Old Testament
Numbers 28:30
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 28:30, God instructs the Israelites to offer a male goat as a sacrifice to atone for their sins.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Also offer 1 male goat to make atonement for you.
And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 28:30, God instructs the Israelites to offer a male goat as a sacrifice to atone for their sins. This act of offering is part of the larger sacrificial system established in the Old Testament, where animals were used to symbolize the payment for sin. The goat represents a substitute, taking on the guilt of the people so they could be reconciled with God. Atonement is a key concept in the Bible, emphasizing the need for a sacrifice to restore the relationship between humanity and God. This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the importance of making amends through prescribed offerings. It also points to the future ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the need for atonement once and for all. The practice of offering sacrifices was a way for the Israelites to express their faith and obedience to God, acknowledging their need for forgiveness and the holiness of God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 28:30 to your life
Understanding the concept of atonement helps us recognize the seriousness of our own sins and the need for forgiveness. Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices, we can seek to restore our relationship with God through repentance and faith in Jesus, who is our ultimate sacrifice.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 28:30 mean?
Numbers 28:30 instructs the Israelites to offer a male goat as a sacrifice for atonement. This act symbolizes taking on the guilt of the people, allowing them to be reconciled with God.
What is the significance of the goat in Numbers 28:30?
The goat in Numbers 28:30 represents a substitute for the people's sins, highlighting the need for a sacrifice to restore their relationship with God.
How does Numbers 28:30 relate to atonement?
Numbers 28:30 relates to atonement by showing that a sacrifice, in this case a male goat, was required to make amends for sin, reflecting the broader biblical theme of reconciliation with God.
What does atonement mean in Numbers 28:30?
In Numbers 28:30, atonement refers to the process of making amends for sin through the sacrifice of a goat, which symbolizes the need for a payment to restore the relationship between the people and God.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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