King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:39 Mean?

Numbers 15:39 in the King James Version says “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 t... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 15:39 · KJV


Context

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.

41

I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The fringes' purpose was explicitly preventative—'that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring.' This recognizes humanity's tendency toward spiritual adultery, seeking fulfillment outside covenant relationship with God. The phrase 'your own heart and eyes' identifies the double source of temptation—internal desires and external enticements. The whoring metaphor emphasizes that covenant unfaithfulness is spiritual adultery against God, to whom Israel was betrothed. Visual reminders help combat the constant pull toward idolatry and self-will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The language of spiritual whoring pervades the prophets (Hosea, Ezekiel, Jeremiah), depicting Israel's idolatry as marital unfaithfulness. Canaanite religions surrounding Israel involved literal sexual immorality as worship, making the whoring metaphor particularly apt. The eyes and heart are elsewhere identified as gates of temptation (Job 31:1, Proverbs 4:23), requiring vigilant guarding. These fringes served as tangible aids against temptation's subtlety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing idolatry as spiritual adultery intensify understanding of its seriousness?
  2. What practical safeguards do you employ against the heart and eyes' tendency toward spiritual unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהָיָ֣ה1 of 22
H1961

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

לָכֶם֮2 of 22
H0
לְצִיצִת֒3 of 22

And it shall be unto you for a fringe

H6734

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

וּרְאִיתֶ֣ם4 of 22

that ye may look

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹת֗וֹ5 of 22
H853

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

וּזְכַרְתֶּם֙6 of 22

upon it and remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת7 of 22
H853

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

כָּל8 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִצְוֹ֣ת9 of 22

all the commandments

H4687

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

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 22

of the LORD

H3068

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

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם11 of 22

and do

H6213

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

אֹתָ֑ם12 of 22
H853

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

וְלֹֽא13 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָת֜וּרוּ14 of 22

them and that ye seek

H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃15 of 22

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לְבַבְכֶם֙16 of 22

your own heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃17 of 22

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

עֵֽינֵיכֶ֔ם18 of 22

and your own eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֲשֶׁר19 of 22
H834

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

אַתֶּ֥ם20 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

זֹנִ֖ים21 of 22

which ye use to go a whoring

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃22 of 22

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)


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 15:39 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 15:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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