Bible Strands
Numbers 15:29
You shall have the same law for the one who acts in error, whether he is a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelite assembly while concluding a section on atonement for unintentional sin. The declaration establishes that the community will apply identical legal standards to both native-born citizens and resident foreigners.
The words — תּוֹרָה (to.Rah) means "a law," and אַחַת ('a.Chat) means "one." The text uses these terms to declare a single legal code rather than separate statutes for different ethnic groups.
The thread — This equal legal standard recurs in Numbers 15:15, Leviticus 16:29, and Leviticus 17:15. These passages consistently apply the same statutes to both groups regarding ritual purity, atonement, and dietary restrictions.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers accept identical legal standards for all residents regardless of ethnic origin. It requires applying the same rules of atonement and forgiveness to everyone under the covenant community.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.
Cross-references
- Numbers 15:15 The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD.
- Leviticus 16:29 This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—
- Leviticus 17:15 And any person, whether native or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening; then he will be clean.
- Numbers 9:14 If a foreigner dwelling among you wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreigner and the native of the land.’”
- Romans 3:29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,