Numbers 15 22

Numbers 15:22 kjv

And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,

Numbers 15:22 nkjv

'If you sin unintentionally, and do not observe all these commandments which the LORD has spoken to Moses?

Numbers 15:22 niv

"?'Now if you as a community unintentionally fail to keep any of these commands the LORD gave Moses?

Numbers 15:22 esv

"But if you sin unintentionally, and do not observe all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses,

Numbers 15:22 nlt

"But suppose you unintentionally fail to carry out all these commands that the LORD has given you through Moses.

Numbers 15 verses

Numbers 15 22 Meaning

Numbers 15:22 addresses the scenario where the community of Israel unintentionally deviates from or neglects to follow any of the commandments that the LORD had given through Moses. This verse introduces a section of laws providing for atonement and reconciliation when such a sin occurs due to error, inadvertence, or oversight, rather than deliberate rebellion. It highlights God's provision for human weakness within the covenant relationship.

Numbers 15 22 Context

Numbers 15 presents a diverse set of laws delivered after the significant rebellion at Kadesh-barnea and the subsequent judgment. Chapter 14 concludes with the decree that the adult generation, except Caleb and Joshua, would perish in the wilderness for their disobedience. In this light, Chapter 15 shifts to future provisions for Israel's life in the Promised Land, establishing how they are to worship and conduct themselves under God’s covenant. The specific section (15:22-31), including this verse, deals with how the community or individuals are to handle sin, particularly distinguishing between unintentional errors that require atonement through sacrifice and deliberate, defiant "high-handed" sin which carries a much graver consequence. It underscores God's gracious provision for maintaining fellowship despite human frailty while simultaneously upholding the absolute holiness of His law.

Numbers 15 22 Word analysis

• And if ye have erred (וְכִי תִשְׁגּוּ – w’khiy tishgu):

  • וְכִי (w’khiy): "And if." This conjunction and particle introduces a conditional clause, specifically a hypothetical situation, "But if it should happen that..."
  • תִשְׁגּוּ (tishgu): From the root שָׁגַג (shāgaḡ), meaning "to err," "to wander," "to stray," "to commit an error unintentionally," or "to go astray through inadvertence." It strongly conveys the idea of a sin committed without malicious intent, deliberation, or presumptuous defiance. This is critical as it fundamentally differentiates these actions from intentional, "high-handed" sins mentioned later in the chapter (v. 30). God distinguishes between a mistake or oversight and willful rebellion.

• and not observed (וְלֹא תַעֲשׂוּ – w’lo ta‘asu):

  • וְלֹא (w’lo): "And not" or "and you do not." Negates the following verb.
  • תַעֲשׂוּ (ta‘asu): From the root עָשָׂה (‘āśāh), meaning "to do," "to make," "to act," "to perform." In this context, it implies failing to "do" or "perform" what was commanded, often by omission or negligence, consistent with the unintentional nature of "erring." It is not just about knowledge, but about action or the lack thereof.

• all these commandments (אֵת כָּל־הַמִּצְוֹת הָאֵלֶּה – et kol-hammitzot ha’elleh):

  • כָּל (kol): "All" or "every." This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the divine law. It's not just a select few major laws, but the entire body of instructions.
  • הַמִּצְוֹת (hammitzot): "The commandments." From the root צָוָה (tzāwāh), "to command," referring to divine ordinances, statutes, and precepts. It signifies divine authority and the binding nature of the Law.
  • הָאֵלֶּה (ha’elleh): "These." Refers to the whole collection of laws already given and being given through Moses.

• which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses (אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה – asher dibber YHWH el-Mosheh):

  • אֲשֶׁר (asher): "Which" or "that." Connects the commandments to their origin.
  • דִּבֶּר (dibber): From דָּבַר (dāvar), "to speak." Highlights the verbal and direct nature of God's communication to Moses, reinforcing the divine source and authority of the law.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH): The LORD, God's personal covenant name. This emphasizes that these are not human laws, but the direct instruction of the sovereign God who entered into covenant with Israel.
  • אֶל־מֹשֶׁה (el-Mosheh): "To Moses." Confirms Moses' role as the divinely appointed mediator of the Law.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And if ye have erred, and not observed": This phrase combines "error" with "failure to do," clearly indicating unintentionality or inadvertence as the cause of sin. It distinguishes sin as not just deliberate breaking of the law, but also includes negligent oversight or lack of full awareness. Even an unintentional transgression requires a means of atonement.
  • "all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses": This defines the scope and authority. The transgressions relate to the entire body of divine law, emphasizing that God's covenant demands obedience across all aspects of life. The clear declaration of divine authorship through Moses grounds the law in the absolute authority of the LORD. It establishes that all deviations from God’s word, regardless of intent, matter to Him because they violate His holy standard.

Numbers 15 22 Bonus section

The detailed provision for unintentional sins in the Old Testament, such as outlined in Numbers 15:22, is significant for several reasons:

• It highlights God's justice, establishing that all sin, even unknown or inadvertent, separates from a holy God and requires atonement. This counters any human tendency to rationalize or dismiss errors that were not intentionally malicious.
• It simultaneously underscores God's grace and patience with His people, acknowledging their imperfect nature. He didn't demand perfection without providing a means of reconciliation for less severe breaches.
• The distinction between unintentional and high-handed sin reveals a profound theological truth about the human heart's posture towards God: respectful reverence despite failure versus defiant rebellion. While there was a path back for unintentional sin, deliberate contempt for God's authority left no legal remedy under the Old Covenant. This stark difference elevates the seriousness of willful, open defiance against the LORD.
• The communal aspect, emphasized in this chapter, shows that even collective ignorance or error could affect the entire body of Israel, necessitating corporate repentance and atonement. This underlines the principle of corporate responsibility within the covenant community.

Numbers 15 22 Commentary

Numbers 15:22 is a foundational statement concerning God's provision for unintentional sin within the Old Covenant. It stands as a testament to God's holy nature, requiring adherence to His commands, and His merciful character, providing a way for reconciliation when humans fail unintentionally. This contrasts sharply with willful rebellion (Num 15:30-31), for which there was no prescribed sacrifice under the Mosaic Law, implying judgment and removal from the community. The existence of atonement procedures for inadvertent error demonstrated God's desire for His people to maintain fellowship with Him, acknowledging their inherent weakness and fallibility. These Levitical offerings, initiated here in Numbers for communal and individual unintentional sins, ultimately pointed forward to the perfect, singular, and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and atoned for all sins—both intentional and unintentional—for those who are in Him, offering forgiveness not through temporary animal blood but through His own eternal blood. It assures believers that God has accounted for all human shortcomings, provided we turn to Him in faith.