Numbers 15:15

Numbers 15:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations: as ye are, so shall the sojourner be before Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

There is to be one law for you and for the man of another country living with you, one law for ever from generation to generation; as you are, so is he to be before the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

The whole congregation must have the same rules for you and for the foreigner living among you. This is a permanent law for all future generations You and the foreigner are to be treated the same way before the law.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

One ordinance shalbe both for you of the Congregation, and also for the stranger that dwelleth with you, euen an ordinance for euer in your generations: as you are, so shall the stranger bee before the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'One statute is for you of the congregation and for the sojourner who is sojourning, a statute age-during to your generations: as ye [are] so is the sojourner before Jehovah;

World English Bible WEB

For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner, a statute forever throughout your generations. As you are, so the foreigner shall be before the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

There shall be all one law and judgment both for you and for them who are strangers in the land.

Translation for Translators T4T

I consider that those who have always been Israelis and those who are foreigners are equal, and so they must all obey the same instructions. All of your descendants must also continue to obey these instructions.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 15:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 15:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ/קָּהָ֕ל חֻקָּ֥ה אַחַ֛ת לָ/כֶ֖ם וְ/לַ/גֵּ֣ר הַ/גָּ֑ר חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְ/דֹרֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם כָּ/כֶ֛ם כַּ/גֵּ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה לִ/פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

הַ/קָּהָ֕ל qâhâl H6951 assembly Art | N-ms

חֻקָּ֥ה chuqqâh H2708 statute N-cs

אַחַ֛ת ʼechâd H259 one Adj

לָ/כֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

וְ/לַ/גֵּ֣ר gêr H1616 sojourner Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/גָּ֑ר gûwr H1481 to sojourn Art | V-Qal

חֻקַּ֤ת chuqqâh H2708 statute N-cs

עוֹלָם֙ ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms

לְ/דֹרֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם dôwr H1755 generation Prep | N-mp | Suff

כָּ/כֶ֛ם Prep | Suff

כַּ/גֵּ֥ר gêr H1616 sojourner Prep | N-ms

יִהְיֶ֖ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 15:15

הַ/קָּהָ֕ל qâhâl H6951 "assembly" Art | N-ms

A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.

Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body

Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.

חֻקָּ֥ה chuqqâh H2708 "statute" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.

Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.

אַחַ֛ת ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

לָ/כֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

וְ/לַ/גֵּ֣ר gêr H1616 "sojourner" Conj | Prep | N-ms

A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.

Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.

הַ/גָּ֑ר gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" Art | V-Qal

This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.

Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.

חֻקַּ֤ת chuqqâh H2708 "statute" N-cs

Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.

עוֹלָם֙ ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.

לְ/דֹרֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם dôwr H1755 "generation" Prep | N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.

Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.

כָּ/כֶ֛ם "" Prep | Suff

כַּ/גֵּ֥ר gêr H1616 "sojourner" Prep | N-ms

A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.

Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.

יִהְיֶ֖ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Numbers 15:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 15:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 15:15
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:15
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:15
Sermons on Numbers 15:15

Context — Laws about Offerings

13Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 14And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do.

15The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD.

16The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.” 17Then the LORD said to Moses,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 9:14	If a foreigner dwelling among you wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreigner and the native of the land.’”
2	Numbers 15:29	You shall have the same law for the one who acts in error, whether he is a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you.
3	Exodus 12:49	The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.”
4	Exodus 12:43	And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: No foreigner is to eat of it.
5	Leviticus 24:22	You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’”
6	Exodus 12:14	And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come.
7	Numbers 10:8	The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come.
8	Ephesians 2:11–22	Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
9	Galatians 3:28	There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
10	1 Samuel 30:25	And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute as an ordinance for Israel to this very day.

