Numbers 15:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:22 introduces God's gracious provision within the Mosaic Law for unintentional sins committed by the community or an individual. This verse initiates a critical section detailing the sacrificial system designed to atone for errors, oversights, or unwitting transgressions of divine commands, setting them apart from deliberate acts of rebellion. It underscores God's foresight and mercy in acknowledging human fallibility, establishing a pathway for reconciliation and purification when His people inadvertently fell short of His perfect standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15 immediately follows the disheartening account of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea and the subsequent divine judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering. This chapter marks a significant shift from narrative accounts of disobedience and judgment to prescriptive law, offering detailed instructions for life in the Promised Land for the new generation. Verses 1-21 establish general regulations for various offerings, while verses 22-31 specifically address different categories of sin. Numbers 15:22 serves as the introductory clause for the communal unintentional sin offering, setting the stage for a detailed explanation of atonement for errors made by the entire congregation (Numbers 15:23-26) or by an individual (Numbers 15:27-29). This section stands in stark contrast to the severe consequences outlined for presumptuous, deliberate sin in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin and Its Consequences"), highlighting a crucial distinction in the Mosaic legal system.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 15 were given to the Israelites during their wilderness sojourn, anticipating their eventual settlement in the land of Canaan. While the previous generation had been condemned due to their rebellion, these laws were for the new generation, preparing them to live as a holy nation in covenant with God. The sacrificial system was the bedrock of Israelite worship and their means of maintaining ritual purity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Understanding the nuances of sin – particularly the distinction between intentional and unintentional transgressions – was paramount within this cultic framework. Ancient Near Eastern legal codes often differentiated between types of offenses, and God's law for Israel provided a unique moral and spiritual dimension to this distinction, emphasizing His holiness and justice while also revealing His profound mercy and desire for His people's restoration.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:22 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reiterates the **Divine Authority of the Law**, emphasizing that all commandments originated directly from "the LORD hath spoken unto Moses," underscoring their immutable and binding nature for the covenant community. Secondly, it highlights **God's Provision for Unintentional Sin**, revealing His grace and foresight in acknowledging human fallibility. Even when His people "erred" or failed to observe commandments out of ignorance, He established a path to reconciliation and purification through specific sacrifices, demonstrating His desire for His people's continued fellowship. This contrasts sharply with the judgment for deliberate rebellion, showcasing God's balanced character of justice and mercy. Thirdly, the passage implicitly reinforces the **Importance of Observance**; while provision for error existed, the fundamental expectation remained diligent adherence to all divine statutes. The system of atonement was not an excuse for carelessness but a means of restoration when genuine mistakes occurred. Finally, the subsequent verses, particularly [Numbers 15:23-26](/numbers/15-23 "Numbers 15:23-26 - Corporate Unintentional Sin Offering"), underscore **Community Responsibility**, emphasizing that the entire congregation bore collective responsibility and needed to make atonement if they collectively erred, reflecting the corporate nature of the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Erred (Hebrew, _shagag'_):** This verb signifies to go astray, to commit a sin unwittingly, inadvertently, or unintentionally. It is crucial for understanding the nature of the transgression addressed in this passage. Unlike sins committed with "a high hand" (presumptuous sins), _shagag_ implies a mistake, an oversight, an error in judgment, or an act done out of ignorance, rather than a willful and defiant act of rebellion against God's direct command. This distinction is foundational to the sacrificial system's provision for atonement, as seen also in [Leviticus 4:2](/leviticus/4-2 "Leviticus 4:2 - Law for Unintentional Sin").
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitzvot'_):** This plural noun refers to the divine instructions, precepts, and laws given by God. The use of "all these commandments" emphasizes the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's revealed will. It implies that the error could pertain to any part of the extensive body of Mosaic Law, underscoring the Israelites' responsibility to diligently observe the entirety of God's covenant stipulations.
* **The LORD hath spoken unto Moses (Hebrew, _Yahweh dibber el Moshe'_):** This recurring phrase throughout the Pentateuch serves as a powerful affirmation of the divine origin, authority, and immutability of the entire Mosaic Law. It underscores that the commandments are not human inventions or traditions, but the direct, authoritative word of Yahweh, mediated through His chosen prophet, Moses. This divine authorship reinforces the gravity of failing to observe them, even unintentionally, and highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And if ye have erred":** This opening clause introduces the conditional premise for the subsequent instructions regarding atonement. The "ye" (plural) initially refers to the entire congregation of Israel, indicating that the law applies to collective errors. The use of "erred" (from _shagag_) immediately establishes that the transgression in view is not a deliberate act of defiance but an unintentional mistake, oversight, or unwitting failure to comply with God's law.
* **"and not observed all these commandments":** This phrase specifies the nature of the error – a failure to adhere to the comprehensive body of divine law. It implies that the transgression was not necessarily a conscious act of rebellion against a known command, but rather an oversight, a lapse in memory, or a lack of full understanding or diligence in upholding the entirety of God's statutes. The emphasis on "all these commandments" highlights the pervasive nature of God's law and the Israelites' responsibility for its complete observance.
* **"which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses":** This concluding phrase reinforces the ultimate source and authority of the commandments. By reiterating that these laws were divinely revealed through Moses, the verse underscores their sacred and binding nature. It serves as a constant reminder that the standard for Israel's conduct is God's own perfect and revealed will, not human tradition or arbitrary rules, thereby emphasizing the covenantal basis of their relationship with Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:22 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. The verse is structured as a **Legal Formulation**, specifically a conditional clause ("And if..."), which is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern legal codes and biblical law. This structure clearly outlines the specific conditions under which a particular legal or cultic response is required. Furthermore, the phrase "which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses" is an example of **Emphasis through Repetition** (or a recurring literary motif). This formula appears frequently throughout the Pentateuch, serving as a constant and powerful reminder of the divine origin and absolute authority of the law, thereby reinforcing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. While not explicit in this single verse, it implicitly sets up a profound **Contrast** with the concept of "presumptuous sin" (Numbers 15:30), which is a key literary and theological device in this chapter, highlighting the different categories of transgression and their respective consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:22 profoundly reveals God's meticulous care for the holiness of His covenant people and His profound grace. It establishes a crucial theological distinction: not all sin is equal in its culpability before God. By differentiating between unintentional errors and deliberate, defiant rebellion, the verse illuminates the nuanced nature of God's justice and mercy. The sacrificial system, as detailed in the subsequent verses, provided a divinely ordained means of purification and restoration for unwitting transgressions, allowing the community and individuals to maintain their covenant relationship with a holy God despite their inherent fallibility. Conversely, presumptuous sins, which openly challenged God's authority, often incurred severe, even capital, punishment without cultic remedy. This distinction underscores God's righteousness, which demands accountability for all sin, alongside His compassion, which provides a path for reconciliation for those who genuinely err. The very existence of such a provision highlights the pervasive nature of sin, even unwitting, and the absolute necessity of divine provision for its atonement to maintain fellowship with a holy God.

