King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:38 Mean?

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:”

Context

36

And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

37

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

38

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

39

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

40

That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **That they make them fringes . . . —**Better, *That they make them tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the tassel of the corner *(*i.e., on each tassel*)* a thread *(*or cord*)* of blue. *The *tassels *(*zirith*) appear to be the same as the *gedilim *(*fringes*) of Deuteronomy 22:12. The outer garment of the Jews was a fourcornered cloth, which was also used by the poor as a counterpane (Exodus 22:26-27). It appears to have been commonly used with a hole in the centre, through which the head was put, so that one-half covered the front and the other the back of the body. These tassels, or fringes (LXX. κράσπεδα*—craspeda*), were enlarged by the Pharisees to exhibit their punctilious fulfilment of the Law (Matt. xiii 5). Great sanctity was attached to these fringes or tassels, and for this cause the woman with the issue of blood desired to touch a *kraspedon *of our Saviour’s garment (Matthew 9:20).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 15:38 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 15:38

Matthew 23:5
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Deuteronomy 22:12
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Luke 8:44
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Matthew 9:20
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Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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