Numbers 29:19

KJV

And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:19 meticulously details a specific component of the sacrificial offerings required for the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles. It specifies "one kid of the goats for a sin offering," which was to be presented "beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings." This verse underscores the pervasive need for atonement and purification, even amidst joyous celebration, and highlights the foundational role of the daily, ongoing worship rituals within Israel's covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:19 is situated within a highly 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 falls under the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a seven-day festival commemorating God's provision during the wilderness wanderings and celebrating the harvest. The preceding verses in [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Feasts") detail the diminishing number of bull offerings each day of the festival, leading up to the simpler offerings on the seventh day. The inclusion of the sin offering alongside the foundational daily offerings emphasizes the ongoing need for purification and atonement, even during a period of national celebration and thanksgiving. This meticulous enumeration of sacrifices reinforces the precise and demanding nature of God's covenant with Israel.

* **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 in Jerusalem. It was a time of great joy and thanksgiving, marked by living in temporary booths (sukkot) to remember God's dwelling with them in the wilderness and His faithfulness in providing for them. The sacrificial system itself was central to Israelite worship and their relationship with God. Offerings like the sin offering (חַטָּאת, _chaṭṭāʾṯ_) were crucial for maintaining ritual purity and atoning for unintentional sins, ensuring the people's continued access to God's presence. The "continual burnt offering" (עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד, _ʿōlaṯ ha-ttāmîḏ_) mentioned in [Exodus 29:42](/exodus/29-42 "Exodus 29:42 - The Continual Burnt Offering") was a daily, morning and evening sacrifice that formed the bedrock of Israel's worship, symbolizing constant devotion and atonement. The meticulous instructions in Numbers reflect the high value placed on obedience and the belief that proper worship was essential for national well-being and God's continued favor.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:19 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Atonement and Purification**, emphasizing that despite the joyous nature of the festival, the need for dealing with sin remained constant. The sin offering served to cleanse the people from ritual impurity and unintentional transgressions, underscoring God's holiness and the necessity of a means to approach Him. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Continual Worship and Obedience**. By explicitly stating that the festival offerings were "beside the continual burnt offering," it illustrates that special occasions did not negate the daily, foundational acts of devotion required by the Law, as seen in [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - The Daily Burnt Offering"). This speaks to the unwavering commitment expected of Israel. Lastly, the detailed nature of the command reflects God's **Meticulous Provision and Sovereignty**. 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 before Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭāʾṯ'_):** This Hebrew term (חַטָּאת) literally means "sin" but in the context of ritual refers to a "purification offering" or "offering for sin." Its primary purpose was not for deliberate, high-handed sins, but for unintentional transgressions, ritual impurities, or sins committed in ignorance. The offering served to cleanse the offerer and the sanctuary from the defilement caused by sin, restoring the individual or community to a state of ritual purity and fellowship with God. It underscored the pervasive nature of sin and the constant need for divine provision for cleansing.
* **Continual Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʿōlaṯ ha-ttāmîḏ'_):** This phrase (עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד) refers to the daily burnt offering, presented twice a day (morning and evening) at the tabernacle/temple. The word _tāmîḏ_ (תָּמִיד) means "continual" or "regular," signifying its unbroken, perpetual nature. Unlike the sin offering, which addressed specific transgressions, the continual burnt offering was a general act of atonement and devotion, symbolizing the people's ongoing commitment to God and their dependence on His grace. It was completely consumed by fire, representing total dedication to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering":** This clause specifies a particular animal, a young male goat, designated for a sin offering. The "kid of the goats" was a common 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 inclusion highlights the persistent need for cleansing from sin, even during a period of national celebration.
* **"beside the continual burnt offering":** This phrase is crucial, indicating that the festival-specific offerings, including the sin offering, were supplementary to the regular, daily sacrifices. The "continual burnt offering" (עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד) was the foundational act of worship, performed every morning and evening. Its mention here underscores that the special festival observances did not replace but rather augmented the regular, ongoing acts of devotion and atonement required of the community.
* **"and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings":** These refer to the accompanying offerings that typically went with the burnt offering and other sacrifices. The "meat offering" (מִנְחָה, _minḥāh_), often translated as "grain offering" or "meal offering," consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense. The "drink offering" (נֶסֶךְ, _neseḵ_) involved pouring out wine or other liquids. These elements completed the sacrificial ritual, adding components of thanksgiving, sustenance, and devotion, and ensuring the full, prescribed worship was rendered to God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in Numbers 29:19, and indeed 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 and orderly 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 role of daily worship. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, including the "sin offering," functions as **Symbolism**. Each element of the offering, from the innocent animal to the pouring of blood and the burning of fat, symbolically represented aspects of sin, atonement, purification, and dedication to God. This rich symbolism served to teach the Israelites profound theological truths through tangible 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 holy and just, demanding purity from His people, yet also gracious and merciful, providing a divinely ordained means for atonement and reconciliation. The constant need for a sin offering, even during a celebratory feast, underscores the pervasive nature of human sin and the 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 cost of forgiveness, and the absolute necessity of a mediator between a holy God and sinful humanity. These 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.