* [Leviticus 4:2](/leviticus/4-2 "Leviticus 4:2 - Law for Unintentional Sin")
* [Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Hidden Faults")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:22 offers profound and comforting insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even with our best intentions and earnest efforts, human fallibility is a constant reality, and we may unknowingly fall short of God's perfect standard. The Old Covenant's provision for unintentional sin teaches us about God's compassionate understanding of our limitations and His desire for our restoration, even when our transgressions are not born of malice but of error or ignorance. This should not lead to anxiety or scrupulosity, but rather to a deeper appreciation for the comprehensive nature of God's grace in Christ, who covers all our sins, known and unknown. It prompts us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, continually seeking to align our lives with God's revealed truth, and to rest in the assurance that where we fall short, His forgiveness is always available through faith in Jesus. This passage encourages humility, diligence in studying God's word, and a profound gratitude for the complete and final atonement provided through Christ, which far surpasses the temporary provisions of the Old Covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's provision for unintentional sin in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning work?**
* **In what ways might we unknowingly "err" or fail to observe God's commands in our lives today?**
* **What is the difference between an unintentional sin and a presumptuous sin, and why is this distinction important for our spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "erred" and "presumptuous sin" in Numbers 15?**

Answer: In Numbers 15, the distinction between "erred" (Hebrew _shagag_) and "presumptuous sin" (Hebrew _yad ramah_, literally "with a high hand") is critically important for understanding the Mosaic Law's approach to sin and atonement. "Erred" refers to sins committed unwittingly, inadvertently, or out of ignorance, oversight, or mistake. These were not deliberate acts of defiance against God's known will or explicit commands. For such unintentional sins, God graciously provided a path for atonement through specific sacrifices, as detailed in [Numbers 15:22-29](/numbers/15-22 "Numbers 15:22-29 - Offerings for Unintentional Sins"), allowing the individual or community to be cleansed and restored to fellowship. In contrast, "presumptuous sin" describes a deliberate, defiant, and willful act of rebellion against God's explicit command, done with full knowledge and intent. This kind of sin directly challenged God's authority and the covenant itself. For these sins, there was no cultic provision for atonement; the individual was to be "cut off from among his people" ([Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Consequences of Presumptuous Sin")), signifying severe judgment, often death or excommunication, because it represented a fundamental rejection of God's sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 15:22 provided a temporary and limited atonement for unintentional sins under the Old Covenant, it ultimately foreshadows the perfect and complete atonement found in Jesus Christ. The very existence of sacrifices for unwitting transgressions pointed to the pervasive reality of human imperfection and the deep-seated need for a spotless sacrifice to deal with all forms of sin, even those committed unknowingly. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the ultimate and final sacrifice, not only for our known and intentional sins but also for those "errors" and "hidden faults" of which we may be unaware ([Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Hidden Faults")). His blood cleanses us from "all sin" ([1_john/1-7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by His Blood")), providing a comprehensive and eternal redemption that the animal sacrifices could never fully achieve ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Impossible for Blood of Bulls and Goats")). Through faith in Him, believers receive a righteousness that covers every aspect of their fallen nature, fulfilling the longing for complete forgiveness and reconciliation that the Old Testament law could only imperfectly reveal ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, Numbers 15:22, in its limited provision, magnifies the boundless grace and efficacy of Christ's finished work on the cross.

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.

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: