King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:41 Mean?

Numbers 15:41 in the King James Version says “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. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 15:41 · KJV


Context

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 concluding formula 'I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt' grounds the command for holiness in redemption. God didn't command holiness and then redeem—He redeemed first, then called the redeemed to holiness. This establishes the biblical pattern: salvation precedes obedience, which flows from gratitude for redemption rather than earning it. The phrase 'to be your God' emphasizes covenant relationship—God chose Israel as His special possession, requiring reciprocal commitment from them.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This formula, repeated throughout the Pentateuch, constantly reminded Israel that their relationship with God was founded on grace—His unmerited choice to redeem them from slavery. Egypt represented bondage to sin and idolatry; deliverance from Egypt represented salvation from sin's power. Paul later uses the Exodus as a type of Christian salvation (1 Corinthians 10:1-4), showing that redemption always precedes and motivates holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering your redemption in Christ motivate pursuit of holiness rather than earning salvation?
  2. What practical difference does it make to root obedience in gratitude for grace rather than in earning favor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֲנִ֞י1 of 14
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה2 of 14

I am the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃3 of 14

to be your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 14
H834

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

הוֹצֵ֤אתִי5 of 14

which brought you out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶתְכֶם֙6 of 14
H853

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

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 14

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֔יִם8 of 14

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לִֽהְי֥וֹת9 of 14
H1961

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

לָכֶ֖ם10 of 14
H0
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃11 of 14

to be your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲנִ֖י12 of 14
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה13 of 14

I am the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃14 of 14

to be your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 15:41 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 15:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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