King James Version

What Does Numbers 9:13 Mean?

Numbers 9:13 in the King James Version says “But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

Numbers 9:13 · KJV


Context

11

The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

12

They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.

13

But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

15

And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The severe penalty 'that soul shall be cut off from among his people' for neglecting Passover without excuse shows covenant obligations' seriousness. The Hebrew karat (cut off) may indicate execution or excommunication. Those with legitimate excuse (uncleanness, travel) received accommodation; those without excuse faced judgment. This teaches that covenant privilege brings covenant responsibility. New Testament parallel exists in excommunication for unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:17, 1 Corinthians 5:13). Access to covenant means is blessing, but despising them brings judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law underscores Passover's central importance in Israelite identity—forgetting redemption was unthinkable. The annual commemoration renewed covenant identity and taught children the deliverance narrative. Neglecting Passover effectively renounced covenant membership. In Josiah's reform, restoring proper Passover observance signaled spiritual renewal (2 Kings 23:21-23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the severity of neglecting covenant means challenge casual church attendance?
  2. What does 'cutting off' from God's people mean in New Testament context?
  3. How should we balance gracious accommodation with covenant responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
הָאִ֥ישׁ1 of 24

But the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר2 of 24
H834

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

ה֨וּא3 of 24
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

טָה֜וֹר4 of 24

that is clean

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וּבְדֶ֣רֶךְ5 of 24

and is not in a journey

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לֹֽא6 of 24
H3808

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

הָיָ֗ה7 of 24
H1961

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

וְחָדַל֙8 of 24

and forbeareth

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת9 of 24

to keep

H6213

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

הַפֶּ֔סַח10 of 24

the passover

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה11 of 24

shall 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

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ12 of 24

even the same 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

הַהִ֖וא13 of 24
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

מֵֽעַמֶּ֑יהָ14 of 24

from among his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּ֣י׀15 of 24
H3588

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

קָרְבַּ֣ן16 of 24

not the offering

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

יְהוָ֗ה17 of 24

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֹ֤א18 of 24
H3808

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

הִקְרִיב֙19 of 24

because he brought

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

בְּמֹ֣עֲד֔וֹ20 of 24

in his appointed season

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

חֶטְא֥וֹ21 of 24

his sin

H2399

a crime or its penalty

יִשָּׂ֖א22 of 24

shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הָאִ֥ישׁ23 of 24

But the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַהֽוּא׃24 of 24
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


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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study