Version
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And one H259 kid H8163 of the goats H5795 for a sin offering H2403; beside the continual H8548 burnt offering H5930, and the meat offering H4503 thereof, and their drink offerings H5262.
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Complete Jewish Bible
also one male goat as a sin offering; in addition to the regular burnt offering, its grain offering and their drink offerings.
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Berean Standard Bible
Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
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American Standard Version
and one he-goat for a sin-offering; besides the continual burnt-offering, and the meal-offering thereof, and their drink-offerings.
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World English Bible Messianic
and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, with its meal offering and their drink offerings.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And an hee goate for a sinne offring, (beside the continuall burnt offering and his meate offring) and their drinke offrings.
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Young's Literal Translation
and one kid of the goats, a sin-offering; apart from the continual burnt-offering, and its present, and their libations.
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In the KJVVerse 4,628 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 29:19 precisely details a specific offering required for the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles: "one kid of the goats for a sin offering." This particular sacrifice was to be presented in addition to the "continual burnt offering," along with its associated grain and drink offerings. The verse underscores the pervasive and ongoing need for atonement and purification within Israel's worship, even amidst a joyous national celebration, and highlights the foundational role of daily, perpetual worship rituals in maintaining their covenant relationship with God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 29:19 is situated within a highly prescriptive and detailed legislative section of the Book of Numbers, specifically chapters 28-29, which meticulously outline the sacrificial requirements for Israel's annual feasts. This particular verse provides instructions for the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a significant seven-day festival celebrating God's provision during the wilderness wanderings and the culmination of the harvest. The preceding verses in Numbers 29 detail the progressively diminishing number of bull offerings required each day of the festival, culminating in simpler offerings on the seventh day. The consistent inclusion of the sin offering alongside the foundational daily offerings throughout the festival underscores the persistent need for purification and atonement, even during a period of national celebration and thanksgiving. This meticulous enumeration of sacrifices reinforces the precise, demanding, and comprehensive nature of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing obedience in worship.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in ancient Israel, requiring all Israelite males to appear before the Lord at the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. It was a time of profound national joy, gratitude, and remembrance, characterized by living in temporary booths (sukkot) to recall God's dwelling with them in the wilderness and His unwavering faithfulness in providing for them. The intricate sacrificial system was the very heart of Israelite worship and the primary means of maintaining their covenant relationship with God. Offerings such as the sin offering (H2403, chaṭṭâʼâh) were indispensable for addressing unintentional sins, purifying ritual impurities, and ensuring the people's continued access to God's holy presence. The "continual burnt offering" (H5930, ʻôlâh and H8548, tâmîyd) mentioned here, a daily, morning and evening sacrifice, formed the bedrock of Israel's worship, symbolizing constant devotion and general atonement, as established in Exodus 29:38-42. The meticulous instructions in Numbers reflect the profound value placed on obedience, purity, and the belief that proper, divinely ordained worship was essential for national well-being and God's continued favor.
  • Key Themes: Numbers 29:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Atonement and Purification, emphasizing that despite the joyous and celebratory nature of the festival, the pervasive reality of human sin necessitated a constant means of dealing with defilement. The sin offering served to cleanse the people from ritual impurity and unintentional transgressions, highlighting God's absolute holiness and the indispensable provision for humanity to approach Him. Secondly, the verse reiterates the theme of Continual Worship and Obedience. By explicitly stating that the festival-specific offerings were "beside the continual burnt offering," it illustrates that special occasions did not negate, but rather augmented, the daily, foundational acts of devotion required by the Law, as detailed in Numbers 28:3-8. This speaks to the unwavering and consistent commitment expected of Israel. Lastly, the detailed nature of the command reflects God's Sovereignty and Meticulous Provision. Every aspect of worship, down to the specific animals and their quantities, was divinely ordained, demonstrating God's complete authority and His gracious provision for His people to maintain a righteous standing and fellowship before Him.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • one (Hebrew, ʼechâd', H259): This numeral, properly meaning "united" or "one," emphasizes the singular nature of this particular offering. In the context of the sacrificial system, specifying "one" kid of the goats highlights the precise, non-negotiable quantity required by God for this specific sin offering, underscoring the exactitude of divine commands and the specific value placed on each component of the prescribed worship.
  • sin offering (Hebrew, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): This term, derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," refers to an "offence" or "sin," but in ritual contexts, specifically denotes a "purification offering" or "offering for sin." Its primary purpose was to atone for unintentional transgressions, ritual impurities, or sins committed in ignorance, thereby cleansing the offerer and the sanctuary from defilement. The chaṭṭâʼâh underscored the pervasive nature of sin and the constant need for divine provision for cleansing and restoration to a state of ritual purity and fellowship with God.
  • continual (Hebrew, tâmîyd', H8548): This word, meaning "continuance" or "constant," describes the unbroken, perpetual nature of the daily burnt offering. Its inclusion here signifies that the special festival offerings were supplementary to, rather than a replacement for, the regular, foundational acts of worship performed every morning and evening. It speaks to the unwavering devotion and atonement that was to characterize Israel's relationship with God without interruption.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering": This clause specifies a young male goat as the particular animal designated for a sin offering. The "kid of the goats" (H8163, sâʻîyr and H5795, ʻêz) was a common and appropriate animal for sin offerings, particularly for the community or for leaders, emphasizing its role in purification and atonement for the collective body of Israel during the festival. Its explicit inclusion highlights the persistent and non-negotiable need for cleansing from sin, even amidst a period of national celebration and thanksgiving.
  • "beside the continual burnt offering": This crucial phrase indicates that the festival-specific offerings, including this sin offering, were supplementary to the regular, daily sacrifices. The "continual burnt offering" (H5930, ʻôlâh and H8548, tâmîyd) was the foundational act of worship, performed twice daily (morning and evening) at the tabernacle. Its mention here underscores that the special festival observances did not negate or replace, but rather augmented, the regular, ongoing acts of devotion and general atonement required of the community, emphasizing the constant nature of their worship.
  • "and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings": These elements refer to the accompanying offerings that typically went with the burnt offering and other sacrifices. The "meat offering" (H4503, minchâh), often translated as "grain offering" or "meal offering," consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense. The "drink offering" (H5262, neçek) involved pouring out wine or other liquids. These components completed the sacrificial ritual, adding elements of thanksgiving, sustenance, and devotion, ensuring that the full, prescribed worship was rendered to God in all its meticulous detail.

