King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:13 Mean?

Numbers 15:13 in the King James Version says “All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a swe... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Numbers 15:13 · KJV


Context

11

Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb , or a kid.

12

According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.

13

All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

14

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.

15

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner (אֶזְרָח ezrach, 'native-born')—Every natural Israelite, regardless of tribe or status, followed identical worship protocols. Birth into the covenant community brought privileges (Romans 3:1-2) but also responsibilities. The phrase 'after this manner' (כָּכָה kakah) means 'exactly this way'—no modifications allowed.

This verse establishes the baseline for the revolutionary inclusion that follows (vv. 14-16). Native birth alone doesn't guarantee acceptability with God; obedience to His prescribed worship does. Jesus would later challenge ethnic presumption: 'Think not to say... We have Abraham to our father' (Matthew 3:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written to the wilderness generation born in Egypt or during wandering, this verse reminded them that covenant identity comes with covenant obligations. Their parents' exodus didn't exempt them from personal obedience to Torah regulations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being 'born into' Christian heritage compare to and differ from Israel's native-born status?
  2. In what ways might we presume upon spiritual privileges while neglecting accompanying responsibilities?
  3. What does this verse teach about the relationship between identity (who we are) and obedience (what we do)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כָּל1 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֶזְרָ֥ח2 of 11

All that are born of the country

H249

a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)

יַֽעֲשֶׂה3 of 11

shall do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּ֖כָה4 of 11
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

אֶת5 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵ֑לֶּה6 of 11
H428

these or those

לְהַקְרִ֛יב7 of 11

these things after this manner in offering

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִשֵּׁ֥ה8 of 11

an offering made by fire

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

רֵֽיחַ9 of 11

savour

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ10 of 11

of a sweet

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

לַֽיהוָֽה׃11 of 11

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 15:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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