Numbers 15:40

KJV

That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

That ye may remember {H2142}, and do {H6213} all my commandments {H4687}, and be {H1961} holy {H6918} unto your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but it will help you remember and obey all my mitzvot and be holy for your God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will remember and obey all My commandments, and you will be holy to your God.

American Standard Version

that ye may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:40 serves as the profound theological capstone to the divine command regarding the wearing of *tzitzit*, or fringes, on the borders of garments. This verse distills the ultimate spiritual purpose behind this seemingly simple instruction, emphasizing that the physical reminder was intended to cultivate a deep, internal remembrance of God's commandments, leading directly to active obedience and culminating in the people's consecration as a holy nation set apart for their God. It underscores the inseparable link between divine instruction, human action, and covenant identity, revealing God's desire for His people to live in continuous alignment with His will, reflecting His character to the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:40 brings to a close a specific legislative section (Numbers 15:37-41) that details the command for the Israelites to wear *tzitzit*. This instruction is strategically placed immediately following laws concerning various offerings, including those for unintentional sins, and a poignant narrative about a man punished for gathering sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). The placement of the *tzitzit* command, particularly its emphasis on remembering God's commandments to avoid going astray (Numbers 15:39), acts as a preventative measure. It underscores the importance of constant mindfulness of God's will to prevent both unintentional and intentional transgressions, thereby reinforcing the gravity of the preceding laws and the need for a sustained, obedient walk with God. The instruction to wear fringes "throughout your generations" (Numbers 15:38) highlights its enduring significance for the covenant community, serving as a perpetual reminder of their unique relationship with Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Numbers were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a foundational period preparing them for life in the Promised Land. In the ancient Near Eastern context, garments often carried significant symbolic meaning and could denote status, identity, or affiliation. The *tzitzit* served as a distinctive visual marker for Israel, setting them apart from surrounding pagan nations whose attire might have included similar decorative elements but lacked the specific theological purpose. This physical reminder was crucial for a people prone to forgetfulness and idolatry, providing a tangible, ever-present prompt to recall their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. It was a pedagogical tool, integrating spiritual discipline into the fabric of daily life, ensuring that God's laws were not just heard but continually seen, remembered, and acted upon, fostering a distinct identity rooted in their divine calling.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:40 encapsulates several foundational themes central to the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **remembrance** (*zakhar*), which is not merely intellectual recall but an active, heart-level engagement with God's covenant and commands, intended to stir the people to action. This leads directly to the theme of **obedience** (*asah*), highlighting that true remembrance must result in practical adherence to God's will. The verse explicitly links remembrance and obedience to the ultimate goal: **holiness** (*qadosh*). Israel was called to be a holy nation, set apart for God's exclusive purpose, reflecting His character to the world. This call to holiness is foundational to their covenant identity, reiterated throughout the Law (e.g., [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The *tzitzit* thus functioned as a constant visual aid to foster a life of devoted remembrance, faithful obedience, and consecrated holiness, ensuring that the Israelites would not "go after your own heart and your own eyes" (as warned in [Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - The Purpose of the Fringes")), but remain steadfast in their covenant walk.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This verb signifies more than simple mental recollection. In biblical usage, *zâkar* implies an active bringing to mind with the intent to act upon what is remembered. It denotes a deep, internalizing process that shapes one's behavior and choices. For Israel, to "remember" God's commandments meant to internalize them, to live by them, and to acknowledge God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness in all aspects of life. It is the opposite of forgetting or neglecting God's will, demanding an engaged and responsive heart.
* **Do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense. In the context of "do all my commandments," it signifies the practical execution and performance of God's instructions. It moves beyond mere intellectual assent to active compliance, encompassing the full range of actions, behaviors, and choices that align with divine will. This word emphasizes the imperative for the Israelites to translate their remembrance into tangible, obedient living.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This crucial term describes a state of being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated for a sacred purpose. It denotes distinctiveness and separation from the common or profane, often implying moral purity and devotion to God. For Israel to "be holy unto your God" meant to live in a manner that reflected God's own pure and distinct nature, embodying His character and serving His purposes exclusively. It was a call to a consecrated existence, both individually and corporately, distinct from the surrounding nations and devoted entirely to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye may remember":** This initial clause establishes the foundational purpose of the *tzitzit* command: to foster active recollection. The physical fringes were a tangible, visual aid designed to prompt the Israelites to actively recall and internalize God's divine instructions. This speaks to the human propensity for forgetfulness and God's gracious provision of reminders to keep His people aligned with His will, fostering a continuous awareness of their covenant obligations and preventing them from straying.
* **"and do all my commandments":** This clause highlights the essential and inseparable link between remembrance and action. The purpose of remembering is not merely intellectual or passive; it is intensely practical and demands a response. True remembrance of God's commandments must translate into active, obedient living. This underscores the biblical principle that knowledge of God's will is incomplete without faithful submission to it, demonstrating that genuine faith and covenant fidelity are expressed through concrete obedience.
* **"and be holy unto your God":** This final clause reveals the ultimate theological goal and desired outcome of remembering and doing God's commandments. The pursuit of holiness is the culmination of this spiritual process. By consistently remembering and obeying, the Israelites would progressively embody the character of God, living lives set apart and consecrated for His exclusive possession and purpose. This call to holiness defines their identity as God's chosen people, distinct from all other nations, reflecting His divine nature and serving as a witness to His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:40 functions as a **Teleological Statement**, clearly articulating the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of the *tzitzit* command. It moves from a physical act (wearing fringes) to a spiritual state (holiness), demonstrating a clear progression of divine intent. The verse employs **Repetition and Emphasis** through the linking of "remember," "do," and "be holy," reinforcing the interconnectedness and vital importance of these concepts. It is a concise summary that acts as a **Covenantal Affirmation**, reminding Israel of the core tenets of their relationship with Yahweh – a relationship defined by divine expectation and human response. The structure of the verse, moving from internal cognition ("remember") to external action ("do") and finally to existential identity ("be holy"), presents a clear and logical progression of spiritual formation, emphasizing that true devotion involves the mind, will, and very being of the individual and community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:40 encapsulates a fundamental theological truth woven throughout Scripture: God desires His people to be set apart for Him, and this separation is intrinsically linked to their remembrance and obedience to His word. The call to "be holy unto your God" echoes the divine nature itself ("You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). This holiness is not merely ritualistic but encompasses moral purity, ethical conduct, and a distinct way of life that reflects God's character in the world. The *tzitzit* served as a tangible means to foster this internal disposition, demonstrating God's condescension to human forgetfulness by providing a physical aid for spiritual discipline. This principle of remembrance leading to obedience and holiness transcends the specific Old Testament command, finding its enduring relevance in the New Covenant's call for believers to live lives transformed by the Spirit, continually mindful of Christ's teachings and striving for sanctification, thereby living out their new identity in Him.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6-9 "The Shema and its Application")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical command to wear *tzitzit* is specific to the Old Covenant, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Numbers 15:40 remain timeless and universally applicable for believers today. We are still called to remember God's word, to obey His commandments, and to live a life of holiness unto Him. In an age saturated with distractions and competing narratives, the challenge of intentional remembrance is paramount. We must cultivate spiritual disciplines that serve as our "reminders," such as consistent engagement with Scripture through reading, diligent study, and meditative reflection, regular and fervent prayer, and active, meaningful participation in Christian community. These practices help engrave God's truth on our hearts and minds, preventing us from "going after our own heart and our own eyes" and succumbing to the allure of the world. Such remembrance must then translate into active, joyful obedience, demonstrating our love for God not just in word, but in deed and truth. Our pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey of progressive sanctification, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, as we strive to be set apart from worldly patterns and reflect the character of Christ in every aspect of our lives, thereby honoring God and bearing compelling witness to His transformative power in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What tangible or spiritual "reminders" do I intentionally employ in my daily life to keep God's commandments at the forefront of my mind and heart?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I challenged to move from merely remembering God's will to actively doing it, demonstrating practical obedience?**
* **How does my pursuit of holiness manifest in my choices, relationships, priorities, and attitudes, setting me apart for God's exclusive purposes?**
* **How does my life of remembrance, obedience, and holiness serve as a clear and compelling witness to those around me about the character and transforming power of God?**

