King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:29 Mean?

Numbers 15:29 in the King James Version says “Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, an...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. sinneth: Heb. doth”

Numbers 15:29 · KJV

Context

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.

29

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. sinneth: Heb. doth

30

But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously , whether he be born in the land, or a stranger , the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. presumptuously: Heb. with an high hand

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them—this concluding statement emphasizes legal equality: native-born Israelites and resident aliens received identical treatment regarding inadvertent sin and its atonement. The phrase torah achat (תּוֹרָה אַחַת, "one law") established equal access to forgiveness regardless of ethnic origin.

This equality principle foreshadows the gospel's demolition of ethnic barriers: "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). The Old Testament already contained seeds of this universalism—God's covenant aimed ultimately to bless "all families of the earth" (Genesis 12:3). The distinction wasn't between Jew and Gentile per se, but between those who submitted to covenant relationship with Yahweh and those who didn't. Faith and obedience mattered more than genealogy, anticipating Paul's "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly... but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly" (Romans 2:28-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's inclusion of ger (sojourners) distinguished their covenant from other ancient Near Eastern tribal religions that excluded foreigners. Ruth the Moabitess, Rahab the Canaanite, and Uriah the Hittite exemplify foreigners fully integrated into Israel. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament, 3rd-2nd century BC) translated ger as proselutos (προσήλυτος), from which "proselyte" derives. By Second Temple times, Judaism actively made proselytes (Matthew 23:15), demonstrating continued openness to Gentile inclusion despite ethnic pride issues Jesus and Paul confronted.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does "one law" for native and stranger challenge ethnic or cultural pride in the church?
  2. What does equal access to atonement teach about God's impartiality?
  3. How should this Old Testament inclusivity shape Christian attitudes toward missions and diversity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הָֽאֶזְרָח֙1 of 12

“both for him that is born”

H249

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

בִּבְנֵ֣י2 of 12

“among 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל3 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְלַגֵּ֖ר4 of 12

“and for the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֣ר5 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);

בְּתוֹכָ֑ם6 of 12

“among”

H8432

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

תּוֹרָ֤ה7 of 12

“law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אַחַת֙8 of 12

“Ye shall have one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה9 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֔ם10 of 12
H0
לָֽעֹשֶׂ֖ה11 of 12

“for him that sinneth”

H6213

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

בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃12 of 12

“through 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 15:29 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 15:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 15:15Numbers 9:14Leviticus 16:29Leviticus 17:15Romans 3:29-30

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