Numbers 15:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a stranger {H1616} sojourn {H1481} with you, or whosoever be among {H8432} you in your generations {H1755}, and will offer {H6213} an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}; as ye do {H6213}, so he shall do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a foreigner stays with you - or whoever may be with you, through all your generations - and he wants to bring an offering made by fire as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI, he is to do the same as you.

Berean Standard Bible

And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:14 articulates a profound principle of inclusivity within the Mosaic Law, stipulating that resident foreigners, or "strangers" (_gêr_), were fully permitted to offer fiery sacrifices of "sweet savour" to the LORD under the identical terms as native-born Israelites. This verse, embedded within detailed sacrificial regulations, powerfully underscores God's universal reach and His welcoming nature, demonstrating that sincere worship offered according to divine command was acceptable regardless of one's ethnic origin, thereby fostering spiritual equality and unity within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15 is situated within a significant legislative block (chapters 15-19) delivered to the Israelites following the catastrophic rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea and the subsequent divine decree of forty years of wilderness wandering. These laws serve a crucial purpose: to re-establish divine order, reinforce covenant obligations, and meticulously prepare the new generation for their eventual entry into the Promised Land. Specifically, Numbers 15 provides detailed instructions for various offerings—burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings—and addresses the critical distinctions between unintentional and deliberate sins. Verse 14 is strategically positioned within these sacrificial instructions, immediately preceding the emphatic declaration of "one law" for both the native-born and the sojourner in [Numbers 15:16](/numbers/15-16 "Numbers 15:16 - One Law for the Native-Born and the Sojourner"), thereby emphasizing that the prescribed means of approaching God were universally applicable within the Israelite community, irrespective of birthplace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near East, the treatment of foreigners varied, but it was generally common for resident aliens to possess limited rights, be denied land ownership, and often face significant restrictions on religious participation. Against this backdrop, the Mosaic Law for Israel stands out as remarkably progressive and inclusive. The "stranger" (_gêr_) referenced here is not a transient visitor but a resident alien who has chosen to settle permanently within Israelite society, often seeking economic stability or security. These individuals were distinct from hostile foreign enemies or temporary travelers. God's explicit command for their inclusion in worship and legal protection (as notably seen in [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Sojourner as Yourself")) profoundly reflects His unique character as a God who welcomes all who genuinely seek Him, and it underscored Israel's distinctive role as a nation set apart to display God's righteousness and hospitality to the surrounding world.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Pentateuch and the Book of Numbers. First, it highlights **Divine Inclusion and Hospitality**, demonstrating God's expansive desire to extend His covenant blessings and the means of worship beyond the ethnic boundaries of Israel to all who would commit to living under His divine law. Second, the phrase "as ye do, so he shall do" establishes a profound principle of **Equality in Worship**, signifying that when it came to approaching God through prescribed offerings, there was no separate or lesser standard for the _gêr_; both native-born and resident alien were held to the same divine requirements. This spiritual equality actively fostered unity and justice within the community. Finally, this verse reinforces the overarching theme of **One Law for All**, a principle explicitly stated and reiterated in [Numbers 15:16](/numbers/15-16 "Numbers 15:16 - One Law for All"), which ensured that all who wished to participate in the covenant relationship through sacrifice were bound by the same divine expectations, promoting order and preventing discrimination in sacred matters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** From H1616, this term specifically denotes a "resident alien" or "sojourner" who has left their native land to live permanently among the Israelites. Unlike a mere transient visitor (_nokri_) or an unauthorized outsider (_zar_), the _gêr_ had chosen to integrate into Israelite society, often seeking refuge or economic opportunity. The Mosaic Law provided specific protections and rights for the _gêr_, including legal justice and the right to participate in certain religious festivals and, as seen here, in sacrificial worship. Their inclusion underscores God's compassionate nature and Israel's unique calling to be a welcoming community that reflects divine impartiality.
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** From H1481, this primitive root signifies "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest)." It implies a temporary or non-native residence, yet one that involves a settled presence rather than mere travel. In the context of the _gêr_, it highlights their status as an inhabitant who has chosen to abide within Israelite territory, subject to its laws and customs, thereby qualifying them for the privileges and responsibilities outlined in this verse.
* **sweet (Hebrew, _nîychôwach'_):** From H5207, this word, often translated "sweet" or "pleasant," describes the acceptable quality of the offering. It literally means "restful" or "soothing," implying that the aroma of the sacrifice brought satisfaction and delight to the LORD. This signifies that the offering has been presented in the prescribed manner, with the proper heart and intention, and is therefore received favorably by God. The concept emphasizes God's gracious acceptance of worship when rendered in obedience to His commands, regardless of the offerer's ethnic background, as long as they adhere to the same divine standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever [be] among you in your generations":** This opening clause meticulously defines the subject: not a casual visitor, but a _gêr_—a resident alien who has chosen to live permanently ("sojourn") within the Israelite community, even across multiple generations. This highlights a deep level of integration and commitment, implying that the stranger has embraced a life under the covenant God's laws, even if not fully converting to Israelite ethnicity. The phrase "in your generations" underscores the enduring nature of this inclusion, extending the principle beyond an individual to their descendants.
* **"and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This specifies the action: the _gêr_ desires to bring a fiery offering (such as a burnt offering or peace offering), which is a central act of Israelite worship and communion with God. The crucial qualification "of a sweet savour unto the LORD" indicates that this offering must be presented in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to God, implying adherence to all the detailed regulations for such sacrifices. It signifies God's favorable reception of worship that meets His divine standards, regardless of the offerer's origin.
* **"as ye do, so he shall do":** This concluding phrase is the theological core of the verse. It mandates absolute equality in the execution of the offering. There is no separate, diluted, or lesser standard for the resident alien. Whatever procedures, ingredients, intentions, or priestly mediations are required for the native-born Israelite, the same are required for the _gêr_. This ensures the integrity of worship, the unity of the community, and the impartial justice of God's law, emphasizing that divine acceptance is based on obedience to His revealed will, not on ethnic lineage.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of equitable worship. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, vividly seen in the balanced structure of "as ye do, so he shall do," which directly equates the actions and responsibilities of the native Israelite with those of the resident alien, emphasizing an unwavering principle of equality in divine law. There is also a powerful thematic device of **Inclusivity**, highlighting God's expansive welcome, which stands in stark contrast to the often exclusionary practices common in other ancient cultures. The phrase "sweet savour" functions as a **Metaphor** for an offering that is acceptable and pleasing to God, appealing to the senses to convey divine approval and the favorable reception of sincere worship. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of "one law" for both native and sojourner throughout [Numbers 15](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws for Offerings and Unintentional Sins") (e.g., verses 15, 16, 29) serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on this foundational principle of justice, unity, and impartiality within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:14 provides a remarkable glimpse into God's character, revealing a divine inclusivity that transcends ethnic and national boundaries, even within the seemingly exclusive framework of the Old Covenant. It demonstrates that God's desire for worship and relationship extended beyond Abraham's physical descendants to anyone who chose to live among His people and adhere to His commands. This principle foreshadows the New Testament revelation of a spiritual kingdom where access to God is granted not by birthright but by faith, laying groundwork for the universal scope of the Gospel. It underscores that God's acceptance is based on obedience and proper approach, not on human distinctions, affirming His impartial nature.

