Numbers 28:22 - and one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you.

Generated Verse: Numbers 28:22

What does "Numbers 28:22" mean?


Numbers 28:22, "and one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you," refers to a specific element of the offerings prescribed in the Old Testament for the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:

Sin Offering (Chattat): This wasn't necessarily for personal, deliberate sin. It was for purification, cleansing, and expiation from impurities, ritual uncleanness, and unintentional sins that might have defiled the sanctuary or the community. Think of it as dealing with the consequences of sin, even when not intentionally committed.

Atonement: The Hebrew word translated as "atonement" is kippur. It means to cover, purge, make reconciliation, or make expiation. The overall goal of the offerings and rituals on Yom Kippur was to cleanse the sanctuary, the priests, and the people from all sins and impurities, restoring a right relationship between God and Israel.

Male Goat: A goat, specifically a male goat, was selected as a suitable offering. The animal's life was sacrificed as a symbolic substitute for the people.

Numbers 28 and Daily Offerings: This verse appears within the context of the prescribed daily offerings. However, it is likely related to the offerings given to the people as a whole on special days (holidays, Sabbath, new moons). It is likely this offering was given along with all of the other animal and grain offerings.

In summary, the verse means:

On specific occasions, a male goat was sacrificed as a sin offering. The purpose of this sacrifice was to cleanse the people, and purify the sanctuary from defilement caused by sin. The death of the goat served as a symbolic covering or expiation for these sins, helping to restore the relationship between God and the people.

It's important to understand that these sacrifices were part of a covenant system, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe provides the definitive and permanent atonement for sin.