Numbers 29:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:22 mean?

Numbers 29:22 describes the requirement to offer one 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 larger set of commands about sacrifices during a specific festival in ancient Israel.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed instructions for the Israelites about what sacrifices to bring on the sixth day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The verse emphasizes that the special sin offering (a goat) is not to replace the ongoing daily offerings, but is to be presented alongside them as part of the festival’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:22

• "one" (אֶחָד, 'echad'): This word specifies that only a single goat is required for the sin offering, highlighting the set and deliberate nature of the command.
• "goat" (שָּׂעִיר, sa'ir): The term refers to a male goat, which was commonly used for sin offerings, symbolizing atonement for the people.
• "offering" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah): This word means "sin offering," and it marks this goat as a sacrifice meant to address sin and restore relationship with God.
• "continual" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word describes the regular, ongoing burnt offering that was made every day, showing that festival sacrifices were added to—not replacing—the daily worship routine.

Why Numbers 29:22 matters

• Numbers 29:22 clarifies that special festival sacrifices were in addition to, not instead of, the daily offerings, showing the layered structure of Israel’s worship.
• The verse highlights the importance of the sin offering (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah) even during joyful festivals, reminding the people that atonement and relationship with God were always central.
• This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Numbers 29, where each day of the festival has its own specific sacrifices, underlining the careful attention to detail and obedience expected in Israel’s worship life.