Numbers 15:16

KJV

One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} law {H8451} and one {H259} manner {H4941} shall be for you, and for the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} with you.

Complete Jewish Bible

The same Torah and standard of judgment will apply to both you and the foreigner living with you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.”

American Standard Version

One law and one ordinance shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:16 articulates a foundational principle of divine justice and impartiality within the Israelite community, declaring that the same law and judicial standard applies equally to both native-born Israelites and the "stranger who sojourns" among them. This verse underscores God's universal moral order, His concern for the vulnerable, and His desire for a unified, equitable society under His covenant, where legal distinctions based on origin are abolished, ensuring consistent treatment for all who dwell within His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:16 is situated within a broader section of laws and regulations (Numbers 15:1-31) given to Israel shortly after the rebellion at Kadesh Barnea and the subsequent divine judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering. This chapter serves as a re-establishment of covenant obligations and a preparation for entering the Promised Land, emphasizing proper worship and ethical conduct. Specifically, verse 16 concludes a series of detailed instructions concerning various offerings—burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings—for both individuals and the entire congregation (Numbers 15:1-15). It immediately precedes laws concerning unintentional sins (Numbers 15:22-29) and, in stark contrast, presumptuous sins (Numbers 15:30-31), highlighting the gravity of intentional disobedience. The inclusion of the "stranger" within these sacrificial and legal frameworks demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's covenant demands and His inclusive vision for the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a "stranger" or "resident alien" (Hebrew: _ger_) often implied a lack of full legal rights and social protection. Such individuals were typically vulnerable, dependent on the hospitality and discretion of the native population. However, the Mosaic Law frequently commanded special care and equitable treatment for the _ger_, distinguishing Israel from surrounding cultures. This was rooted in Israel's own historical experience as sojourners in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 23:9](/exodus/23-9 "Exodus 23:9 - Do Not Oppress the Sojourner")). The laws in Numbers, given during the wilderness journey, were designed to establish the social and religious fabric of a nascent nation, preparing them for life in Canaan. Ensuring one law for all, including the _ger_, was crucial for maintaining social cohesion, preventing exploitation, and reflecting the character of a just God in a society that was to be distinct from its neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It emphasizes **Divine Impartiality**, revealing God as a righteous judge who shows no favoritism, demanding the same standards of conduct and access to atonement for all who dwell within His covenant community. This verse is central to the theme of **Inclusion and Hospitality**, extending the privileges and responsibilities of the covenant beyond ethnic Israel to those who choose to reside among them, echoing broader commands to [love the sojourner](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner"). Furthermore, it highlights the **Unity of God's Law**, asserting that the _Torah_ is a singular, comprehensive system of justice and worship, applicable universally to all members of the community, thereby promoting social cohesion and preventing the creation of a two-tiered legal system. This principle of legal uniformity is foundational to Israel's identity as a holy nation set apart by God (e.g., [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treat the Sojourner as Yourself")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Hebrew, _torah'_):** This term refers to divine instruction, teaching, or specifically, the Mosaic Law. It encompasses not just legal statutes but also moral principles, ceremonial regulations, and the entire body of God's revealed will. In this context, it signifies the comprehensive system of divine commands that governed every aspect of Israelite life, from worship to daily conduct. The use of "one law" emphasizes its singular, unified, and non-discriminatory application.
* **Manner (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** Often translated as "judgment," "ordinance," or "custom," _mishpat_ here refers to the judicial process, the manner of applying the law, or the specific legal ruling. It implies a consistent and equitable administration of justice. "One manner" ensures that the legal procedures, penalties, and rights are identical for all, preventing arbitrary or biased enforcement.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _ger'_):** This term denotes a resident alien or sojourner—a non-Israelite who has taken up permanent or semi-permanent residence within the Israelite community. The _ger_ was distinct from a mere transient visitor or a foreign enemy. They were individuals who had chosen to live under Israelite jurisdiction, often participating in their economic and social life, and sometimes even their religious practices (as implied by their inclusion in sacrificial laws). The specific phrase "that sojourneth with you" (from the verb _gur_) further clarifies their status as settled residents, not just passing through.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One law and one manner shall be for you":** This clause establishes the principle of legal uniformity for the native-born Israelites ("you"). It declares that God's comprehensive instruction (_torah_) and the method of its application or judgment (_mishpat_) are singular and consistent for all members of the covenant community. There is no special privilege or disadvantage based on tribal affiliation or social status among the Israelites themselves; all are equally subject to divine standards.
* **"and for the stranger that sojourneth with you":** This crucial addition extends the principle of legal uniformity to include the resident alien (_ger_). It explicitly mandates that the same divine law and the same judicial process that apply to native Israelites must also apply to the non-Israelites who have chosen to live among them. This ensures their protection, prevents their exploitation, and integrates them into the legal and social fabric of the community, reflecting God's impartial justice and His concern for all who come under His dominion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition** ("one law and one manner") to emphasize the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this principle. The use of the numerical adjective "one" serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for unity, consistency, and impartiality, underscoring that God's justice is indivisible and universally applied within His community. The structure of the verse, juxtaposing "you" (Israelites) with "the stranger," creates a clear **Antithesis** that highlights the radical inclusivity of God's law compared to typical ancient Near Eastern legal codes, which often differentiated between citizens and foreigners. This rhetorical choice underscores the unique ethical demands placed upon Israel as God's chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:16 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His vision for a just society. It reveals a God who is inherently impartial, whose standards of righteousness transcend ethnic or national boundaries for those who choose to live within His covenant sphere. This principle of "one law for all" is a radical departure from the discriminatory legal systems common in the ancient world, demonstrating God's unique concern for the vulnerable and His desire for a community marked by equity and fairness. It lays the groundwork for later prophetic calls for social justice and foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

