King James Version

What Does Numbers 9:3 Mean?

Numbers 9:3 in the King James Version says “In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it. at even: Heb. between the two evenings”

Numbers 9:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

2

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

3

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it. at even: Heb. between the two evenings

4

And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.

5

And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof' stresses meticulous obedience to prescribed forms. The Hebrew chukim (statutes) and mishpatim (judgments) cover all aspects of the ritual. God cares about the details of worship, not just general intent. This opposes the idea that sincerity matters more than form. While New Testament worship is simpler, it retains divine prescription—baptism and the Lord's Supper have specific elements, meanings, and recipients that cannot be altered by human preference without violating divine command.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Passover ritual included specific elements: unblemished lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, specific timing, eating in haste with staff and sandals, applying blood to doorposts (in Egypt), and recounting the redemption narrative. Deviation from these prescriptions was not permitted. Later Jewish tradition elaborated extensively on Passover observance (the Seder).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's concern for worship details challenge the 'form doesn't matter, only heart' mindset?
  2. What prescribed elements of New Testament worship must not be altered?
  3. How can we maintain both sincere hearts and faithful forms in worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בְּאַרְבָּעָ֣ה1 of 16

“In the fourteenth”

H702

four

עָשָֽׂר2 of 16
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

י֠וֹם3 of 16

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ4 of 16

“of this month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַזֶּ֜ה5 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בֵּ֧ין6 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָֽעֲרְבַּ֛יִם7 of 16

“at even”

H6153

dusk

תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ8 of 16

“thereof shall ye keep”

H6213

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

אֹת֖וֹ9 of 16
H853

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

בְּמֹֽעֲד֑וֹ10 of 16

“it 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

כְּכָל11 of 16
H3605

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

חֻקֹּתָ֥יו12 of 16

“according to all the rites”

H2708

a statute

וּכְכָל13 of 16
H3605

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

מִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו14 of 16

“of it and according to all the ceremonies”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ15 of 16

“thereof shall ye keep”

H6213

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

אֹתֽוֹ׃16 of 16
H853

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

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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:6-11Hebrews 9:26Numbers 9:11-122 Chronicles 30:22 Chronicles 30:15Leviticus 23:5

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