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.

NUMBERS 9:14KJV
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Numbers 9:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 9:14 mean?

Numbers 9:14 says that if a foreigner is living among the Israelites and wants to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, that person must follow the same rules and customs as the Israelites themselves. There is to be one law for both the foreigner and the native-born when it comes to observing the Passover.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the community of Israel as they prepare to celebrate the Passover. The verse makes it clear that the invitation to participate in this important festival is open to both Israelites and foreigners living with them, as long as everyone follows the same requirements. This sets a standard of equality and unity in worship, showing that the same expectations apply to all who wish to honor the LORD in this way.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 9:14

  • "stranger" (גֵּר, ger): This word refers to a foreigner or non-Israelite living among the Israelites. The verse emphasizes that outsiders are welcome to participate in Passover if they choose to follow the same rules.
  • "sojourn" (גוּר, gur): This means to live temporarily or reside as a guest. The law applies to those who are not permanent citizens but are staying with the Israelites.
  • "ordinance" (חֻקָּה, chuqqah): This word means a statute or regulation. The verse insists that the same specific rules apply to everyone, not just the Israelites.
  • "born" (אֶזְרָח, ezrach): This word means a native-born person, highlighting the contrast between those born in the land and those who have come from elsewhere.

Why Numbers 9:14 matters

  • Numbers 9:14 clears up any idea that the Passover was only for ethnic Israelites; it shows that anyone willing to follow God's instructions could take part.
  • The verse highlights the importance of fairness and unity in worship, making sure there is no double standard between natives and foreigners.
  • This instruction connects to the wider theme in the Torah of welcoming the outsider and treating them with the same respect and responsibility as those born in the community.

Where else these words appear

“born” 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 15:13 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.

“passover” Hebrew H6453 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • Numbers 33:3 And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

“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.

“sojourn” Hebrew H1481 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
  • Psalms 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.