Numbers 15:15 Summary

This verse means that God wants everyone to be treated the same, no matter where they come from or who they are, as it says 'You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD'. This is a reminder that we are all equal in God's eyes, and we should strive to treat everyone with love, respect, and fairness, just like He does (as seen in Galatians 3:28). By following God's laws and principles, we can create a community where everyone feels valued and included, reflecting the heart of God. This principle is reinforced in other verses, such as Exodus 12:49, which emphasizes the importance of treating native-born and foreign residents with equality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the assembly to have the same statute for both native-born and foreign residents?

This means that God's laws and expectations are the same for everyone, regardless of their background or nationality, as seen in Numbers 15:15 and reinforced in Numbers 15:16, which states that the same law and ordinance will apply to both the native-born and the foreigner.

How does this verse relate to the concept of equality before God?

This verse highlights that before God, everyone is equal and subject to the same standards, as it says 'You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD', which is a principle also reflected in Galatians 3:28, where it says that there is neither Jew nor Gentile in Christ.

What is the significance of this being a permanent statute for the generations to come?

This indicates that God's desire for equality and fairness is not limited to a specific time or place, but is a timeless principle that applies to all people, as seen in verses like Exodus 12:49, which also emphasizes the equality of native-born and foreign residents in following God's laws.

How does this verse apply to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that as believers, we are all part of the same body of Christ, and we should strive to treat everyone with the same love, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background, as encouraged in verses like Romans 12:16, which tells us to live in harmony with one another.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I can demonstrate equality and fairness in my own relationships and community, reflecting the principle seen in Numbers 15:15?
How can I ensure that I am not showing favoritism or discrimination towards certain groups of people, and instead treating everyone with the same love and respect as God does?
What are some areas in my life where I may be unintentionally treating others unfairly or with bias, and how can I work to change this?
How can I use my position or influence to promote equality and justice in my community, reflecting the heart of God as seen in Numbers 15:15 and other verses?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:15

One ordinance [shall be both] for you of the congregation,.... Or "O congregation" (i), as Ben Melech, and so the Targum of Jonathan, "O whole congregation"; though Aben Ezra denies it to be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:15

And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do. A stranger - one who had become a proselyte.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:15

i.e. As to the worship of God; his sacrifices shall be offered in the same manner, and accepted by God upon the same terms, as yours; which was a presage of the future calling of the Gentiles. And this is added by way of caution and distinction, to show that strangers were not upon this pretence to partake of thcir civil privileges.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 15:15

(15) One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation . . . —Literally, As for the congregation, there shall be one ordinance for you and for the stranger that sojourneth. Some render the words thus:—O congregation, one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:15

15. For the assembly] As for the assembly. The subst. is (so to speak) a nominative absolute. It is a general term for the whole of the privileged community, consisting of true Israelites and sojourners.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:15

ALTAR RITUAL, Numbers 15:1-29.The chief peculiarity of this supplement is, that it is not to be obligatory in the wilderness, but in the land of your habitations, that is, Canaan.

Sermons on Numbers 15:15

	Sermon	Description
	The Proof of This Custom Only From the Talmuds. by John Gill	John Gill discusses the origins and evidence of the Jewish custom of receiving proselytes through baptism or dipping, emphasizing that this practice is primarily documented in the
	Problems of Youth by Charles Anderson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a book called "God Sometimes Has a Kid's Face" written by a Roman Catholic priest who requested to work with young people in need in Harlem.
	Judgment Day by Dave Hunt	In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of Judgment Day, referring to passages from the books of Joel and Zechariah in the Bible. He emphasizes that God will gather all nati
	Call to Repentance by George Warnock	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Israel failed to learn from their experiences in the wilderness, despite God's tender leading and the manifestation of His glory. The sp
	The Feasts of Jehovah 04 Firstfruits by John W. Bramhall	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various offerings mentioned in the Bible, specifically focusing on the drink offering. He references the story of Jacob in Genesis, where
	The Eucharistic Feast by Todd Atkinson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the division between the haves and the have nots in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes that this division goes against the principles of Ch
	The Paschal Supper by Sir Robert Anderson	Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the trustworthiness of Gospel narratives, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in details to maintain the credibility of the Bible. He delves i