What number verse is Numbers 29:31 in the Bible?

Numbers 29:31 is the 4,640th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 29:31 sits at position 4,640.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

And one ^H259 goat ^H8163 for a sin offering ^H2403; beside the continual ^H8548 burnt offering ^H5930, his meat offering ^H4503, and his drink offering ^H5262.

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Complete Jewish Bible

also one male goat as a sin offering; in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain and 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, the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offerings thereof.

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World English Bible Messianic

and one male goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and the drink offerings of it.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And an hee goat for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, his meate offring and his drinke offrings.

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Young's Literal Translation

and one goat, a sin-offering; apart from the continual burnt-offering, its present, and its libation.

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In the KJVVerse 4,640 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 29:31 precisely details a specific offering mandated for the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, profoundly emphasizing the ongoing and essential need for atonement even amidst joyous celebration. This verse prescribes "one goat for a sin offering," which was to be presented in addition to the foundational "continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering," thereby underscoring God's meticulous instructions for worship and the perpetual reality of human sinfulness.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 29:31 is intricately woven into a larger liturgical section of the book of Numbers (chapters 28-29) that provides exhaustive instructions for the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual festival offerings. Specifically, verses 12-38 of chapter 29 meticulously delineate the elaborate sacrificial requirements for the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), culminating in the special assembly on the eighth day. Each day of this significant festival had a prescribed set of sacrifices, notably featuring a diminishing number of bulls offered but a consistent inclusion of a sin offering. Verse 31, therefore, specifies the offerings for the seventh day of this pivotal pilgrimage festival, highlighting the unwavering necessity of purification and atonement even as the week-long celebration drew to a close.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, stood as one of the three great pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) that mandated all Israelite males to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. Celebrated in the autumn, it served a dual purpose: primarily a harvest festival, offering profound thanks for God's bountiful provision, and secondarily a vivid commemoration of God's faithful presence and provision during Israel's forty years of wilderness wanderings, when they lived in temporary shelters (tabernacles or booths). The elaborate sacrificial system outlined in Numbers, including the specific types and quantities of animals and accompanying offerings, was central to Israelite worship. These divinely ordained rituals were not merely symbolic but served as the prescribed means for the community to maintain a right relationship with a holy God, addressing both corporate and individual sins and impurities.
Key Themes: The meticulous instructions for the offerings in Numbers 29 contribute to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. First, the Completeness of Worship is vividly evident in the detailed prescriptions for burnt, grain, drink, and sin offerings, underscoring God's demand for thorough and obedient worship that encompasses all aspects of their lives and addresses all forms of sin. Second, the prominent inclusion of the "sin offering" (Hebrew: chaṭṭāʾt) even during a period of national celebration powerfully emphasizes the Perpetual Need for Atonement. This highlights the constant reality of human fallenness and the divine provision for dealing with unintentional sins and ceremonial impurities, ensuring the worshiper remained in right standing with God (as seen in Leviticus 4). Third, the very institution of these elaborate systems demonstrates Divine Provision and Grace, as God Himself established a way for His people to deal with their shortcomings and maintain fellowship with Him, even when they failed (a recurring motif throughout the wilderness narrative in the book of Numbers). Finally, the mention of the "continual burnt offering" underscores Continual Dependence on God and His prescribed means of purification, reminding Israel that even special festival occasions did not negate their foundational, daily commitment and need for God's grace, as detailed in Numbers 28:3-8.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

one (Hebrew, אֶחָד, ʼechâd', H259): This numeral signifies unity and singularity. In the context of "one goat," it emphasizes the precise and specific nature of the divine command. Each offering was not arbitrary but meticulously prescribed, highlighting God's exactness in demanding atonement. It also implies a singular focus on the purpose of this particular animal in the sacrificial system.
goat (Hebrew, שָׂעִיר, sâʻîyr', H8163): While literally meaning "shaggy" and referring to a he-goat, in the sacrificial context, a goat was a common animal for sin offerings, particularly for the community or for leaders. Its selection here is significant as it aligns with the prescribed animals for purification from sin, indicating its specific role in dealing with defilement and unintentional transgressions.
sin offering (Hebrew, חַטָּאת, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): From the root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to sin," chaṭṭāʼâh refers to an offense and, crucially, the sacrifice made for its expiation or purification. Unlike the burnt offering (which was for general atonement and dedication), the sin offering specifically addressed unintentional sins committed against God's commands or ritual impurities that rendered a person unfit for worship. Its inclusion here, even on the seventh day of a joyous festival, underscores the constant reality of human imperfection and the need for God's prescribed means of purification to maintain covenant fellowship.

Verse Breakdown

"And one goat [for] a sin offering;": This clause specifies the particular animal and its precise purpose for the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The "one goat" highlights a singular, distinct requirement for atonement. The "sin offering" (חַטָּאת) was crucial for addressing unintentional sins or ritual impurities that might have accumulated during the preceding days of celebration, ensuring the people remained ceremonially clean and acceptable in God's sight. Its inclusion underscores that even in times of great joy and feasting, the reality of human sinfulness and the constant need for divine purification remained paramount.
"beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.": This phrase is critical, indicating that the prescribed sin offering was an addition to, not a replacement for, the regular daily sacrifices. The "continual burnt offering" (עֹלַת תָּמִיד) was the foundational daily sacrifice, symbolizing Israel's constant dedication and ongoing atonement. The "meat offering" (מִנְחָה, more accurately "grain offering," a bloodless offering) and "drink offering" (נֶסֶךְ, a libation) typically accompanied the burnt offering, representing a portion of the worshiper's produce and a libation, respectively, offered in conjunction with the animal sacrifice as an act of devotion and thanksgiving. The phrase "beside" thus emphasizes the cumulative nature of the offerings, indicating that even during special festivals, the fundamental daily acts of worship and atonement were to continue uninterrupted.

