Numbers 15:29

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 15:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Ye shall have one law for him that doeth aught unwittingly, for him that is home-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Ye shall have one law for him that doeth aught unwittingly, for him that is home-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.
Numbers 15:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29Ye shall have one law for him that doeth aught unwittingly, for him that is home-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“You shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, etc.] Which enjoins a she goat for a sin offering for such: [both] for him that is born amongst the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them; both sinning through ignorance, the same sacrifice was offered for them, by which atonement was made, and through which their sin was forgiven; by whom are meant homeborn Israelites and proselytes of righteousness, who were under the same laws, and enjoyed the same privileges, as do now believing Jews and Gentiles.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The heavy punishments which had already overtaken the people might naturally give rise to apprehensions for the future, especially in view of the fact that on the approaching entrance into Canaan the complete observance of the Law in all its details would become imperative on them. To meet such apprehensions a distinction is emphatically drawn between sins of ignorance (Leviticus 4:13 ff) and those of presumption Numbers 15:30-31. The passage deals separately with imperfections of obedience which would be regarded as attaching to the whole nation Numbers 15:22-26, and those of individuals Numbers 15:27-30. Numbers 15:24 Without the knowledge of the congregation - literally, as marginal. The…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“one law: Num 15:15, Num 9:14; Lev 16:29, Lev 17:15; Rom 3:29, Rom 3:30 sinneth: Heb. doeth Numbers 15:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification