Numbers 7:46 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:46 mean?

Numbers 7:46 records that one young goat was offered as a sin offering. This verse is part of a detailed list describing the specific offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

The context is the dedication ceremony for the altar in the Tabernacle, where each tribal leader presents offerings on behalf of their tribe. Moses is recording what each leader brings, and here, the focus is on the sin offering—a young goat—brought as part of the required sacrifices. The sin offering was meant to address the people's need for forgiveness and purification in their relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:46

• "One" (אֶחָד, 'echad): This word emphasizes that a single animal was offered, highlighting the specific and careful nature of the ritual.
• "Kid" (שָׂעִיר, saʿir): This term refers to a young male goat, which was a common animal used for sin offerings in Israelite worship.
• "Goats" (עֵז, ʿez): This word specifies the type of animal, making it clear that the offering was not just any young animal, but specifically a goat.
• "Offering" (חַטָּאת, chatta't): This word means "sin offering," a sacrifice made to address sin and restore purity before God.

Why Numbers 7:46 matters

• Numbers 7:46 shows the careful attention to detail in Israel’s worship, with each leader bringing the same type of offering, underscoring fairness and unity among the tribes.
• The mention of a sin offering highlights the ongoing need for atonement and forgiveness, even during times of celebration and dedication.
• This verse connects to the larger pattern in Numbers 7, where each tribe’s leader brings identical offerings, emphasizing equality and shared responsibility in the community’s relationship with God.