That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

NUMBERS 15:40KJV
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Numbers 15:40 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:40 mean?

Numbers 15:40 tells the Israelites to remember God’s commandments, to follow them, and to live as people set apart for their God. The verse highlights the purpose behind the instructions: recalling God’s words leads to obedience and a life marked by holiness.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving them a reason for the command to wear tassels on their garments (described in the previous verses). The tassels are a physical reminder to keep God’s commands (not just to know them, but to do them) and to be “holy”—that is, distinct and dedicated—to God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:40

  • זָכַר (zakar, “remember”): This word means more than just recalling facts; it often carries the sense of keeping something present in one’s mind so that it shapes actions. Here, it stresses that remembering God’s commandments should lead to obedience.
  • עָשָׂה (asah, “do”): This is a common word for “do” or “make,” emphasizing active obedience rather than passive belief. The verse calls for putting God’s commandments into practice.
  • מִצְוָה (mitsvah, “commandments”): This word refers to God’s specific instructions. The focus is on all of God’s commandments, not just a select few.
  • קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh, “holy”): This word means set apart or dedicated. The verse connects holiness with obedience, showing that being holy to God involves living differently because of God’s commands.
  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, “God”): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His authority as the one giving the commandments.

Why Numbers 15:40 matters

  • Numbers 15:40 clarifies that the outward sign (the tassels) is not just a ritual, but a tool to help God’s people remember and live out His instructions.
  • The verse connects remembering and doing, showing that true holiness involves both knowing God’s commandments and putting them into action.
  • Numbers 15:40 ties the idea of being “holy” directly to obedience, not just to ritual separation or special status, but to a life shaped by God’s words.

Where else these words appear

“be” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.