* [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - One Law for Sojourner and Native")
* [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God Loves the Sojourner")
* [Ezekiel 47:22](/zekiel/47-22 "Ezekiel 47:22 - Inheritance for the Sojourner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:16 calls believers today to embody God's impartiality and inclusive love in their own communities and interactions. Just as God mandated a single standard of justice for all within Israel, so too are we challenged to dismantle any barriers of prejudice, discrimination, or favoritism that might exist within our churches, workplaces, or societies. This verse compels us to consider how we treat those who are "strangers" among us—whether they are immigrants, refugees, new members, or simply those from different backgrounds. It reminds us that true faith is demonstrated not only in our worship but also in our commitment to social justice and equitable treatment for all, reflecting the heart of a God who shows no partiality. Our communities should be places where all are valued, respected, and afforded the same dignity and rights, upholding the principle that every person is made in God's image.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, inadvertently create "two laws" or different "manners" of treatment for people based on their background, status, or perceived differences?**
* **How does the principle of "one law" for the native and the stranger challenge my assumptions about justice and inclusion in contemporary society?**
* **What practical steps can I take to extend hospitality and ensure equitable treatment for "strangers" or newcomers in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "stranger that sojourneth with you" mean in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: The "stranger that sojourneth with you" refers to a _ger_ (Hebrew), a resident alien or non-Israelite who had chosen to live permanently or semi-permanently within the Israelite community. Unlike a transient visitor or a foreign enemy, the _ger_ had integrated into the social and economic life of Israel. While not ethnically Israelite, they were expected to abide by the nation's laws and, in some cases, participate in its religious life, as seen in their inclusion in sacrificial regulations (e.g., [Numbers 15:14](/numbers/15-14 "Numbers 15:14 - Offerings for the Sojourner")). God's law consistently commanded Israel to treat these sojourners with justice and compassion, often reminding them of their own history as aliens in Egypt (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner")).

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "justice" in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Numbers 15:16 is a cornerstone for understanding Old Testament justice. It establishes the principle of legal egalitarianism, asserting that God's law and its administration must be applied uniformly to all members of the community, regardless of their origin. This concept of "one law and one manner" for both native and stranger reflects God's own impartial character and His demand for fairness, preventing the exploitation of vulnerable populations. It demonstrates that true justice, from a biblical perspective, is not merely about retribution but about establishing a righteous social order where all individuals are treated with dignity and have equal access to legal protection and communal rights. This principle is echoed throughout the prophetic literature, which often condemns social injustice and the oppression of the marginalized (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")).

**Was this principle of "one law" always perfectly upheld in Israelite history?**

Answer: While this was God's ideal and command, the historical record of Israel, particularly in the prophetic books, shows that this principle was often violated. The prophets frequently condemned Israel for their social injustices, including the oppression of the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:6](/jeremiah/7-6 "Jeremiah 7:6 - Do Not Oppress the Sojourner")). This highlights the tension between God's perfect law and humanity's fallen nature. The command in Numbers 15:16 serves as a constant standard against which Israel's actions were to be measured, revealing their failures and underscoring the ongoing need for repentance and adherence to divine righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:16, with its radical declaration of "one law and one manner" for both native and stranger, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, while revealing God's character and His desire for justice, could not fully unite humanity or fully remove the distinctions that separated people. However, in Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been broken down (e.g., [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating a new humanity where all are equally reconciled to God through the cross. The "one law" for all is now the law of Christ, the law of love, written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - The Law of the Spirit of Life")). In the New Covenant, there is no longer "Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (e.g., [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). The inclusion of the "stranger" in Numbers 15:16 prefigures the universal call of the Gospel, inviting people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to become part of God's family, sharing equally in the inheritance of salvation and enjoying the same access to God through faith in Christ (e.g., [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Jesus Himself welcomed the marginalized and the outcast, demonstrating God's impartial love and establishing a new community where all are united under His gracious rule, fulfilling the spirit of this ancient command in a transformative, redemptive way.

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.