And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.

NUMBERS 15:14KJV
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Numbers 15:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:14 mean?

Numbers 15:14 says that if a foreigner is living among the Israelites and wants to offer a sacrifice by fire to the LORD, that person must follow the same procedure as the Israelites do. The same rules for offerings apply to both Israelites and foreigners who wish to worship God in this way.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the Israelites as they live in the land promised to them. The focus is on "strangers" or non-Israelites (often travelers or residents from other nations) who choose to join in worship. The verse emphasizes that there is one standard for all when it comes to offerings, showing both inclusion and consistency in worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:14

  • "stranger" (גֵּר, ger): This word refers to a foreigner or non-Israelite living among the Israelites. The use here highlights that God's instructions are not just for ethnic Israelites but also for outsiders who wish to participate.
  • "sojourn" (גּוּר, gur): This word means to reside temporarily or dwell as a guest. It clarifies that the instruction is for those who are not permanent citizens but are staying among the Israelites.
  • "offering made by fire" (אִשֶּׁה, isheh): This phrase refers to sacrifices burned on the altar, a central act of worship. The same type of offering is expected from both Israelites and foreigners.
  • "do" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb is used twice, stressing that the foreigner must perform the offering in the same way as the Israelites, reinforcing equality in worship actions.

Why Numbers 15:14 matters

  • Numbers 15:14 clears up any idea that only Israelites could approach God through offerings; it shows that sincere worship from outsiders was welcomed if done according to God's instructions.
  • The verse emphasizes fairness and unity in worship, preventing separate rules that could divide the community or create spiritual hierarchies.
  • In the wider context, this instruction fits into a series of laws about sacrifices, underlining that God's expectations for holiness and worship are consistent for everyone living among His people.

Where else these words appear

“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:

“stranger” Hebrew H1616 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.