Numbers 29:34 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:34 mean?

Numbers 29:34 describes the specific animal sacrifice required for a sin offering—one goat—along with instructions that this is in addition to the regular daily burnt, grain, and drink offerings. The verse emphasizes that this particular offering is not a replacement but an extra requirement for the occasion.

In this part of Numbers, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about sacrifices during their festivals. The focus here is on the offerings for a particular day of the Feast of Tabernacles, making clear that the usual daily offerings (burnt, grain, and drink) must still be made, and that a goat is to be added as a sin offering.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:34

• "one" (אֶחָד, 'echad'): This word means “one” or “single,” highlighting that only one goat is required for the sin offering, not more.
• "goat" (שָׂעִיר, sa‘ir): This refers to a male goat, which was commonly used for sin offerings, symbolizing atonement.
• "offering" (חַטָּאת, chatta't): This word means “sin offering,” a specific type of sacrifice meant to deal with unintentional sins.
• "continual" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means “continual” or “regular,” referring to the daily burnt offering that was a constant part of Israel’s worship.
• "offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This is the word for “burnt offering,” a sacrifice that was completely burned on the altar.
• "offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah): This means “grain offering,” a gift of flour, oil, and sometimes frankincense, given alongside animal sacrifices.
• "offering" (נֶסֶךְ, nesech): This word means “drink offering,” which was a pouring out of wine or other liquid as part of the sacrificial ritual.

Why Numbers 29:34 matters

• Numbers 29:34 clarifies that special festival sacrifices did not replace the daily offerings but were added to them, showing the layered nature of Israel’s worship.
• The verse highlights the importance of the sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatta't) even during times of celebration, reminding the people of their ongoing need for atonement.
• This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Numbers 29, where each day of the Feast of Tabernacles has its own set of offerings, emphasizing order and careful obedience in worship.