Numbers 15:30

KJV

¶ But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously, [whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the soul {H5315} that doeth {H6213} ought presumptuously {H7311}{H3027}, whether he be born in the land {H249}, or a stranger {H4480}{H1616}, the same reproacheth {H1442} the LORD {H3068}; and that soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from among {H7130} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'But an individual who does something wrong intentionally, whether a citizen or a foreigner, is blaspheming ADONAI. That person will be cut off from his people.

Berean Standard Bible

But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people.

American Standard Version

But the soul that doeth aught with a high hand, whether he be home-born or a sojourner, the same blasphemeth Jehovah; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:30 issues a grave and uncompromising decree concerning deliberate, defiant sin within the Israelite covenant community. In stark contrast to the preceding provisions for unintentional transgressions, this verse declares that any individual, whether native-born or a resident alien, who acts with open rebellion against the LORD's commands, directly insults God Himself and will be irrevocably severed from the people of Israel, signifying a complete loss of covenantal privileges and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:30 serves as a climactic and severe pronouncement within a chapter primarily dedicated to detailing various laws concerning offerings and sacrifices. The verses immediately preceding it, [Numbers 15:22-29](/numbers/15-29 "Numbers 15:22-29 - Atonement for Unintentional Sins"), meticulously outline the procedures for atonement for sins committed unintentionally, whether by an individual or the entire congregation. This crucial juxtaposition establishes a fundamental distinction between sins of ignorance or inadvertence, for which a path to forgiveness is provided through the sacrificial system, and the grave offense of "presumptuous" sin. Numbers 15:30 introduces a category of transgression for which no sacrifice or atonement is prescribed, highlighting its unique severity and the unyielding nature of divine justice against deliberate rebellion. The narrative then immediately provides a chilling illustration of this principle with the account of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath in [Numbers 15:32-36](/numbers/15-32-36 "Numbers 15:32-36 - The Sabbath Breaker"), serving as a stark object lesson of the dire consequences of willful defiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is situated within the broader context of Israel's wilderness journey and the ongoing establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. The laws given in the book of Numbers were foundational for the nascent nation, designed to cultivate a holy people set apart for God's purposes. The concept of "presumptuous" sin was particularly heinous in a society where God's commands were directly revealed and understood as the very basis of their national identity and their unique relationship with Him. The covenant was bilateral, requiring Israel's faithful obedience. To act with a "high hand" against the LORD was not merely a legal infraction but an act of treason against their divine King, a direct challenge to His sovereignty, holiness, and authority. The explicit inclusion of "stranger" alongside "born in the land" underscores the principle that all who lived within the covenant community, benefiting from its protections and blessings, were equally bound by its laws and the demands of its divine King, regardless of their ethnic origin.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:30 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Pentateuch and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the **distinction between unintentional and presumptuous sin**, emphasizing God's profound mercy for the former and His unwavering justice for the latter. This distinction is vital for understanding the sacrificial system's purpose, which primarily addressed sins of ignorance or weakness, as seen in the detailed regulations of [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws of Sin Offerings"). Another prominent theme is **God's absolute holiness and sovereignty**; to "reproach the LORD" is to directly assault His divine character and authority, an act of supreme blasphemy that undermines the very foundation of His rule. The verse also highlights the **equality of all before God's law** within the covenant community, whether native-born or a resident alien, a principle consistently echoed in passages like [Exodus 12:49](/exodus/12-49 "Exodus 12:49 - One Law for All"). Finally, the severe consequence of being "cut off from among his people" underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness and the dire penalties for deliberate rebellion**, signifying exclusion from the blessings and protection of the covenant, often implying divine judgment leading to spiritual and even physical death, as also seen in the covenant of circumcision in [Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Genesis 17:14 - Covenant of Circumcision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Presumptuously (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, this word means "to be high actively, to rise or raise." When used in the context of sin, as here, it conveys the idea of acting with a "high hand," signifying open, arrogant defiance. It describes a deliberate and conscious rejection of God's authority and commandments, not a sin committed out of weakness or ignorance, but one of willful, intentional rebellion characterized by a proud and defiant attitude towards God's revealed will. It implies a conscious decision to transgress, knowing the command and deliberately choosing to violate it.
