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

NUMBERS 29:38KJV
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Numbers 29:38 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:38 mean?

Numbers 29:38 gives instructions for offering one goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular daily burnt offering, grain offering, and drink offering. This verse is part of a list of sacrifices that were to be made during a festival, showing the specific requirements for that day.

In Numbers 29:38, God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed commands for the Israelites about their worship practices. The focus here is on the sacrifices to be made on the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a major festival. The verse highlights that the special sin offering (a goat) was not to replace the regular daily offerings, but was to be given alongside them.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:38

  • שָׂעִיר (saʿir, "goat"): This word refers specifically to a male goat, which was commonly used in sin offerings. Its use here underlines the seriousness of the sin offering, as goats were seen as suitable for atonement.
  • חַטָּאת (ḥaṭṭāʾt, "sin offering"): This term means an offering made to deal with sin or impurity. Its presence in the verse shows that even during joyful festivals, the need for atonement and cleansing was remembered.
  • תָּמִיד (tamid, "continual"): This word describes the regular, ongoing burnt offering that was made every day. The instruction to offer the festival sacrifices "beside" this continual offering stresses that special occasions did not replace daily worship but added to it.

Why Numbers 29:38 matters

  • Numbers 29:38 clarifies that special festival sacrifices did not take the place of the daily offerings; both were required, showing the ongoing need for regular worship alongside special observances.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of atonement (through the sin offering) even during times of celebration, reminding the people of their constant need for forgiveness.
  • This instruction ties the festival back to the daily rhythm of Israel’s relationship with God, connecting special events to the regular practices that shaped their faith and community life.