Numbers 15:22

¶ And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,

And if ye have erred {H7686}, and not observed {H6213} all these commandments {H4687}, which the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} unto Moses {H4872},

"'If by mistake you fail to observe all these mitzvot that ADONAI has spoken to Moshe,

Now if you stray unintentionally and do not obey all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses—

And when ye shall err, and not observe all these commandments, which Jehovah hath spoken unto Moses,

Commentary

Numbers 15:22 introduces a critical section of Mosaic Law concerning atonement for unintentional sins committed by the community or an individual. This verse sets the stage for God's gracious provision when the Israelites, as a collective or individually, made an error or oversight in observing divine commands, rather than committing a deliberate act of rebellion.

Context

Chapter 15 of Numbers follows the disheartening account of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea and the subsequent judgment of wandering in the wilderness. Amidst these narratives of disobedience, God provides detailed instructions regarding various offerings, including those for unintentional sins. This particular passage (verses 22-31) distinguishes between sins committed out of ignorance or error and those committed with a "high hand" or presumptuously. While the latter carried severe consequences and no provision for sacrifice (Numbers 15:30), God, in His mercy, established a system for forgiveness for unwitting transgressions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of the Law: The phrase "which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses" underscores the divine origin and immutable nature of God's commandments. Obedience was paramount for the covenant community.
  • God's Provision for Unintentional Sin: This verse highlights God's foresight and grace in acknowledging human fallibility. Even when His people "erred" or failed to observe the commandments out of ignorance, He provided a path to reconciliation and purification through specific sacrifices.
  • Importance of Observance: While provision for error existed, the underlying expectation was the diligent observance of all divine statutes. The system of atonement was not an excuse for carelessness but a means of restoration when genuine mistakes occurred.
  • Community Responsibility: The subsequent verses (Numbers 15:23-26) often address corporate sin, emphasizing that the entire congregation bore responsibility and needed to make atonement if they collectively erred.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "erred." The Hebrew word is shagag (שגג), which means to go astray, to commit a sin unwittingly, inadvertently, or unintentionally. This term is crucial as it differentiates these types of sins from those committed defiantly or with full knowledge and intent. It implies a mistake, an oversight, or an error in judgment, rather than a willful act of rebellion against God's direct command.

Practical Application

Numbers 15:22 reminds us of God's merciful character. Even under the Old Covenant, where the law was strict, there was a system for forgiveness for genuine mistakes. This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ's perfect sacrifice covers all sins—intentional and unintentional—for those who believe. It encourages believers today to:

  • Acknowledge Human Imperfection: We are prone to error, even in our best intentions.
  • Seek Forgiveness: God provides a way for reconciliation when we fall short, not just for deliberate rebellion but also for our unwitting faults (1 John 1:9).
  • Strive for Obedience: While grace abounds, the fundamental call remains to diligently observe God's commandments out of love and reverence for Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

  • Leviticus 4:22

    ¶ When a ruler hath sinned, and done [somewhat] through ignorance [against] any of the commandments of the LORD his God [concerning things] which should not be done, and is guilty;

  • Leviticus 4:27

    ¶ And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

  • Luke 12:48

    But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

  • Psalms 19:12

    Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

  • Leviticus 5:13

    And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and [the remnant] shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.

  • Leviticus 5:15

    If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
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