All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

NUMBERS 15:13KJV
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Numbers 15:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:13 mean?

Numbers 15:13 states that every native-born Israelite was required to follow the same instructions for making offerings by fire, which were considered pleasing to the LORD. The verse sets a standard for all Israelites regarding how to present these specific offerings.

In this part of the book of Numbers, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about worship practices as they journey through the wilderness. The focus here is on consistency: every person born in the land must follow these rules when bringing a fire offering, which is described as having a "sweet savour"—meaning it is pleasing or acceptable to God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:13

  • "country" (הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz): This word refers specifically to those born in the land of Israel, emphasizing that these instructions are for the native population, not just for leaders or priests.
  • "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This term means a gift or sacrifice brought near to God, highlighting the relational aspect of the offering.
  • "fire" (אִשֶּׁה, isheh): This word means an offering made by fire, pointing to the method of sacrifice—burning on the altar.
  • "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): Together, these words mean a "pleasing aroma," which is a way of saying the offering is accepted by God.

Why Numbers 15:13 matters

  • Numbers 15:13 clarifies that the laws about offerings were not just for priests or leaders but for every Israelite born in the land, showing the communal responsibility in worship.
  • The verse highlights the importance of following God's instructions exactly, reinforcing the idea that worship practices were not left to personal preference.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section where God is establishing clear guidelines for both native Israelites and, later in the chapter, for foreigners living among them, showing a concern for fairness and unity in worship.

Where else these words appear

“country” Hebrew H249 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
  • Leviticus 18:26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
  • 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.

“sweet” Hebrew H5207 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 6:21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“savour” Hebrew H7381 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 29:6 Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 23:37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day: