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 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](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for the Feasts") 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](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering"). 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](/numbers/28-3-8 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Daily Burnt Offering"). 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](/leviticus/4-27-31 "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 and restoring fellowship.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness") - 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](/romans/3-23-25 "Romans 3:23-25 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace") - 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](/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 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](/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, 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](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), 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](/numbers/29-19 "Numbers 29:19 - Sin Offering on the Seventh Day of Tabernacles")) 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](/hebrews/10-1-4 "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 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](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered the Holy Place Once for All")). 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](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Make Intercession")), 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](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), 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.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 29:22

And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

Numbers 29:25

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

Numbers 29:11

One kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.

Amos 8:14

They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.