Literary Devices

The passage in Numbers 29:19, like the broader sections detailing the sacrificial system, employs several significant literary devices. Precision and Detail are paramount, as the text meticulously enumerates every animal, every offering type, and every accompanying element. This precise language underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to God's commands without deviation, reflecting His holy, orderly, and exacting character. The Repetition of sacrificial formulas across different days and feasts (e.g., "beside the continual burnt offering") serves to emphasize the unchanging nature of God's requirements and the foundational, non-negotiable role of daily worship. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, including the "sin offering," functions as profound Symbolism. Each element of the offering, from the innocent animal to the pouring of blood and the complete consumption by fire, symbolically represented aspects of sin, atonement, purification, dedication, and the ultimate cost of reconciliation. This rich symbolism served to teach the Israelites profound theological truths through tangible, repeatable actions, preparing them for a deeper understanding of ultimate redemption.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 29:19, with its focus on the sin offering and its relation to the continual burnt offering, provides a profound glimpse into the theological underpinnings of the Old Covenant. It reveals a God who is both utterly holy and perfectly just, demanding purity from His people, yet simultaneously gracious and merciful, providing a divinely ordained means for atonement and reconciliation. The constant need for a sin offering, even during a joyous celebratory feast, underscores the pervasive nature of human sin and the inherent impossibility of achieving perfect righteousness through human effort alone. The meticulousness of the Law, while seemingly burdensome, served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the gravity of sin, the immense cost of forgiveness, and the absolute necessity of a mediator between a holy God and sinful humanity. These animal sacrifices, though effective for ritual cleansing and temporary atonement, were never intended to be the ultimate solution but rather pointed forward to a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that would truly and eternally deal with the problem of sin.