* **Reproacheth (Hebrew, _gâdaph'_):** From H1442, this primitive root means "to hack (with words), i.e. revile." When applied to the LORD, it signifies to blaspheme, insult, scorn, or revile. Presumptuous sin is not merely a violation of a rule; it is a direct affront to the Lawgiver Himself, an act of contempt against God's character, holiness, and supreme rule. It is a public declaration of disrespect for God's very being and authority, an act that brings shame and dishonor upon His name.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** From H3772, this primitive root means "to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant." In this context, it describes the severing of an individual from the covenant community. It signifies a complete and irreversible exclusion from the people of Israel and all the privileges and blessings of the covenant. While it could imply social ostracization or loss of lineage, its primary meaning often points to divine judgment resulting in premature death or spiritual annihilation, a complete break from God's people and His covenant relationship. It represents the ultimate penalty for direct rebellion against the divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously":** This clause introduces the specific type of transgression being addressed: an act committed with deliberate, arrogant defiance against God's known commands. The "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_) emphasizes the individual person, highlighting personal responsibility and the internal disposition behind such a grave act. The phrase "doeth [ought]" implies any act of rebellion, not limited to a specific type of sin, but rather the underlying attitude of defiance.
* **"[whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger":** This phrase underscores the universality of God's law within the covenant community. It explicitly states that the severe penalty for presumptuous sin applies equally to all who reside among Israel, whether they are native Israelites or foreigners (strangers) who have joined the community and are living under its laws. There is no partiality or leniency for deliberate rebellion based on one's origin or status within the covenant.
* **"the same reproacheth the LORD":** This is the theological core of the offense. The act of presumptuous sin is not just a breach of law but a direct, personal insult and blasphemy against God Himself. It is an open declaration of contempt for His authority, His holiness, and His very being, treating His commands with scorn and disdain. It is a challenge to His very sovereignty.
* **"and that soul shall be cut off from among his people":** This clause declares the ultimate and irreversible consequence. The individual who commits such an offense will be severed from the covenant community. This "cutting off" signifies a loss of all covenantal benefits, protection, and identity, often implying divine judgment leading to spiritual and/or physical death, and exclusion from the lineage and future of Israel. It is the most severe form of divine judgment under the Mosaic Law, representing a complete break from God's covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stern message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse stands in sharp opposition to the preceding laws concerning unintentional sins. This juxtaposition highlights the unique severity of presumptuous sin, for which no atonement is offered, thereby emphasizing God's absolute intolerance for deliberate rebellion. The concept of acting "presumptuously" or "with a high hand" functions as a vivid **Metaphor**, picturing an arrogant, uplifted fist of defiance against divine authority, rather than a humble, submissive posture. The language is also highly **Legal** and **Declarative**, stating a clear principle and an unavoidable consequence, reinforcing the immutable nature of God's justice and the finality of His judgment. The repetition of "soul" (implied in "the soul that doeth" and explicitly stated in "that soul shall be cut off") serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the personal accountability and the individual nature of this severe judgment, highlighting that the entire being of the person is implicated in such a defiant act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:30 profoundly underscores the absolute holiness and justice of God, revealing that while He graciously provides a way for atonement for sins committed in ignorance or weakness, there is no sacrifice for deliberate, defiant rebellion against His revealed will. This distinction highlights the seriousness with which God views a hardened heart that actively scorns His authority and treats His commands with contempt. It teaches that true repentance is essential for forgiveness, and that unrepentant, willful sin constitutes a direct assault on the divine character and a rejection of the covenant relationship itself. The "cutting off" signifies not merely social exclusion but a profound spiritual separation from God's covenant blessings and presence, a foretaste of ultimate judgment for those who persistently reject His rule and refuse to submit to His sovereignty.