* [Leviticus 4:27-31](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27-31 - Sin Offering for a Common Person") - Details the specific requirements and purpose of the sin offering for an individual, highlighting its role in atoning for unintentional sins.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness") - States the universal 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](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-25 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace") - Explains that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, but are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by 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 principles for believers today. It reminds us that our need for atonement and purification is constant, not just for egregious sins, but for the daily imperfections and unintentional transgressions that mark our human condition. The meticulousness of God's commands in the Old Testament should impress upon us the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the depth of His provision for our reconciliation. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the spirit of "continual worship" remains vital. Our lives should be a daily offering of devotion, gratitude, and obedience, not just during special services or events. This verse calls us to a posture of humility, acknowledging our ongoing need for grace, and to a life of intentional worship that recognizes 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?**
* **In what 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 concept of a "sin offering" in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for Christ's ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice?**

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

Answer: The numerous sacrifices, particularly during major festivals, served multiple crucial purposes within the Old Covenant. Firstly, they underscored the absolute holiness of God and the pervasive nature of human sin. Every act of worship, every interaction with the divine, required a recognition of sin and a means of purification. The sheer volume of offerings emphasized that sin was not an isolated incident but a constant reality that needed continuous atonement. Secondly, the sacrifices were pedagogical, teaching the Israelites about the gravity of sin, the cost of forgiveness, and the necessity of a substitute. They were a vivid, tangible demonstration of the principle found in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness") that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Thirdly, the offerings maintained the ritual purity of the people and the sanctuary, allowing God's holy presence to dwell among them. Finally, the repetition and detail of the sacrifices pointed forward, creating a longing and expectation for a perfect, ultimate sacrifice that would finally and completely deal with sin, as foreshadowed throughout the Law and Prophets.

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

Answer: While both were crucial components of Israel's sacrificial system, the sin offering (חַטָּאת, _chaṭṭāʾṯ_) and the burnt offering (עֹלָה, _ʿōlāh_) had distinct purposes. The **sin offering**, as seen in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering"), primarily addressed unintentional sins, ritual impurities, or sins committed in ignorance. Its main goal was purification and atonement for specific transgressions, allowing the offerer to be cleansed and restored to a right standing before God. Only certain parts of the animal were burned on the altar, and specific rituals were followed for different categories of people (priest, community, leader, common person). In contrast, the **burnt offering** was a general offering of atonement and devotion. As described in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), the entire animal (except for the skin) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total surrender and complete dedication to God. It was offered regularly (like the "continual burnt offering") 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 and reconciliation.

### 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 Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offerings, though divinely prescribed, were merely a shadow of the true and perfect sacrifice to come. They could cleanse ritually but could not truly take away sin or perfect the conscience ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law a Shadow of the Good Things to Come")). Jesus, however, is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), serving as the once-for-all, perfect sin offering ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). His blood, shed on the cross, cleanses us not just from ritual impurity but from the defilement of all sin, providing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered the Holy Place Once for All")). Furthermore, the "continual burnt offering" finds its spiritual parallel in Christ's ongoing, perfect ministry. While He offered Himself once, His intercession for us at the right hand of God is continual ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Make Intercession")), perpetually upholding the efficacy of His sacrifice. For believers, our lives become a "spiritual sacrifice," a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), offered continually in response to His ultimate act of love and atonement. Thus, the ancient rituals of Numbers 29:19 point directly to the sufficiency, finality, and ongoing grace of Christ's work on our behalf.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.