Numbers 15 29

Numbers 15:29 kjv

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

Numbers 15:29 nkjv

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 who dwells among them.

Numbers 15:29 niv

One and the same law applies to everyone who sins unintentionally, whether a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you.

Numbers 15:29 esv

You shall have one law for him who does anything unintentionally, for him who is native among the people of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them.

Numbers 15:29 nlt

These same instructions apply both to native-born Israelites and to the foreigners living among you.

Numbers 15 verses

Numbers 15 29 Meaning

Numbers 15:29 proclaims a singular, universal standard of law regarding atonement for unintentional sins, applicable without distinction to both those born within the Israelite community and to foreigners residing among them. It emphasizes God’s impartial provision of grace for such errors within His covenant framework.

Numbers 15 29 Context

Numbers chapter 15 addresses regulations concerning sacrifices and offerings, particularly emphasizing Israel's responsibilities once they enter the Promised Land. The immediate context, verses 22-28, elaborates on the sacrifices required for sins committed "unintentionally," distinguishing between errors made by the whole congregation and those by an individual. Verse 29 concludes this specific section by extending the provision for such unintentional sin atonement equally to both native-born Israelites and resident foreigners. This entire section (vv. 22-31) stands in stark contrast to the severity prescribed for presumptuous or high-handed sins (vv. 30-31), for which no sacrifice or atonement was possible. Historically, the chapter establishes critical legal and spiritual protocols for life in Canaan, assuring both established Israelites and those aliens living among them of a path to restoration with God after accidental transgressions. This demonstrated an unusual degree of inclusion for non-citizens in an ancient world where legal systems often had vastly different standards for natives versus foreigners.

Numbers 15 29 Word analysis

• "You shall have one law":
  • Hebrew: תּוֹרָה֩ אַחַ֨ת (torah aḥat)
  • תּוֹרָה (torah): Means "instruction," "teaching," or "law." More than mere rules, it signifies divine guidance for living. Its singular usage underscores a unified, consistent standard.
  • אַחַת (aḥat): Signifies "one," or "a single." This emphasizes the unified and unvarying nature of this legal principle, diverging from typical ancient Near Eastern practices of separate legal codes.
• "for him who does anything unintentionally":
  • Hebrew: לָעֹשֶׂת֙ בִּשְׁגָגָ֔ה (la'oset bishgagah)
  • בִּשְׁגָגָה (bishgagah): Crucial term meaning "through error," "unwittingly," "inadvertently," or "by mistake." This qualifies the sin, differentiating it sharply from deliberate or defiant rebellion (which the next verses condemn).
  • Significance: It highlights God's understanding of human frailty and provides a path for rectification when transgressions occur without malicious intent, revealing divine grace.
• "for him who is native among the people of Israel":
  • Hebrew: לַיְל֖וֹד בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (layelod b'nei Yisrael)
  • יְל֖וֹד (yelod): Means "born" or "native-born," referring to ethnic Israelites.
  • בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (b'nei Yisrael): Literally "sons of Israel," denoting the national and covenant community.
  • Significance: Affirms the law's applicability to the primary recipients of the covenant, confirming their responsibility and access to atonement.
• "and for the stranger who sojourns among them.":
  • Hebrew: וְלַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכָֽם (v'lagger haggar b'tokham)
  • גֵּ֖ר (ger): "Stranger," "sojourner," or "resident alien." This term specifically refers to a non-Israelite who had chosen to dwell permanently or semi-permanently within Israelite society and typically adhered to certain laws.
  • הַגָּ֥ר (haggar): "who dwells" or "who sojourns," reinforcing their status as a resident rather than a mere visitor.
  • בְּתוֹכָֽם (b'tokham): "among them," or "in their midst," indicating their integration within the community.
  • Significance: This provision was exceptional in the ancient world, demonstrating a groundbreaking impartiality. It extended God's gracious provision for atonement beyond ethnic or birth boundaries, laying foundational groundwork for a universal scope of salvation and emphasizing justice, hospitality, and divine inclusiveness for all who sought refuge or joined the Israelite community, thereby also countering common societal prejudices.

Numbers 15 29 Bonus section

• The term ger (stranger/sojourner) consistently implies a vulnerable status throughout the Torah, and God's repeated commands to treat them justly and lovingly distinguish Israel from surrounding cultures that often exploited foreigners.
• This verse contributes to a broader biblical theme of hospitality and the extension of God's blessing to non-Israelites who identify with His people (e.g., Ruth, Rahab, Naaman), ultimately culminating in the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.
• The precise definition of "unintentional" sin is critical; it distinguishes between acts of ignorance or carelessness versus open defiance or presumptuous sin for which there was no expiation by sacrifice under the Law, highlighting the gravity of willful rebellion.

Numbers 15 29 Commentary

Numbers 15:29 encapsulates a profound theological truth within the framework of Mosaic law: God's justice is not limited by ethnic origin, especially concerning unintentional sins. The assertion of "one law" for native Israelites and resident aliens alike, regarding these specific offenses, reveals divine impartiality and compassion. It assures a path of reconciliation for any individual who inadvertently transgresses, fostering unity and a shared accountability under the covenant. This principle contrasts sharply with sins of deliberate rebellion (vv. 30-31), highlighting that God's grace through sacrifice is available for error, not for defiance. This foreshadows a wider, inclusive grace eventually fully revealed in Christ, where access to salvation is not dependent on human lineage but on faith.