Numbers 15:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall have one {H259} law {H8451} for him that sinneth {H6213} through ignorance {H7684}, both for him that is born {H249} among the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and for the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

no matter whether he is a citizen of Isra'el or a foreigner living with them. You are to have one law for whoever it is that does something wrong by mistake.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Ye shall have one law for him that doeth aught unwittingly, for him that is home-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:29 establishes a foundational principle of equity and impartiality within the Mosaic Law, stipulating that the same legal provisions for atonement concerning unintentional sins apply universally. This single statute governs both native-born Israelites and resident foreigners who have chosen to dwell among them, underscoring God's just character and His provision for human frailty, irrespective of ethnic origin, within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement for a section (Numbers 15:22-29) that meticulously outlines the procedures and sacrifices required for sins committed "through ignorance" or unintentionally, whether by the entire congregation or by an individual. It provides a crucial counterpoint to the severe consequences detailed immediately thereafter for deliberate, "presumptuous" sins, which carry no provision for atonement under the Old Covenant (see [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin and Its Consequences")). The broader context of [Numbers 15](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws, Offerings, and Consequences") itself is a collection of laws given after the Israelites' rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, emphasizing the need for holiness and adherence to God's commands even as the nation prepares for its eventual entry into the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, legal systems often discriminated based on social status, wealth, or origin. However, the Mosaic Law frequently commanded special care and equitable treatment for the "stranger" (Hebrew: _ger_), a resident alien who had chosen to live within Israelite society and, often, to adhere to its basic laws and customs. This verse reflects a radical departure from typical ancient legal norms, establishing a principle of legal equality within the covenant community. It highlights the unique ethical demands placed upon Israel, reflecting the character of their God, who is just and compassionate toward all, including the vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 15:29](/numbers/15-29 "Numbers 15:29 - One Law for All") contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Impartiality of God's Law**. The declaration of "one law" for all members of the community, regardless of birth, demonstrates that God's justice is not discriminatory but is applied universally to all who live under His covenant. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Provision for Unintentional Sin**. The Mosaic Law meticulously distinguished between sins committed accidentally or unknowingly ("through ignorance") and those committed defiantly and "with a high hand." God, in His mercy, provided a clear path for cleansing and restoration for unintentional transgressions, requiring specific sacrifices as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Unintentional Sins") and [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Laws for Trespass Offerings"). Lastly, the verse highlights the **Inclusion of the Stranger**, a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch. This inclusion reflects God's own character and His command for His people to treat these non-Israelites with equity and compassion, extending to them the same legal protections and responsibilities as the native-born (compare with [Exodus 12:49](/exodus/12-49 "Exodus 12:49 - One Law for Native and Sojourner") and [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - Equal Justice for All")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinneth through ignorance (Hebrew, _bishgâgâ'_):** This crucial phrase differentiates unintentional sin from deliberate, defiant transgression. The Hebrew term בִּשְׁגָגָה (_bishgâgâ_) means "unwittingly," "by error," or "unintentionally." It implies a lack of malicious intent or premeditation, distinguishing it from "presumptuous" sin (Hebrew: _bêyād rāmâ_), which is committed "with a high hand" or in open rebellion against God's known command. The Old Covenant sacrificial system provided atonement only for sins committed _bishgâgâ_, highlighting God's mercy and understanding of human fallibility.
* **one law (Hebrew, _torah echad'_):** The phrase תּוֹרָה אֶחָת (_torah echad_) emphasizes the singularity and universality of God's law within the covenant community. "Torah" encompasses instruction, teaching, and law, reflecting God's revealed will. The addition of "echad" (one) underscores that there are no double standards based on social status, birthright, or nationality when it comes to accountability for unintentional sin and the provision for its atonement. This principle establishes a remarkable level of legal equality for its time.
* **stranger (Hebrew, _ger'_):** The term גֵּר (_ger_) refers to a resident alien or sojourner, a non-Israelite who had left their homeland to live among the Israelites. Unlike a mere transient visitor, the _ger_ often had a more permanent status, though they did not possess tribal land inheritance. The inclusion of the _ger_ under the same law as the native-born Israelite for unintentional sin is a profound testament to God's inclusive nature and His command for His people to extend justice and compassion beyond their ethnic boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall have one law":** This declarative statement establishes the overarching principle of legal uniformity. It signifies that God's standard of justice and the provisions for reconciliation are consistent and undifferentiated within the covenant community, reflecting His impartial character.
* **"for him that sinneth through ignorance":** This clause specifies the nature of the transgression to which the "one law" applies. It is limited to unintentional or unwitting sins, demonstrating God's discernment between human error and deliberate rebellion. This distinction is fundamental to the Old Covenant's sacrificial system.
* **"both for him that is born among the children of Israel":** This phrase identifies the first category of individuals subject to this "one law"—the native-born Israelite. It confirms that the covenant people, by virtue of their birth and heritage, are fully accountable to God's statutes.
* **"and for the stranger that sojourneth among them":** This final phrase extends the application of the "one law" to the _ger_, the resident alien. This inclusion is highly significant, demonstrating God's command for His people to treat non-Israelites who live among them with the same legal equity and compassion as their own kin, particularly in matters of unintentional sin and atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:29 primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Declarative Statement** to convey its authoritative and prescriptive nature. The verse functions as a concise legal pronouncement, using direct address ("Ye shall have") to establish a binding statute. The phrase "one law" acts as a powerful **Symbol** of impartiality and equality within the covenant community, contrasting with the often discriminatory legal systems of the ancient world. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism** by juxtaposing "him that is born among the children of Israel" with "the stranger that sojourneth among them," emphasizing the equal application of the law to both groups. This structural balance reinforces the central theme of universal justice for unintentional sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:29 is a profound theological statement on God's character and the nature of His covenant. It reveals a God who is both just and merciful, providing a pathway for reconciliation even for unintentional human failings, while simultaneously demanding a high standard of impartial justice within His community. The inclusion of the "stranger" under the same law as the native-born Israelite is a radical demonstration of divine equity, challenging the ethnocentric tendencies common in ancient societies. This principle foreshadows a broader, New Covenant reality where God's grace and salvation are extended to all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or social background, breaking down barriers and fostering a community united under one Lord.

