King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:17 Mean?

Numbers 15:17 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

Numbers 15:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

18

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,

19

Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying—this formulaic introduction (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה, vayedaber YHWH el-Moshe) appears over 100 times in the Pentateuch, emphasizing divine origin of Israel's cultic regulations. What follows isn't Moses's invention but direct revelation from Yahweh. The sin offering legislation in Numbers 15:22-31 distinguishes between unintentional sins (shegagah, שְׁגָגָה) requiring atonement, and defiant sins (beyad ramah, בְּיָד רָמָה—literally "with a high hand") bringing divine judgment.

This chapter transitions from tabernacle dedication offerings (ch. 7) and rebellion narratives (ch. 13-14) to regulations for life in Canaan. The phrase "when ye come into the land" (v. 18) looks forward to post-wilderness obedience, demonstrating God's faithfulness despite Israel's recent rebellion. Even after the forty-year judgment, God still plans for their settlement and worship in the promised land.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This instruction came during Israel's wilderness wandering (approximately 1445-1406 BC), after the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea (ch. 14). The entire adult generation had been sentenced to die in the wilderness, yet God provided regulations for their children's future obedience in Canaan. This demonstrates covenant faithfulness—God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remained despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The laws anticipate agricultural life in Canaan versus nomadic wilderness existence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's continued instruction despite Israel's rebellion demonstrate His covenant faithfulness?
  2. What does the distinction between unintentional and defiant sin teach about the nature of atonement?
  3. How do these Old Testament sin offerings point forward to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 15:17 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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