King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:30 Mean?

Numbers 15:30 in the King James Version says “But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously , whether he be born in the land, or a stranger , the same reproacheth the ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 15:30 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

Read Numbers 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.' This verse distinguishes presumptuous sin from unintentional error. The Hebrew 'beyad ramah' (בְּיָד רָמָה, 'with a high hand') literally means with uplifted hand, indicating defiant, deliberate rebellion against God. Such sin 'reproacheth the LORD' (blasphemes or reviles God), treating His authority with contempt. The penalty 'cut off from among his people' could mean execution or divine judgment removing the person from covenant community. This shows that attitude matters in sin—intentional defiance differs from weakness or ignorance. The inclusion of 'born in the land, or a stranger' shows God's standards apply equally to all. Jesus distinguished between servants who knew their master's will and those ignorant (Luke 12:47-48). While all sin requires atonement, presumptuous sin shows hardened heart. This warns against high-handed rebellion versus weakness and failure.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes regulations about unintentional sins (Numbers 15:22-29), which could be atoned through prescribed offerings. Presumptuous sin, by contrast, had no sacrifice—it meant cutting off from the people. The immediately following narrative (Numbers 15:32-36) illustrates this with the Sabbath-breaker who deliberately violated God's command and was executed. Psalm 19:13 prays for deliverance from 'presumptuous sins,' recognizing their severity. Ancient Near Eastern law codes distinguished intentional and accidental offenses, but Israel's distinction was unique in the theological emphasis—defiant sin blasphemes God. The Book of Hebrews warns that 'if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins' (Hebrews 10:26). This doesn't mean believers lose salvation but warns against deliberate, persistent rebellion. The principle distinguishes struggling with sin from embracing it defiantly.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between struggling with sin and presumptuously defying God, and why does it matter?
  2. How does this verse inform our understanding of the unforgivable sin and persistent rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ1 of 18

“But the soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲשֶֽׁר2 of 18
H834

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

תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה׀3 of 18

“that doeth”

H6213

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

בְּיָ֣ד4 of 18
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

רָמָ֗ה5 of 18

“ought presumptuously”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

וּמִן6 of 18

“or a stranger”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽאֶזְרָח֙7 of 18

“whether he be born in the land”

H249

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

וּמִן8 of 18

“or a stranger”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגֵּ֔ר9 of 18
H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

אֶת10 of 18
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

ה֣וּא12 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מְגַדֵּ֑ף13 of 18

“the same reproacheth”

H1442

to hack (with words), i.e., revile

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה14 of 18

“shall be cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ15 of 18

“But the soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַהִ֖וא16 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִקֶּ֥רֶב17 of 18

“from among”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

עַמָּֽהּ׃18 of 18

“his people”

H5971

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

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 15:30 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 15:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:26Psalms 19:13Deuteronomy 1:43Deuteronomy 29:19-20Hebrews 10:29Deuteronomy 17:12-13

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