Question 1

What does Numbers 29:16 mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 29:16 describes the requirement to offer one young goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular daily burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. This instruction is part of a set of sacrifices the Israelites were to make during a festival, making clear that these special offerings did not replace the daily ones. In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed instructions for the sacrifices the Israelites must bring during the Feast of Tabernacles. The verse emphasizes that the special sin offering (a young goat) is to be presented alongside—not instead of—the continual daily offerings. This shows the careful structure and ongoing nature of Israel’s worship practices.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:16

Accepted Answer

חַטָּאָה (ḥaṭṭā’āh, “sin offering”): This word refers specifically to an offering meant to deal with sin or impurity. Its use here highlights that even during festivals, the need for atonement remained central. עֹלָה (ʿōlāh, “burnt offering”): This word describes an offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God. The mention of the continual (תָּמִיד, tamid) burnt offering shows that daily worship and special festival sacrifices were both important and not to be neglected.

Question 3

Why Numbers 29:16 matters

Accepted Answer

Numbers 29:16 clarifies that festival sacrifices were additions to, not replacements for, the daily offerings, showing the layered nature of Israel’s worship. The verse highlights the ongoing need for atonement (through the sin offering) even during times of celebration, underlining the seriousness with which sin and purity were treated. This instruction fits into a larger section where Moses is given precise details for each day’s offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles, reflecting the order and care expected in Israel’s relationship with God.

Numbers 29:16 (KJV)