Literary Devices

Numbers 29:31, like the broader chapter, employs Enumeration by meticulously listing specific types of offerings required for the day. This precise cataloging underscores the meticulous nature of God's commands and the Israelites' expected adherence to them, leaving no room for ambiguity in their worship. Furthermore, there is a profound Juxtaposition at play: the joyous, celebratory nature of the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of thanksgiving and remembrance of God's provision, stands in stark contrast to the solemn requirement of a sin offering. This highlights the enduring theological truth that even in moments of spiritual high and communal joy, the reality of human sin and the perpetual need for atonement persist. Finally, the Repetition of the sin offering throughout Numbers 29 for each day of Sukkot reinforces its consistent and non-negotiable importance within the sacrificial system, emphasizing its foundational role in maintaining Israel's covenant relationship with God.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 29:31, with its emphasis on the "sin offering" alongside the "continual burnt offering," powerfully illustrates the Old Covenant's intricate system for addressing human sin and maintaining fellowship with a holy God. It reveals a God who is both just in requiring atonement for sin and gracious in providing the means for it. The very repetition and detail of these sacrifices, however, also subtly point to their inherent inadequacy. They were temporary, shadow-like provisions, requiring constant repetition because they could not fundamentally remove sin or perfect the worshiper. This continuous cycle of offerings, especially the sin offering, served as a perpetual reminder of Israel's fallenness and their ongoing need for divine mercy, laying the groundwork for a greater, once-for-all sacrifice that would truly cleanse and reconcile.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 29:31, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, speaks volumes to the contemporary believer about the nature of sin, worship, and God's grace. The inclusion of a sin offering even during a joyous festival challenges us to recognize that our need for God's forgiveness is constant, not just in times of obvious failure or distress, but even amidst our greatest spiritual highs, celebrations, and acts of devotion. True worship, therefore, involves a humble acknowledgment of our ongoing imperfections and a profound reliance on God's provision for purification. Just as the "continual burnt offering" symbolized daily dedication and atonement for Israel, we are called to a "continual" awareness of our dependence on Christ's finished work, a daily walk of repentance and faith, rather than relying solely on grand spiritual experiences or periodic acts of piety. This verse reminds us that genuine fellowship with God is sustained not by our perfection, but by His perfect provision for our sin, prompting a posture of continuous gratitude, humility, and reliance on His unmerited favor.

Questions for Reflection

How does the inclusion of a sin offering during a joyous festival like Sukkot challenge our understanding of worship and celebration today?
In what ways do we, like the Israelites, need a "continual" awareness of our dependence on God's grace, even in our spiritual high points or times of great blessing?
How does Christ's once-for-all sacrifice transform our approach to sin and atonement compared to the Old Testament system described here?

FAQ

Why was a sin offering needed during a joyous festival like Sukkot?

Answer: The inclusion of a sin offering during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great joy and thanksgiving, highlights several crucial theological points. First, it underscored the pervasive reality of human sinfulness. Even in celebratory moments, unintentional sins or ceremonial impurities could occur, requiring atonement to maintain the people's right standing with a holy God. Second, it served as a constant reminder that God's holiness demands purity and that access to His presence is always on His terms, mediated through sacrifice. The sin offering (חַטָּאת) specifically dealt with these unintentional transgressions and ritual defilements, ensuring that the people remained acceptable for worship and fellowship, even as they rejoiced in God's provision and faithfulness during the harvest and in remembrance of their wilderness journey (see Leviticus 4).

What is the significance of the "continual burnt offering" being mentioned alongside the festival offerings?

Answer: The "continual burnt offering" (עֹלַת תָּמִיד) was the daily sacrifice offered morning and evening, symbolizing the nation of Israel's constant dedication to God and providing a perpetual atonement for the community (as detailed in Exodus 29:38-42 and Numbers 28:3-8). Its mention in Numbers 29:31, alongside the specific festival offerings, is highly significant. It emphasizes that the special, elaborate sacrifices for the Feast of Tabernacles were in addition to and did not replace the foundational, ongoing daily acts of worship and atonement. This underscored that Israel's relationship with God was not just about grand, annual celebrations, but also about a consistent, daily commitment and a continual reliance on His grace and provision for their sins. It highlighted the foundational nature of daily devotion and purification upon which all other acts of worship were built.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 29:31, with its specific mention of "one goat [for] a sin offering" alongside the "continual burnt offering," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely instituted, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality. The repeated "sin offering" for unintentional sins, year after year, and day after day, underscored the inherent inability of animal blood to truly take away sin (as Hebrews 10:4 declares). Jesus, however, became the perfect "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). He is the once-for-all sin offering, whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross fully and finally atoned for all sins—intentional and unintentional—for all who believe (Hebrews 9:26-28). Furthermore, just as the "continual burnt offering" represented Israel's ongoing dedication and atonement, Christ's work is also "continual" in its efficacy and application. He is not only our past sacrifice but also our present High Priest, continually interceding for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Thus, the ancient rituals of Numbers 29:31, with their emphasis on a specific sin offering and the ongoing need for atonement, beautifully foreshadow the comprehensive, perfect, and eternal redemption accomplished by Christ, who fulfills every requirement of God's holiness and provides a complete and lasting cleansing from sin, enabling true and perpetual fellowship with God.

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Commentary on Numbers 29 verses 12–40

12 ¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

13 And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:

14 And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,

15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:

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

17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

18 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;

21 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

23 And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

24 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

27 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

30 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

33 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

35 On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:

36 But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

37 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

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

39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

40 And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

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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