King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:26 Mean?

Numbers 15:26 in the King James Version says “And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; se...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.”

Numbers 15:26 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

24

Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. without: Heb. from the eyes manner: or, ordinance

25

And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:

26

And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

27

And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

28

And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them—God's forgiveness extended beyond ethnic Israelites to include ger (גֵּר, "stranger" or "sojourner"), Gentiles living among Israel who submitted to covenant obligations. This inclusion anticipates the gospel's universal scope: atonement available to "whosoever will" (Revelation 22:17). The ger wasn't a temporary visitor but a permanent resident alien who participated in Israel's worship and came under their laws.

The phrase seeing all the people were in ignorance provides the basis for corporate forgiveness. The sin was committed unknowingly, qualifying for atonement rather than judgment. This distinguishes from high-handed rebellion (v. 30-31) which brought being "cut off." God's justice required punishment for sin; His mercy provided substitutionary atonement for the repentant. This balance reveals both God's holiness (sin must be addressed) and grace (He provides the solution).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ger (sojourner/stranger) occupied a unique legal category in Israel—not native-born, yet not foreign either. Examples include Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah the Hittite. They could participate in Passover if circumcised (Exodus 12:48-49) and were protected by specific laws (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33-34). This provision demonstrated that covenant relationship with Yahweh wasn't purely ethnic—faith and commitment mattered more than genealogy. This foreshadows Paul's teaching that true Israel consists of faith-descendants, not merely flesh-descendants of Abraham (Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of "strangers" in Israel's atonement prefigure the gospel going to Gentiles?
  2. What does God's provision for sojourners teach about the church welcoming outsiders?
  3. How should this passage shape Christian attitudes toward immigrants and refugees?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְנִסְלַ֗ח1 of 12

“And it shall be forgiven”

H5545

to forgive

לְכָל2 of 12
H3605

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

עֲדַת֙3 of 12

“all the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 12

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלַגֵּ֖ר6 of 12

“and the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֣ר7 of 12

“that sojourneth”

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);

בְּתוֹכָ֑ם8 of 12

“among”

H8432

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

כִּ֥י9 of 12
H3588

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

לְכָל10 of 12
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם11 of 12

“them seeing all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃12 of 12

“were in ignorance”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

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 15:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 15:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 15:24

Test Your Knowledge

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