Numbers 7:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:22 mean?

Numbers 7:22 records that one young goat was offered as a sin offering. This verse is part of a detailed list describing the specific animals and offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

The book of Numbers here is recounting what each tribal leader brought as a gift to God for the dedication ceremony. In this verse, the focus is on the "kid of the goats" (a young male goat) that was set apart for a sin offering, which was a sacrifice meant to deal with sin and restore the relationship between the people and God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:22

• "One" (אֶחָד, 'echad): This word simply means "one" or "single," emphasizing that only one goat was required for this particular offering.
• "Kid" (שָׂעִיר, sa‘ir): This refers to a young male goat, which was a common animal used for sin offerings in the sacrificial system.
• "Goats" (עֵז, ‘ez): This is the general Hebrew word for "goat," clarifying the type of animal being offered.
• "Offering" (חַטָּאת, chatta’t): This word means "sin offering," a specific kind of sacrifice in the Hebrew system that was meant to address sin and bring atonement.

Why Numbers 7:22 matters

• Numbers 7:22 highlights the careful attention to detail in Israel's worship practices, showing that each leader brought exactly what was required, no more and no less.
• The mention of a sin offering reminds the reader that even in times of celebration and dedication, the need for dealing with sin was not overlooked.
• This verse connects to the larger passage by showing the unity and equality among the tribes, as each brought the same offerings, including the sin offering, for the dedication of the altar.