Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The community is to have the same rules for you and for the foreigner residing among you; this is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD: New Living Translation Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the LORD and are subject to the same decrees. This is a permanent law for you, to be observed from generation to generation. English Standard Version For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD. Berean Standard Bible The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. King James Bible One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. New King James Version One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. New American Standard Bible As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who resides among you, a permanent statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. NASB 1995 As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the alien be before the LORD. NASB 1977 ‘As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the alien be before the LORD. Legacy Standard Bible As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the sojourner who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the sojourner be before Yahweh. Amplified Bible As for the assembly, there shall be one [and the same] statute for you [of the congregation] and for the stranger who is a resident alien with you, a permanent statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. Christian Standard Bible The assembly is to have the same statute for both you and the resident alien as a permanent statute throughout your generations. You and the alien will be alike before the LORD. Holman Christian Standard Bible The assembly is to have the same statute for both you and the foreign resident as a permanent statute throughout your generations. You and the foreigner will be alike before the LORD. American Standard Version For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations: as ye are, so shall the sojourner be before Jehovah. English Revised Version For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation There is one law for the whole assembly: for you and foreigners who are living with you. It is a permanent law for future generations. As far as the LORD is concerned, you and foreigners are the same. Good News Translation For all time to come, the same rules are binding on you and on the foreigners who live among you. You and they are alike in the LORD's sight; International Standard Version There is to be a single standard for your community, one statute for you and the resident alien who lives with you, a long lasting statute throughout your generations. Just as you do, so is the resident alien to do in the presence of the LORD. NET Bible One statute must apply to you who belong to the congregation and to the resident foreigner who is living among you, as a permanent statute for your future generations. You and the resident foreigner will be alike before the LORD. New Heart English Bible For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger who lives among you, a statute forever throughout your generations: as you are, so shall the foreigner be before the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. World English Bible For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner, a statute forever throughout your generations. As you are, so the foreigner shall be before Yahweh. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOne statute is for you of the congregation and for the sojourner who is sojourning, a continuous statute throughout your generations: as you [are] so is the sojourner before YHWH; Young's Literal Translation One statute is for you of the congregation and for the sojourner who is sojourning, a statute age-during to your generations: as ye are so is the sojourner before Jehovah; Smith's Literal Translation One law for you of the assembly, and for the stranger sojourning; a law forever to your generations: as ye, so the stranger shall be before Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThere shall be all one law and judgment both for you and for them who are strangers in the land. Catholic Public Domain Version There shall be one precept and one judgment, as much for yourselves as for newcomers to the land.” New American Bible There is but one statute for you and for the resident alien, a perpetual statute throughout your generations. You and the resident alien will be alike before the LORD; New Revised Standard Version As for the assembly, there shall be for both you and the resident alien a single statute, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you and the alien shall be alike before the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOne ordinance shall be both for .you and for the proselyte who sojourns with you, an ordinance for ever throughout your generations; the proselyte shall be like you before the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated There shall be one law for you and for him who is turned to me who dwells with you, the law to eternity for your generations; he who is converted to me shall be like you before LORD JEHOVAH. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917As for the congregation, there shall be one statute both for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations; as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation There shall be one law for you and for the strangers abiding among you, a perpetual law for your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws about Offerings…14And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do. 15The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. 16The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.”… Cross References Exodus 12:49 The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Leviticus 24:22 You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:14-19 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility / by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace / and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. ... Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. Isaiah 56:6-7 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. Deuteronomy 10:19 So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Acts 15:9 He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith. Romans 3:29-30 Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, / since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. Malachi 3:5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. 1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. Treasury of Scripture One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojournes with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. one Numbers 15:29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. Numbers 9:14 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. Exodus 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. an ordinance Numbers 10:8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations. Numbers 18:8 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever. Exodus 12:14,24,43 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever… Jump to Previous Age-During Alien Assembly Community Congregation Country Everlasting Perpetual Rules Sojourner Sojourneth Sojourning Sojourns Statute Stranger ThroughoutJump to Next Age-During Alien Assembly Community Congregation Country Everlasting Perpetual Rules Sojourner Sojourneth Sojourning Sojourns Statute Stranger ThroughoutNumbers 15 1. The law of the meat offering, and the drink offering14. The stranger is under the same law 17. The law of the first of the dough 22. The sacrifice for sins of ignorance 30. The punishment of presumption 32. He who violated the Sabbath is stoned 37. The law of tassels The assembly is to have the same statute This phrase emphasizes the unity and equality within the community of Israel. The term "assembly" refers to the congregation of Israel, which includes both native-born Israelites and those who have joined them. This reflects God's desire for a unified people under His law, as seen in other parts of the Torah where the law is given to all members of the community (Exodus 12:49). both for you and for the foreign resident it is a permanent statute for the generations to come You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe primary audience of the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are God's chosen people, journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. 