### FAQ

**Are Christians required to wear *tzitzit* today?**

Answer: No, Christians are not required to wear *tzitzit* today. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law (for example, [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")), and that believers are no longer under the Old Covenant ceremonial laws but live under grace through faith in Him. The external, physical reminders of the Old Covenant, such as *tzitzit*, pointed forward to the internal transformation and indwelling of the Holy Spirit that characterizes the New Covenant. The purpose behind the *tzitzit*—remembrance, obedience, and holiness—is now achieved through a personal relationship with Christ, where God's law is written on our hearts (as promised in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Our obedience now flows from an inner desire to please God, empowered by His Spirit, rather than from external mandates.

**What does "holy unto your God" truly mean for believers in the New Covenant?**

Answer: For believers in the New Covenant, "holy unto your God" means being set apart for God's exclusive possession and purpose, reflecting His character in our lives. This holiness is both a positional reality (we are declared holy in Christ through His sacrifice, as seen in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")) and a progressive process (sanctification). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to live distinct lives, separating ourselves from sin and worldly corruption, striving for moral purity, and dedicating our lives to God's will. As [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct") states, "but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" This involves a continuous transformation of our minds and actions to align with God's perfect and righteous will, becoming more like Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:40, with its emphasis on remembrance, obedience, and holiness, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Israelites needed physical fringes to remember God's commandments, Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment and living Word of God, the ultimate and complete "reminder" of God's will and character. He perfectly remembered and perfectly obeyed all of God's commandments, fulfilling every jot and tittle of the Law (as stated in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Jesus accomplished what the Law and its symbols could only foreshadow: He made a way for humanity to be truly holy "unto your God." We are made holy not by our own imperfect obedience to external commands or the wearing of physical reminders, but by being "in Christ," who is our sanctification (as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Under the New Covenant, the law is no longer written on stone tablets or represented by external fringes, but is inscribed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit (as promised in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and echoed in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Our obedience now flows not from a need for external reminders or a striving to earn righteousness, but as a joyful and Spirit-empowered response to the immeasurable grace and profound love we have received in Christ, enabling us to walk in the newness of life and truly "be holy unto your God" (as encouraged in [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

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

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Leviticus 11:44

For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Leviticus 11:45

For I [am] the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I [am] holy.

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.