  • Leviticus 4:27-31 - Details the specific requirements and purpose of the sin offering for an individual, highlighting its role in atoning for unintentional sins and restoring fellowship.
  • Hebrews 9:22 - States the universal, unchanging principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," directly connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement.
  • Romans 3:23-25 - Explains that all humanity has sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but are justified freely by His grace through the redemption found in Christ Jesus, whom God presented as a propitiation through faith in His blood.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 29:19, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our need for atonement and purification is constant, not just for egregious, high-handed sins, but for the daily imperfections, unintentional transgressions, and subtle defilements that mark our human condition. The meticulousness of God's commands in the Old Testament should impress upon us the solemn seriousness of approaching a holy God and the immeasurable depth of His gracious provision for our reconciliation. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the spirit of "continual worship" remains vitally important for New Covenant believers. Our entire lives should be a daily offering of devotion, gratitude, and obedience, not merely confined to special services or events. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, acknowledging our ongoing need for divine grace, and to live a life of intentional, consistent worship that recognizes and responds to God's faithful and exhaustive provision for our spiritual cleansing and sustenance.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulousness of God's commands in Numbers 29:19 inform your understanding of His character and His expectations for worship and holiness?
  • In what practical ways do we, as New Covenant believers, express "continual worship" in our daily lives, reflecting the spirit of the continual burnt offering?
  • How does the Old Testament concept of a "sin offering" deepen your appreciation for Christ's ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice and its ongoing efficacy?

FAQ

Why were so many sacrifices required, especially during festivals like Tabernacles?

Answer: The numerous sacrifices, particularly during major festivals like Tabernacles, served multiple crucial purposes within the Old Covenant, deeply embedded in Israel's theological understanding. Firstly, they profoundly underscored the absolute holiness of God and the pervasive, defiling nature of human sin. Every act of worship, every interaction with the divine, required a recognition of sin and a divinely provided means of purification. The sheer volume and repetition of offerings emphasized that sin was not an isolated incident but a constant reality that needed continuous atonement and cleansing to maintain God's presence among His people. Secondly, the sacrifices were profoundly pedagogical, serving as vivid, tangible lessons for the Israelites about the gravity of sin, the immense cost of forgiveness, and the absolute necessity of a substitute. They were a living demonstration of the principle found in Hebrews 9:22 that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Thirdly, the offerings maintained the ritual purity of the people and the sanctity of the tabernacle/temple, allowing God's holy presence to dwell among them without consuming them. Finally, the repetition, detail, and inherent incompleteness of these animal sacrifices pointed forward, creating a deep longing and expectation for a perfect, ultimate sacrifice that would finally and completely deal with sin, a theme foreshadowed throughout the Law and the Prophets.

What is the difference between a sin offering and a burnt offering?

Answer: While both the sin offering (H2403, chaṭṭâʼâh) and the burnt offering (H5930, ʻôlâh) were crucial components of Israel's sacrificial system, they had distinct purposes and rituals. The sin offering, as extensively detailed in Leviticus 4, primarily addressed unintentional sins, ritual impurities, or sins committed in ignorance. Its main goal was purification and atonement for specific transgressions, thereby cleansing the offerer and the sanctuary from defilement and restoring the individual or community to a right standing before God. Only specific parts of the animal were burned on the altar, and the blood was handled in particular ways depending on the status of the offerer (priest, community, leader, or common person). In contrast, the burnt offering was a general offering of atonement, devotion, and complete surrender. As described in Leviticus 1, the entire animal (except for the skin) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication and complete commitment to God. It was offered regularly (like the "continual burnt offering" mentioned in Numbers 29:19) and could be brought for general atonement, as an expression of worship, or to fulfill a vow. While both involved atonement, the sin offering focused on cleansing from specific defilement, whereas the burnt offering represented a broader act of devotion, general reconciliation, and complete consecration to God.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 29:19, with its emphasis on the "sin offering" and its placement "beside the continual burnt offering," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offerings, though divinely prescribed and temporarily effective for ritual cleansing, were merely a shadow, a type, of the true and perfect sacrifice to come. They could cleanse externally but could not truly take away sin or perfect the conscience (Hebrews 10:1-4). Jesus, however, is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, serving as the once-for-all, perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:26). His precious blood, shed on the cross, cleanses us not just from ritual impurity but from the defilement of all sin, providing eternal redemption and access to God's presence (Hebrews 9:12). Furthermore, the "continual burnt offering" finds its profound spiritual parallel in Christ's ongoing, perfect ministry. While He offered Himself once for all, His intercession for us at the right hand of God is continual (Hebrews 7:25), perpetually upholding the efficacy of His finished work. For believers, our lives become a "spiritual sacrifice," a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" (Romans 12:1), offered continually in response to His ultimate act of love and atonement, fulfilling the spirit of the ancient command. Thus, the ancient rituals of Numbers 29:19 point directly to the sufficiency, finality, and ongoing grace of Christ's work on our behalf, enabling true and lasting fellowship with God.