* [Leviticus 20:3](/leviticus/20-3 "Leviticus 20:3 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 19:13](/psalm/19-13 "Psalm 19:13 - Warning Against Presumptuous Sins")
* [Hebrews 10:26](/hebrews/10-26 "Warning Against Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:30 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the gravity of intentional sin and the unblemished holiness of God. While the New Covenant establishes a new basis for forgiveness through Christ's singular sacrifice, the underlying principle of God's unwavering opposition to willful rebellion remains deeply relevant. This verse challenges us to diligently examine our hearts for any inclination towards deliberate disobedience, any attitude that might "reproach the LORD" by treating His commands with contempt, indifference, or a sense of self-entitlement. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humble submission and profound reverence for God, recognizing that true faith is demonstrated not merely by profession but by a heartfelt desire to obey God's known will, not to defy it. It compels us to consider the eternal consequences of a life lived in persistent, unrepentant rebellion against our Creator, reminding us that while God is infinitely rich in mercy and grace, He is also perfectly just and will not be mocked.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I distinguish between unintentional sin and presumptuous sin in my own life, and what are the implications of this distinction for my spiritual walk?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to act with a "high hand" against God's known will, and what steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humble obedience?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "reproach the LORD" through my actions, attitudes, or even my unspoken thoughts?**
* **How does the severity of the punishment for presumptuous sin under the Old Covenant deepen my appreciation for the boundless grace and complete forgiveness offered in the New Testament through Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the fundamental difference between presumptuous sin and unintentional sin?**

Answer: The fundamental difference lies in the intent and attitude of the heart behind the transgression. Unintentional sin, as described in [Numbers 15:22-29](/numbers/15-22-29 "Numbers 15:22-29 - Atonement for Unintentional Sins"), refers to transgressions committed out of ignorance, weakness, or inadvertence—sins that were not premeditated or defiant. For these, God graciously provided a path to atonement and forgiveness through specific sacrifices. Presumptuous sin, however, as detailed in [Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - Punishment for Presumptuous Sin"), is committed "with a high hand," meaning it is a deliberate, willful, and arrogant act of rebellion against God's known commands. It is an open defiance of His authority, an act of scorn that "reproaches the LORD" and for which no sacrifice was prescribed under the Mosaic Law. The distinction is crucial: one is a stumble or a mistake, the other is an outright challenge to God's sovereignty and a deliberate rejection of His will.

**Does Numbers 15:30 imply that there is no forgiveness for willful sin for Christians today?**

Answer: No, Numbers 15:30 does not mean there is no forgiveness for willful sin for Christians today, but it profoundly highlights the extreme seriousness of such sin and the attitude behind it. Under the New Covenant, the perfect and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross is capable of atoning for *all* sins, including those committed willfully, provided there is genuine repentance and faith in Him ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). However, the New Testament echoes the Old Testament's warning against a persistent, unrepentant, defiant attitude toward God. [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Warning Against Deliberate Sin") speaks of the danger of "deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth," not because Christ's sacrifice is insufficient, but because such an attitude indicates a hardening of the heart that willfully rejects the very means of grace and the atoning work of Christ. The "cutting off" in Numbers 15:30 foreshadows the ultimate spiritual separation that results from a life lived in unrepentant rebellion against God, a state where one has definitively turned away from the only source of forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:30, with its chilling pronouncement against presumptuous sin and the ultimate penalty of being "cut off" from the covenant community, finds its profound fulfillment and ultimate resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Law, including this severe verse, served as a "tutor" or guardian to lead us to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")), revealing the depth of human sinfulness and the utter impossibility of achieving righteousness through perfect obedience. While the Old Covenant offered no sacrifice for deliberate rebellion, the New Covenant presents the perfect and final sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, through His atoning death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, has borne the full weight of *all* sin, including the "high-handed" rebellion that reproaches the LORD. For those who turn to Him in genuine repentance and faith, there is now complete forgiveness and reconciliation, even for sins that would have led to being "cut off" under the old covenant ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The ultimate "cutting off" is eternal separation from God, a dreadful fate that Christ Himself endured on the cross, crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Through His sacrifice, believers are not "cut off" but are instead grafted into the very family of God, receiving eternal life and an unbreakable covenant relationship, demonstrating the boundless grace that triumphs over the law's condemnation for all who are in Him ([Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds Over Sin")).

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

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Psalms 19:13

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Deuteronomy 1:43

So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.

Deuteronomy 29:19

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Deuteronomy 29:20

The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

Deuteronomy 17:12

And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.

Deuteronomy 17:13

And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.