Numbers 15:30

Translations

Modern

But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people.

Traditional

But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Literal

And the soul who does beguile by hand, from the native and from the sojourner, he reviles YHWH; that person shall be cut off from among his people.

Latin

Anima vero, quæ per superbiam aliquid commiserit, sive civis sit ille, sive peregrinus (quoniam adversus Dominum rebellis fuit), peribit de populo suo:

Original

Hebrew

English

But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people.

Notes

Numbers 15:30–31

Atonement (the way God provides forgiveness and restores a relationship with him) could be made for sins done without knowing or by accident (15:22–29). However, a person who sinned openly and proudly was treated differently (literally with a high hand; compare Exodus 14:8). Such a person showed open disrespect toward God. This was considered blasphemy (speaking against God in a dishonoring way). That person had to face serious consequences (compare Leviticus 24:10–16; see also Deuteronomy 17:2–6; Hebrews 10:26–31).
cut off from among his people: See study notes on Exodus 31:14–15; Leviticus 7:20–21.

Numbers 15:1–41

Chapters 1–14 cover a short time period, but chapter 15 marks the start of a long period. This is the main part of the forty years in the wilderness, about which little is known. There are references to events during this time (for example, Deuteronomy 8:2–6; 29:5–6; Joshua 5:4–8; Ezekiel 20:10–26; Amos 5:25–26; Acts 7:42–43).

During this period, Moses continued to give laws to guide Israel’s life as a nation. These laws would be especially important in the future. They were meant for the day when the people who survived the wilderness would enter the promised land.

This chapter addresses three main types of laws. Numbers 15 is in the middle of stories about a stubborn and disobedient Israel. It offers hope that the promised land still waited for the next generation of Israel’s people.

Theme notes and profiles

The Dangers of Sin

Related verses

Hebrews 10:26
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
Psalm 19:13
Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.
Deuteronomy 1:43
So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country.
Deuteronomy 17:12–13
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.
Deuteronomy 29:19–20
…because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.
Hebrews 10:29
How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Numbers 14:40–44
Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised.”
Matthew 12:32
Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.
Exodus 21:14
But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.
Psalm 89:51
…how Your enemies have taunted, O LORD, and have mocked every step of Your anointed one!
Psalm 74:22
Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long.
Psalm 74:18
Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name.

Glossary

Banish, Banishment Biblical Concept of Law Blasphemy Criminal Law and Punishment Deuteronomy, Book of Foreigner Numbers, Book of Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Punishment For Presumptions Sin: Punishment of Sin: Reproaching the Lord

Numbers 15:30

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