Numbers 15:15 kjv
One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.
Numbers 15:15 nkjv
One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.
Numbers 15:15 niv
The community is to have the same rules for you and for the foreigner residing among you; this is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD:
Numbers 15:15 esv
For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD.
Numbers 15:15 nlt
Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the LORD and are subject to the same decrees. This is a permanent law for you, to be observed from generation to generation.
Numbers 15 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 12:49 | "One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you." | Equality in Passover participation |
| Ex 22:21 | "You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." | Command to treat sojourners kindly |
| Ex 23:9 | "Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt." | Command against oppression, based on Israel's past |
| Lev 19:33-34 | "And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him... you shall love him as yourself..." | Treat strangers as native-born, love them |
| Lev 24:22 | "You shall have one law for the stranger as well as for the native-born; for I am the LORD your God." | Emphasizes one law from God for all |
| Num 9:14 | "If a stranger sojourns among you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, he must do so according to the statute...one law for all." | Equality for Passover keeping |
| Num 15:29 | "You shall have one law for him who sins unintentionally, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel and for the stranger." | One law for unintentional sin offerings |
| Deut 10:18-19 | "He loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." | God's example of loving strangers |
| Deut 24:17 | "You shall not pervert justice due the stranger or the fatherless..." | Legal protection for vulnerable groups |
| Josh 8:33 | "...all Israel with their elders, officers, and judges stood on either side of the ark... as well as the strangers..." | Strangers included in hearing the law read |
| Isa 56:3-7 | "Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, 'The LORD will surely separate me...' to my holy mountain..." | Prophetic promise of inclusion for foreigners |
| Jer 22:3 | "...Do no wrong or violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow..." | Call for justice towards the marginalized |
| Eze 47:22-23 | "...you shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the strangers...they shall be to you as native-born." | Future inclusion in land inheritance and community |
| Matt 8:11-12 | "Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham... but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out..." | Gentiles entering the kingdom of God |
| Acts 10:34-35 | "Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him...'" | God's impartiality across nations |
| Rom 2:11 | "For there is no partiality with God." | Reinforces divine impartiality |
| Rom 3:29-30 | "Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of Gentiles also..." | God's universal sovereignty over all people |
| Rom 10:12-13 | "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him." | No distinction in salvation access |
| Gal 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." | Radical equality in Christ |
| Eph 2:19 | "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." | Gentiles made co-citizens in God's household |
| Col 3:11 | "where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all." | Spiritual unity in Christ transcending social lines |
| Heb 13:2 | "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." | New Testament emphasis on hospitality to strangers |
| 1 Pet 2:11 | "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts..." | Believers as spiritual sojourners |
Numbers 15 verses
Numbers 15 15 Meaning
Numbers 15:15 declares a fundamental principle of divine law: a single, enduring statute applies equally to the native-born Israelite and the resident foreigner (sojourner) regarding participation in the worship and laws given "before the Lord." This emphasizes a shared spiritual status and equal access to God's presence and the means of atonement within the community. It mandates that in specific religious duties and legal protections, the stranger living among the Israelites is to be treated no differently than the Israelite themselves.
Numbers 15 15 Context
Numbers chapter 15 falls within a section detailing various laws and ordinances for Israel after their rebellion at Kadesh Barnea, specifically relating to their conduct in the Promised Land, even though they were still in the wilderness. The chapter begins with laws concerning offerings for intentional worship, emphasizing what should be done when they enter Canaan (verses 1-16). This specific verse (15) is embedded within instructions for voluntary burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, establishing that these laws apply equally to the native-born Israelite and the sojourner who resides among them. Immediately following this verse are laws concerning unintentional sins for the congregation (vs. 22-26) and for an individual (vs. 27-29), again reiterating in verse 29 that one law applies to both the native and the sojourner. Historically, many ancient Near Eastern societies were highly insular, often viewing foreigners with suspicion or as utterly separate, particularly in religious matters. The repeated emphasis in the Torah on treating the sojourner with equity and extending specific laws to them stood in stark contrast to prevailing cultural norms, revealing YHWH's distinct character and universal interest beyond a single ethnic group. It also prepared Israel for a nation that, though covenanted, would welcome others.