2. Foreign Residents (Gerim) Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, often referred to as "sojourners" or "strangers" in other translations. They were expected to adhere to certain laws and customs of Israel. 3. The LORD (YHWH) The covenant God of Israel, who establishes laws and statutes for His people, emphasizing His holiness and justice. 4. The Wilderness The setting for much of the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites wander for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. 5. Moses The leader of the Israelites, through whom God communicates His laws and instructions to the people. Teaching Points Unity in DiversityGod's law applies equally to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This teaches us about the unity and inclusivity of God's kingdom. God's Impartiality The verse highlights God's fairness and justice, reminding us that He does not show favoritism. We are called to reflect this impartiality in our interactions with others. Permanent Statute The use of "permanent statute" indicates the enduring nature of God's laws. This calls us to respect and uphold God's commands in our lives consistently. Welcoming the Stranger As the Israelites were to treat foreigners with equality, we are encouraged to welcome and integrate those who are different from us into our communities. Generational Responsibility The statute is for "generations to come," reminding us of our responsibility to pass down God's truths and principles to future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 15:15?2. How does Numbers 15:15 emphasize equality between Israelites and foreigners in worship? 3. What does "same statute" in Numbers 15:15 reveal about God's character? 4. How can Numbers 15:15 guide our treatment of newcomers in church today? 5. Connect Numbers 15:15 to New Testament teachings on unity in Christ. 6. How can we apply the principle of inclusivity from Numbers 15:15 daily? 7. How does Numbers 15:15 address the inclusion of foreigners in Israel's religious practices? 8. Does Numbers 15:15 imply equality between Israelites and foreigners in worship? 9. What historical context influenced the command in Numbers 15:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 15? 11. Numbers 15:15–16: How does one law for both Israelites and foreigners reconcile with other passages that treat outsiders differently? 12. In 2 Chronicles 15:8-9, how were such large numbers gathered from multiple tribes so quickly and with no recorded logistical challenges? 13. Numbers 15:32-36: Why is gathering wood on the Sabbath punished by death, and how does this align with a just moral system today? 14. Why does God order the execution of people for minor offenses, such as picking up sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36)? What Does Numbers 15:15 Mean The assembly is to have the same statute“The assembly is to have the same statute…” (Numbers 15:15a) • “The assembly” embraces the entire covenant community gathered before God—native Israelite families (Numbers 10:2–3) and the “mixed multitude” that journeyed out of Egypt (Exodus 12:38). • God anchors law, worship, and daily life in a single standard so that worship remains pure (Exodus 30:34–38) and justice stays consistent (Leviticus 24:17–22). • By insisting on “the same statute,” the Lord guards against social stratification inside His people; He never sanctions spiritual elitism (Deuteronomy 10:17–19; James 2:1). Cross references woven in: Exodus 12:49; Deuteronomy 31:12; Leviticus 24:22. both for you and for the foreign resident “…both for you and for the foreign resident…” (Numbers 15:15b) • “You” = native-born Israelites; “foreign resident” = sojourner living among them, drawn to Israel’s God (Exodus 12:48). • The Lord calls His people to mirror His own impartiality: – Treat the stranger with the same respect you desire (Leviticus 19:33–34). – Leave gleanings for them at harvest time (Leviticus 23:22). – Allow full participation in sacrifices when they willingly submit to covenant terms (Numbers 15:14). • By offering identical access to worship, God foreshadows the later ingathering of the nations (Isaiah 56:3–7; Romans 15:9–12). it is a permanent statute for the generations to come “…it is a permanent statute for the generations to come.” (Numbers 15:15c) • “Permanent” signals that God’s moral expectations do not expire with cultural shifts (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 5:18). • Each generation receives the baton of obedience; parents teach children the same precepts (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 78:5–7). • The continuity of the statute assures both native and foreigner that God’s covenant faithfulness endures (Genesis 17:7; Revelation 7:9–10). You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD “You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD.” (Numbers 15:15d) • Equality “before the LORD” underscores that ultimate accountability lies with Him alone (1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 10:34–35). • Shared standing points prophetically to Messiah’s work in breaking down the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:11–19; Galatians 3:28). • The verse models evangelistic hospitality: Israel’s visible fairness draws outsiders toward covenant grace (Zechariah 8:20–23; 1 Peter 2:12). summary Numbers 15:15 affirms God’s unwavering commitment to one unified standard for every person in His covenant community. He calls natives and sojourners alike to identical obedience, offers them identical privileges, and promises that this righteous arrangement will endure for every generation. Far from a mere legal detail, the verse unveils God’s heart for impartial justice, foreshadows the gospel’s reach to the nations, and invites every believer to extend the same gracious welcome that we ourselves have received in Christ. (15) One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation . . . --Literally, As for the congregation, there shall be one ordinance for you and for the stranger that sojourneth. Some render the words thus:--O congregation, one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger, &c.Verse 15. - One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, etc. Rather, "As for the congregation (הַקָּהָל construed absolutely), one law for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth, an eternal ordinance for your generations; as with you so shall it be with the stranger before the Lord."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The assemblyהַקָּהָ֕ל (haq·qā·hāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6951: Assembly, convocation, congregation is to have the same אַחַ֛ת (’a·ḥaṯ) Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first statute חֻקָּ֥ה (ḥuq·qāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2708: Something prescribed, an enactment, statute for both you וְלַגֵּ֣ר (wə·lag·gêr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner and the foreign resident; הַגָּ֑ר (hag·gār) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility it is a permanent עוֹלָם֙ (‘ō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always statute חֻקַּ֤ת (ḥuq·qaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2708: Something prescribed, an enactment, statute for the generations to come. לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם (lə·ḏō·rō·ṯê·ḵem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling You and the foreigner כַּגֵּ֥ר (kag·gêr) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner shall be יִהְיֶ֖ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the same before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the LORD. יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links Numbers 15:15 NIVNumbers 15:15 NLT Numbers 15:15 ESV Numbers 15:15 NASB Numbers 15:15 KJV Numbers 15:15 BibleApps.com Numbers 15:15 Biblia Paralela Numbers 15:15 Chinese Bible Numbers 15:15 French Bible Numbers 15:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 15:15 For the assembly there shall be one (Nu Num.) |
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