King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:31 Mean?

Numbers 15:31 in the King James Version says “Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 15:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sins committed 'presumptuously' (Hebrew 'beyad ramah' - with a high hand) deserve severe judgment: the person 'shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.' Presumptuous sins are deliberate, defiant rebellion against God's known will, unlike sins of ignorance (v.22-29) which have atonement. The phrase 'reproacheth the LORD' shows such sins insult God's character and authority. This person 'despised the word of the LORD' - rejecting divine revelation knowingly. Hebrews 10:26-29 applies this principle: willful, persistent sin after knowing truth brings severe judgment. This doesn't mean believers lose salvation, but that presumptuous rebellion proves lack of genuine conversion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The immediate context (v.32-36) gives an example: a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath was stoned to death. This wasn't mere negligence but defiant disobedience - everyone knew Sabbath requirements. The death penalty demonstrated that flagrant covenant violation threatened the entire community's relationship with God. In Israel's theocracy, civil penalty enforced religious law. While the church doesn't execute civil punishment, church discipline (Matt 18:15-20, 1 Cor 5:1-13) addresses flagrant, unrepentant sin to protect the congregation and restore the offender.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are there areas where you're sinning presumptuously - knowing God's will but deliberately disobeying?
  2. How does the severity of judgment on presumptuous sin highlight the seriousness of trampling God's grace and despising His Word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֤י1 of 13
H3588

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

דְבַר2 of 13

“the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙3 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּזָ֔ה4 of 13

“Because he hath despised”

H959

to disesteem

וְאֶת5 of 13
H853

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

מִצְוָת֖וֹ6 of 13

“his commandment”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

הֵפַ֑ר7 of 13

“and hath broken”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

תִּכָּרֵ֛ת8 of 13

“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

תִּכָּרֵ֛ת9 of 13

“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

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ10 of 13

“that 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

הַהִ֖וא11 of 13
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

עֲוֹנָ֥ה12 of 13

“his iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

בָֽהּ׃13 of 13
H0

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 15:31 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 15:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 12:9Proverbs 13:13Ezekiel 18:201 Thessalonians 4:8Psalms 119:126Leviticus 5:1

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