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Commentary on Numbers 29 verses 12–40

Soon after the day of atonement, that day in which men were to afflict their souls, followed the feast of tabernacles, in which they were to rejoice before the Lord; for those that sow in tears shall soon reap in joy. To the former laws about this feast, which we had, Lev 23:34, etc., here are added directions about the offerings by fire, which they were to offer unto the Lord during the seven days of that feast, Lev 23:36. Observe here, 1. Their days of rejoicing were to be days of sacrifices. A disposition to be cheerful does us no harm, nor is any bad symptom, when it is so far from unfitting us for the duties of God's immediate service that it encourages and enlarges our hearts in them. 2. All the days of their dwelling in booths they must offer sacrifices. While we are here in a tabernacle-state, it is our interest as well as duty constantly to keep up communion with God; nor will the unsettledness of our outward condition excuse us in our neglect of the duties of God's worship. 3. The sacrifices for each of the seven days, though differing in nothing but the number of the bullocks, are severally and particularly appointed, which yet is no vain repetition; for God would thus teach them to be very exact in those observances, and to keep an eye of faith fixed upon the institution in every day's work. It likewise intimates that the repetition of the same services, if performed with an upright heart, and with a continued fire of pious and devout affection, is no weariness to God, and therefore we ought not to snuff at it, or to say, Behold, what a weariness it is to us! 4. The number of bullocks (which were the most costly part of the sacrifice) decreased every day. On the first day of the feast they were to offer thirteen, on the second day but twelve, on the third day eleven, etc. So that on the seventh they offered seven; and the last day, though it was the great day of the feast, and celebrated with a holy convocation, yet they were to offer but one bullock; and, whereas on all the other days they offered two rams and fourteen lambs, on this they offered but one ram and seven lambs. Such was the will of the Law-maker, and that is reason enough for the law. Some suggest that God herein considered the infirmity of the flesh, which is apt to grudge the charge and expense of religion; it is therefore ordered to grow less and less, that they might not complain as if God had made them to serve with an offering, Isa 43:23. Or it is hereby intimated to them that the legal dispensation should wax old, and vanish away at last; and the multitude of their sacrifices should end in one great sacrifice, infinitely more worthy than all of them. It was on the last day of the feast, after all these sacrifices had been ordered, that our Lord Jesus stood and cried to those who still thirsted after righteousness (being sensible of the insufficiency of these sacrifices to justify them) to come unto him and drink, Joh 7:37. 5. The meat-offerings and drink-offerings attended all the sacrifices, according to their number, after the manner. Be there ever so much flesh, it is no feast without bread and drink, therefore these must never be omitted at God's altar, which was his table. We must not think that doing much in religion will be accepted if we do not do it well, and after the manner that God has appointed. 6. Every day there must be a sin-offering presented, as we observed in the other feasts. Our burnt-offerings of praise cannot be accepted of God unless we have an interest in the great sacrifice of propitiation which Christ offered when for us he made himself a sin-offering. 7. Even when all these sacrifices were offered, yet the continual burnt-offering must not be omitted either morning or evening, but each day this must be offered first in the morning and last in the evening. No extraordinary services should jostle out our stated devotions. 8. Though all these sacrifices were required to be presented by the body of the congregation, at the common charge, yet, besides these, particular persons were to glorify God with their vows and their free-will offerings, Num 29:39. When God commanded that this they must do, he left room for the generosity of their devotion, a great deal more they might do, not inventing other worships, but abounding in these, as Ch2 30:23, Ch2 30:24. Large directions had been given in Leviticus concerning the offerings of all sorts that should be brought by particular persons according to the providences of God concerning them and the graces of God in them. Though every Israelite had an interest in these common sacrifices, yet he must not think that these will serve instead of his vows and his free-will offerings. Thus our ministers' praying with us and for us will not excuse us from praying for ourselves.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–40. 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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