Numbers 29:31 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:31 mean?

Numbers 29:31 instructs that, in addition to the regular daily offerings, one goat should be offered as a sin offering, along with the ongoing burnt offering, grain offering, and drink offering. This verse is part of a detailed list of sacrifices required during a specific festival in ancient Israel.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving him exact instructions for the Israelites about their worship practices during the Feast of Tabernacles. The verse highlights that the special sin offering (a goat) does not replace the regular daily sacrifices but is offered alongside them, showing the layered nature of Israel’s sacrificial system.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:31

• "goat" (שָּׂעִיר, saʿir): This word refers to a male goat, which was commonly used for sin offerings. Its use here emphasizes the specific animal required for this type of sacrifice.
• "sin offering" (חַטָּאת, chatat): This term means an offering made to deal with sin or impurity. Its presence in this verse clarifies that the goat’s purpose is to address the people’s need for atonement.
• "continual" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word describes the regular, ongoing burnt offering that happened every day. The verse stresses that these daily offerings were not to be interrupted by festival sacrifices.
• "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This refers to an offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing dedication to God. Including it here shows that the regular pattern of worship continued even during special times.

Why Numbers 29:31 matters

• Numbers 29:31 clarifies that special festival sacrifices were added to, not substituted for, the daily offerings, showing the importance of maintaining regular worship even during special occasions.
• The verse highlights the role of the sin offering (goat) as a repeated reminder of the need for atonement, even during times of celebration.
• This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Numbers 28–29, where each day of the festival has its own set of offerings, emphasizing order, consistency, and the seriousness of approaching God.