Numbers 15 15 Word analysis
- One statute: (Hebrew: חֻקָּה, chuqqah). Refers to a fixed, prescribed rule, an ordinance, or a decree. The singular "one" emphasizes unity and universality; it is not a different or lesser law for the sojourner, but the exact same binding principle.
- shall be for you of the congregation: (Hebrew: לָכֶם לַקָּהָל, lakem laqqahal). "You" refers to the native-born Israelites. "Congregation" (qahal) denotes the assembled body of God's people, often with a sense of formal gathering or legal standing. It highlights the collective identity of Israel.
- and for the stranger: (Hebrew: וְלַגֵּר, wəlagger). "Stranger" (ger) is a crucial term. It signifies a resident alien, a non-Israelite who has taken up permanent or semi-permanent residence within Israelite territory, distinct from a passing traveler. This ger was expected to abide by many Israelite laws and, crucially here, had specific religious rights and responsibilities.
- who sojourns with you: (Hebrew: הַגָּר אִתְּכֶם, haggār ‘ittəḵem). This phrase re-emphasizes the status of the ger as someone settled with the Israelite community, reinforcing their shared life and integrated status in certain regards. It's about an integrated resident, not a tourist.
- a statute forever: (Hebrew: חֻקַּת עוֹלָם, chuqqat ‘ôlām). "Forever" (‘ôlām) signifies perpetuity, an enduring or everlasting decree. This law is not temporary but intended to be binding across all generations, demonstrating its foundational importance.
- throughout your generations: (Hebrew: לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם, ləḏōrōṯêḵem). Reinforces the perpetual nature of the statute, extending its application to all successive descendants of Israel.
- as you are, so shall the stranger be: (Hebrew: כָּכֶם כַּגֵּר יִהְיֶה, kākhem kagger yihyeh). This is the radical statement of parity. It means "according to you (Israelites), so shall the stranger be." This equality primarily refers to their standing and access concerning the Lord, particularly in ritual matters (like sacrifices for intentional worship or atonement for unintentional sin, as seen in the surrounding verses). It denotes equality in legal and religious privilege and responsibility before God, though not necessarily full tribal identity or land inheritance.
- before the Lord: (Hebrew: לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lipnê YHWH). This phrase anchors the entire verse in God's authority and presence. The equality established is not merely a human social construct but a divine mandate, occurring under the watchful eye and just judgment of YHWH, the covenant God. It elevates the issue beyond social courtesy to a matter of spiritual principle.
Numbers 15 15 Bonus section
The inclusion of the ger (stranger/sojourner) in covenant blessings and responsibilities reveals a prophetic insight into the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles into the household of faith. While Old Testament participation required adherence to Mosaic law and sometimes formal conversion, it set a foundational precedent for God's openness to all who would seek Him. This provision was radical for its time, challenging the xenophobic tendencies prevalent in other ancient societies. It taught Israel, repeatedly reminded of their own past as strangers in Egypt, the divine standard of hospitality and justice. The consistency of this law, particularly concerning offerings for sin, signifies that sin and access to atonement are universal human realities, and God's provision for both applies regardless of origin when one chooses to dwell within the covenant community.
Numbers 15 15 Commentary
Numbers 15:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's character and the nature of His covenant community. It decrees that in fundamental aspects of worship and legal standing "before the Lord," there is no distinction between the native-born Israelite and the settled sojourner. This equality, mandated as an eternal statute across generations, underscores God's impartiality and His desire for a holy community accessible to those who commit to dwelling under His rule, regardless of their ethnic origin.
The repeated emphasis on "one statute" and "as you are, so shall the stranger be" counters the natural human tendency towards ethnocentricity and exclusion. It suggests that inclusion, particularly for vulnerable outsiders, is not an afterthought but an intrinsic component of God's law. This was not about making a ger fully Israelite in every tribal or familial sense, but providing access to atonement, participation in covenant rituals, and protection under the same divine law. It served as an invitation for those outside the direct lineage to draw near to God and find a place within His redemptive plan, foreshadowing a more universal scope for God's people, fully realized in the New Covenant through Christ.