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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:40 concludes a specific legislative section (Numbers 15:37-41) detailing the command for the Israelites to wear *tzitzit*. This instruction immediately follows laws concerning various offerings, including those for unintentional sins, and a 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Numbers were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a transitional period preparing them for life in the Promised Land. In an ancient Near Eastern context, garments often carried symbolic meaning and could denote status 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 who were 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 and remembered.
* **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")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakhar_):** This verb signifies more than simple mental recollection. In biblical usage, *zakhar* 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.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitzvot_):** Refers to the divine instructions, statutes, and ordinances given by God, particularly through Moses, encompassing the entirety of the Mosaic Law. These are not merely suggestions but authoritative directives from the sovereign God, intended to guide Israel's conduct, worship, and societal structure, thereby defining their covenant relationship and setting them apart as His people.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qadosh_):** 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye may remember":** This phrase establishes the primary purpose of the *tzitzit* command. The physical fringes were a tangible, visual aid designed to prompt the Israelites to actively recall and internalize God's divine instructions. It 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 do all my commandments":** This clause highlights the essential link between remembrance and action. The purpose of remembering is not merely intellectual; it is intensely practical. 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 is expressed through obedience.
* **"and be holy unto your God":** This final clause reveals the ultimate theological goal and outcome of remembering and doing God's commandments. The pursuit of holiness is the culmination of this 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.

#### 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.

### 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.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "The Shema and its Application")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be Doers of the Word")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "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, 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, study, and meditation, regular prayer, and active 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." Such remembrance must then translate into active obedience, demonstrating our love for God not just in word, but in deed. Our pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey of progressive sanctification, empowered by the 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 witness to His transformative power.

#### 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?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I challenged to move from merely remembering God's will to actively doing it?**
* **How does my pursuit of holiness manifest in my choices, relationships, and priorities, setting me apart for God's purposes?**
* **How does my life of remembrance, obedience, and holiness serve as a witness to those around me about the character 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 (e.g., [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 relationship with Christ, where God's law is written on our hearts (e.g., [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")).

**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 "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 will.

### 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 "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, 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, 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 "The New Covenant") and echoed in [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 response to the grace and love we have received in Christ, empowered by the Spirit to walk in the newness of life and truly "be holy unto your God" (as encouraged in [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.