Numbers 15:31
Numbers 15:31 in Multiple Translations
He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.”
Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
Because he hath despised the word of Jehovah, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
Because he had no respect for the word of the Lord, and did not keep his law, that man will be cut off without mercy and his sin will be on him.
They have to be expelled, because they have treated the word of the Lord with contempt and broken his commandment. They are responsible for the consequences of their own guilt.’”
Because he hath despised the worde of the Lord, and hath broken his commandement: that person shalbe vtterly cut off: his iniquitie shalbe vpon him.
because the word of Jehovah he despised, and His command hath broken — that person is certainly cut off; his iniquity [is] on him.'
Because he has despised the LORD’s word, and has broken his commandment, that soul shall be utterly cut off. His iniquity shall be on him.’”
Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
For he hath contemned the word the Lord, and made void his precept: therefore shall he be destroyed, and shall bear his iniquity.
They have despised my commands and deliberately disobeyed them, so they must be punished for their sin by not being allowed to live among you any more.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 15:31
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 15:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
דְבַר
יְהוָה֙
בָּזָ֔ה
וְ/אֶת
מִצְוָת֖/וֹ
הֵפַ֑ר
הִכָּרֵ֧ת
תִּכָּרֵ֛ת
הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ
הַ/הִ֖וא
עֲוֺנָ֥/ה
בָֽ/הּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בָּזָ֔ה
bâzâh
H959
to despise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִצְוָת֖/וֹ
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs | Suff
הֵפַ֑ר
pârar
H6565
to break
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
הִכָּרֵ֧ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Niphal-Ptc
תִּכָּרֵ֛ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Art | N-cs
הַ/הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
עֲוֺנָ֥/ה
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 15:31
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָה֙
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.
בָּזָ֔ה
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִצְוָת֖/וֹ
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
הֵפַ֑ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
הִכָּרֵ֧ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Niphal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
תִּכָּרֵ֛ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַ/הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עֲוֺנָ֥/ה
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Numbers 15:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 15:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 15:31
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:31
- Sermons on Numbers 15:31
Context — Offerings for Unintentional Sins
29You 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.
30But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people.
31He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.”
32While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 12:9 | Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:13 | He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:20 | The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. |
| 4 | Leviticus 5:1 | “If someone sins by failing to testify when he hears a public charge about something he has witnessed, whether he has seen it or learned of it, he shall bear the iniquity. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:126 | It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law. |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 4:8 | Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit. |
| 7 | Isaiah 30:12 | Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, trusting in oppression and relying on deceit, |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:24 | He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 53:6 | We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. |
| 10 | Hebrews 10:28–29 | Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? |
Numbers 15:31 Summary
This verse teaches us that rejecting God's word and commands has serious consequences. When we deliberately disobey God, we put ourselves in a position of being separated from Him and His people. It's like what happens in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, where partaking in communion without respecting Christ's body and blood can lead to judgment. We must reverence God's word, as in Isaiah 66:2, where God looks for those who tremble at His word, and seek to live in obedience to His commands, knowing that our actions have spiritual consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'cut off' in Numbers 15:31?
Being 'cut off' means to be separated from God's people and face spiritual and possibly physical death, as seen in Numbers 15:30 and Ezekiel 18:31, emphasizing the severity of rejecting God's commands.
Why is despising the word of the Lord so serious?
Despising the word of the Lord is a grave offense because it reflects a heart that rejects God's authority and love, as noted in Psalm 138:2, where God's word is magnified above His name, indicating its importance.
How does guilt remain on someone who sins defiantly?
When someone sins defiantly, their guilt remains because they have not sought forgiveness or turned to the Lord, as seen in the example of David in Psalm 32:3-5, where unconfessed sin leads to suffering, but confession brings forgiveness and peace.
Is this verse still relevant for believers today?
Yes, this verse remains relevant, as the principle of respecting and obeying God's word is timeless, and believers are called to live by faith and obedience, as taught in Romans 6:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 10:6, emphasizing the ongoing importance of living according to God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- How do I ensure I am not despising the word of the Lord in my daily life?
- In what ways can I show reverence and obedience to God's commands, reflecting a heart that values His word?
- What are some areas where I might be unintentionally breaking God's commandments, and how can I seek forgiveness and correction?
- How does the concept of being 'cut off' relate to the New Testament teachings on fellowship and communion with God, and what are the implications for my walk with the Lord?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:31
Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment,.... That is, has broken it through contempt of it, despising it as a command of God, paying no regard to it as a law of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:31
Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:31
i.e. The punishment shall be confined to himself, and not fall upon the congregation, as it will do, if they neglect to cut him off.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 15:31
Numbers 15:31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.Ver. 31. That gathered sticks upon the Sabbath day.] This he did with a high hand, as Numbers 15:30, in contempt of God and his law. The baser sort of people in Sweden do always break the Sabbath day, saying, that it is only for gentlemen to keep that day. How much better that poor Indian in New England, who, coming by, and seeing one of the English profaning of the Lord’ s day, by felling of a tree, said unto him, Do you not know that this is the Lord’ s day? Much machet man, i.e., very wicked man, what! break you God’ s day? The best and wealthiest of the Jews, to prevent servile work on the Sabbath day, with their own hands chop the herbs, sweep the house, cleave wood, kindle the fire, &c., on the day before. Mr Abbot’ s Sermons. New England’ s Firstfruits, p. 4. Buxtorf. Synagog.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:31
31. his iniquity shall be upon him] with his iniquity upon him. The sinner shall be ‘cut off’ (see on Numbers 9:13) with the burden of his sin still attaching to him, and unatoned for. In the Christian dispensation the one great Sacrifice has procured atonement for all sinners who repent, even though, like the crucified robber, they have sinned with an high hand.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:31
31. Utterly be cut off — See Leviticus 7:20, note. This excision from the living is a foreshadowing of the capital punishment of all who have rejected Jesus Christ, the Son of God and King of angels and men.
Sermons on Numbers 15:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Making Grace Amazing by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of the Law in leading sinners to recognize their need for God's forgiveness. By illustrating how the Law exposes our transgressions and makes |
|
Following the Voice of Jesus by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of discerning and following the voice of Jesus, urging believers to seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture while being open to correcti |
|
Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
|
John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Luke 7:18-35 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's moment of doubt while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Despite his earlier confidence, John's circumstances led h |
|
Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
|
National Moral Degeneracy (2) by Albert N. Martin | In this sermon, the speaker begins by clarifying that he is not claiming direct revelation or special inspiration, but rather deriving his message from the Word of God in Holy Scri |
|
Ger-02 Israel's Coming Calamity by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Jacob's trouble, a time of great tribulation that will affect all nations. The speaker emphasizes that no nation will be exempt |