King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:14 Mean?

Numbers 15:14 in the King James Version says “And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fi... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 15:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if a stranger sojourn with you (גֵּר ger, 'sojourner/resident alien')—Remarkably, the ger who aligned with Israel's covenant could participate in worship on equal terms with natives. This foreshadows the gospel mystery: Gentiles as 'fellowheirs, and of the same body' (Ephesians 3:6).

And will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD—The stranger's offering is equally acceptable. God smells no difference between native and alien sacrifices when both follow prescribed patterns. This anticipates Acts 10:35: 'In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.' Ruth the Moabitess exemplified this principle (Ruth 1:16-17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, foreigners were typically excluded from cultic activities or relegated to inferior status. Israel's inclusion of sojourners who embraced Yahweh was radically counter-cultural, reflecting God's ultimate plan to bless 'all families of the earth' (Genesis 12:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of the <em>ger</em> challenge ethnic or cultural barriers in contemporary church communities?
  2. What conditions allowed strangers to participate in Israel's worship, and what parallels exist for gospel conversion?
  3. In what ways does this passage refute both ethnic exclusivism and theological universalism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְכִֽי1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָגוּר֩2 of 17

sojourn

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

אִתְּכֶ֨ם3 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

גֵּ֜ר4 of 17

And if a stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

א֤וֹ5 of 17
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֲשֶׁר6 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּתֽוֹכְכֶם֙7 of 17

with you or whosoever be among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם8 of 17

you in your generations

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃9 of 17

and will offer

H6213

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

אִשֵּׁ֥ה10 of 17

an offering made by fire

H801

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

רֵֽיחַ11 of 17

savour

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ12 of 17

of a sweet

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה13 of 17

unto the LORD

H3068

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃15 of 17

and will offer

H6213

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

כֵּ֥ן16 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃17 of 17

and will offer

H6213

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


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 15:14 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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