King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:38 Mean?

Numbers 15:38 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 15:38 · KJV

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.

Read Numbers 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments... and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue. God commands tassels with blue cord on garment corners as reminders to obey His commandments (Numbers 15:39-40). The blue cord recalled heaven and divine authority. The visible reminders helped Israel remember and keep God's laws. Jesus wore such tassels (Matthew 9:20; 14:36). This teaches that physical reminders can aid spiritual obedience. The Pharisees' enlarged tassels for show (Matthew 23:5) perverted the purpose. Reformed theology values means that aid godliness without becoming mere externalism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew tsitsit (fringes/tassels) with blue (tekhelet) cord became Jewish practice continuing today. The blue dye came from a specific sea creature, making it expensive and symbolically significant. The four-cornered garment requirement led to the later prayer shawl (tallit) tradition. Archaeological evidence includes ancient textiles with fringes. Jesus' criticism of ostentatious tassels (Matthew 23:5) addressed pride, not the practice itself. The woman who touched Jesus' hem (Matthew 9:20) likely grasped His tsitsit. Modern Orthodox Judaism continues this practice. The principle of physical reminders for spiritual truth appears throughout Scripture (Passover, Lord's Supper, etc.).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can physical reminders aid our spiritual life without becoming mere externalism or show?
  2. What legitimate practices help you remember and obey God's word daily?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
דַּבֵּ֞ר1 of 19

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 19

“unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣5 of 19

“and bid”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם6 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְעָשׂ֨וּ7 of 19

“them that they make”

H6213

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

לָהֶ֥ם8 of 19
H0
צִיצִ֥ת9 of 19

“them fringes”

H6734

a floral or wing-like projection, i.e., a forelock of hair, a tassel

עַל10 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכָּנָ֖ף11 of 19

“in the borders”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

בִגְדֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 19

“of their garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

לְדֹֽרֹתָ֑ם13 of 19

“throughout their generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וְנָֽתְנ֛וּ14 of 19

“and that they put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל15 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צִיצִ֥ת16 of 19

“them fringes”

H6734

a floral or wing-like projection, i.e., a forelock of hair, a tassel

הַכָּנָ֖ף17 of 19

“in the borders”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

פְּתִ֥יל18 of 19

“a ribband”

H6616

twine

תְּכֵֽלֶת׃19 of 19

“of blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

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 15:38 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 23:5Deuteronomy 22:12Luke 8:44Matthew 9:20

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