* [Exodus 12:48-49](/exodus/12-48-49 "Passover for the Stranger")
* [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6-7 "My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer for All Peoples")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "No Longer Strangers and Foreigners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to reflect on the expansive nature of God's welcome and our own practices of inclusion within the body of Christ. It reminds us that God's love and redemptive plan have always been universal, reaching beyond any single group or ethnic identity. This Old Testament command to treat the _gêr_ with equality in worship foreshadows the New Testament reality where, in Christ, distinctions of race, social status, or gender are transcended, and all believers are united as one body. For contemporary faith communities, this verse serves as a powerful call to radical hospitality, ensuring that all who seek to worship God are welcomed, respected, and given equal access to spiritual participation and leadership, provided they adhere to the foundational truths and practices of the Gospel. Our worship, like the "sweet savour" offerings, must be sincere, obedient, and pleasing to God, reflecting a heart fully surrendered to His revealed will, regardless of our background.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Numbers 15:14 challenge our modern assumptions about God's inclusivity, particularly in the Old Testament context?**
* **In what practical ways can our churches and ministries embody the "as ye do, so he shall do" principle, ensuring genuine equality and welcome for all who desire to worship God?**
* **What does it mean for our contemporary worship and service to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord, and how does our treatment of others contribute to that aroma?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between a "stranger" and a "foreigner" in the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term translated "stranger" in Numbers 15:14 is _gêr_ (גֵּר), which specifically refers to a "resident alien" or "sojourner." This individual was not merely passing through but had chosen to live permanently among the Israelites, often seeking refuge or economic opportunity. The _gêr_ was granted certain legal protections and rights within the community, including the right to participate in certain religious practices, as seen in this verse. This is distinct from a _nokri_ (נָכְרִי), a "foreigner" or "outsider" who was a transient visitor or from a foreign nation, or a _zar_ (זָר), an "unauthorized person" or "outsider" who was not part of the covenant community and was forbidden from certain sacred activities. Numbers 15:14 specifically addresses the _gêr_, highlighting their unique status and integration into the fabric of Israelite life.

**Did the "stranger" have to convert to Judaism to offer these sacrifices?**

Answer: While the concept of "conversion to Judaism" as a formal, defined process like modern religious conversion did not exist in the same way during the Mosaic period, the act of offering a "sweet savour" sacrifice to the LORD, as described in Numbers 15:14, implied a significant commitment to the God of Israel and adherence to His covenant laws. For a _gêr_ to offer such a sacrifice, they would have to follow all the prescribed rituals and requirements, which were intrinsically tied to the worship of Yahweh. This meant acknowledging the LORD as their God and living according to His statutes, including practices like circumcision for males if they wished to participate in the Passover ([Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Passover for the Stranger")). Therefore, while not a modern "conversion," it represented a profound step of identifying with the God of Israel and His people, moving beyond mere co-existence to active religious participation and submission to divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:14, with its radical inclusivity for the _gêr_ (resident alien) in Old Testament worship, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "one law" for native-born and stranger foreshadows the breaking down of all dividing walls in Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus abolished the ceremonial law that separated Jew from Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Those who were once "strangers and foreigners" to the covenants of promise are now, through faith in Christ, "fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The "sweet savour" offering, once a ritual performed by both Israelite and _gêr_, points to Christ Himself, whose perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross constitute the ultimate "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Christ's Sacrificial Love")). In the New Covenant, all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or social background, are united in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "One in Christ Jesus")) and empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices—lives of worship, praise, and service—that are truly acceptable to God through Him ([1_peter/2-5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.