Numbers 15:41 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:41 mean?

Numbers 15:41 is a declaration from God reminding the Israelites that He is their God who brought them out of Egypt so that He could be their God. The verse emphasizes God's identity and His special relationship with the people of Israel, rooted in their deliverance from slavery.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to the Israelites through Moses. The setting is the wilderness, where God is giving instructions and reminders to the people after their exodus from Egypt. The statement serves as both a reminder of what God has done for them and a reaffirmation of His authority and commitment to be their God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:41

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD" in English. Its use here highlights God's unique and covenantal relationship with Israel.
• God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word means "God" and is a general term for deity, but in this context, it refers specifically to the God of Israel, emphasizing His power and authority.
• out (יָצָא, yatsa’): This verb means "to bring out" or "to lead out," pointing to God's action in delivering the Israelites from Egypt, which is central to their identity as His people.
• Egypt (מִצְרַיִם, Mitsrayim): Naming Egypt specifically reminds the Israelites of their past slavery and the dramatic rescue that defines their relationship with God.

Why Numbers 15:41 matters

• Numbers 15:41 clarifies that God's relationship with Israel is based on His initiative and saving action, not on anything the people did to earn it.
• The verse serves as a summary statement for many of God's commands, rooting obedience in the historical fact of deliverance from Egypt.
• By repeating "I am the LORD your God," the verse underscores both God's authority and His personal commitment to the Israelites, which is a theme throughout the Torah.