* [Exodus 12:49](/exodus/12-49 "Exodus 12:49 - One Law for Native and Sojourner")
* [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - Equal Justice for All")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:29 provides timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of God's perfect justice and His compassionate understanding of human frailty. While He demands holiness, He also provides a way for forgiveness even for our unwitting mistakes, a truth that should inspire both humility and confidence in His grace. Secondly, the principle of "one law" calls us to reflect God's impartiality in our own lives and communities. We are challenged to treat all people with fairness, dignity, and respect, regardless of their background, social status, or perceived differences. Just as God extended His law and its provisions to the "stranger" in Israel, so too are we called to welcome and integrate those who are different from us into our communities, extending love and equity. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our compassion and justice should mirror God's own expansive heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between "sin through ignorance" and "presumptuous sin" inform our understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of "one law" and the inclusion of the "stranger" in our contemporary contexts and relationships?**
* **How does recognizing God's provision for unintentional sin encourage us in our walk of faith, knowing that His grace covers even our unknown failings?**

### FAQ
**What does "sinneth through ignorance" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Sinneth through ignorance" (Hebrew: _bishgâgâ_) refers to sins committed unintentionally, by accident, or unknowingly. This is a crucial distinction in the Mosaic Law. It does not refer to a lack of moral knowledge, but rather to an action that was not premeditated or done with defiant intent against God's known command. For example, accidentally touching an unclean thing without realizing it, or inadvertently failing to observe a ritual law. This contrasts sharply with "presumptuous sin" (as seen in [Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - Presumptuous Sin")), which is committed deliberately, "with a high hand," and in open rebellion against God. The Old Covenant sacrificial system provided atonement only for sins committed _bishgâgâ_, highlighting God's mercy for human fallibility.

**Why was it important to specify "one law" for both native-born Israelites and strangers?**

Answer: The emphasis on "one law" (Hebrew: _torah echad_) was profoundly significant because it established a radical principle of legal equality within the covenant community. In ancient Near Eastern societies, legal systems often had different standards based on social status, wealth, or ethnic origin. By declaring that the same law applied to both native-born Israelites and resident foreigners (_ger_), God commanded His people to uphold a standard of impartial justice that transcended ethnic and social distinctions. This reflected God's own character as a just and impartial judge, and it set Israel apart as a nation called to embody divine righteousness and compassion, particularly towards the vulnerable and those outside their immediate kin group. It ensured that the stranger living among them was not subject to arbitrary or discriminatory legal treatment regarding unintentional sins.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:29, with its emphasis on "one law" for both native-born and stranger concerning unintentional sin, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant sacrifices for unintentional sins were temporary and pointed forward to the definitive, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Unlike the limited efficacy of animal blood, Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect atonement, not just for unintentional sins, but for all sins—intentional and unintentional (see [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the principle of "one law" for all people within the covenant community foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant. In Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been broken down, creating "one new humanity" (as articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). All who believe, regardless of their former identity or background, are now united as "one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")), sharing equally in the grace and provisions of God's salvation. Thus, the Old Testament's partial inclusion of the stranger is fully realized in the global, multi-ethnic body of Christ, where all are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Numbers 15:15

One ordinance [shall be both] for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth [with you], an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye [are], so shall the stranger be before the LORD.

Numbers 9:14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Leviticus 17:15

And every soul that eateth that which died [of itself], or that which was torn [with beasts, whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

Leviticus 16:29

¶ And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Romans 3:29

[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Romans 3:30

Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.