Numbers 9:13

KJV

But the man that [is] clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the man {H376} that is clean {H2889}, and is not in a journey {H1870}, and forbeareth {H2308} to keep {H6213} the passover {H6453}, even the same soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from among his people {H5971}: because he brought {H7126} not the offering {H7133} of the LORD {H3068} in his appointed season {H4150}, that man {H376} shall bear {H5375} his sin {H2399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the person who is clean and not on a trip who fails to observe Pesach will be cut off from his people; because he did not bring the offering for ADONAI at its designated time, that person will bear the consequences of his sin.

Berean Standard Bible

But if a man who is ceremonially clean and is not on a journey still fails to observe the Passover, he must be cut off from his people, because he did not present the LORD’s offering at its appointed time. That man will bear the consequences of his sin.

American Standard Version

But the man that is clean, and is not on a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, that soul shall be cut off from his people; because he offered not the oblation of Jehovah in its appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 9:13 delivers a severe warning to any Israelite who, being ritually clean and not on a journey, deliberately neglects to observe the Passover at its appointed time. Such an individual, by willfully failing to bring the required offering, would be "cut off" from the covenant community, signifying a profound spiritual and social alienation, and would personally bear the consequences of their sin. This verse underscores the non-negotiable nature of divine commands and the grave implications of covenantal disobedience within the Mosaic Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 9:13 concludes a specific section (Numbers 9:1-14) dealing with the proper observance of the Passover. The preceding verses (Numbers 9:1-5) describe the Israelites keeping the Passover in the wilderness of Sinai, exactly one year after their exodus from Egypt, emphasizing its importance as a foundational ordinance. Immediately following this, a dilemma arises (Numbers 9:6-8): some individuals are ritually unclean due to contact with a dead body, preventing their participation. In response, God graciously provides a "second Passover" one month later (Numbers 9:9-12) for those legitimately hindered (unclean or on a distant journey). Numbers 9:13 then serves as the critical counterpoint, establishing the severe penalty for those who *could* observe the Passover but *chose* not to, highlighting that divine grace for legitimate impediments does not negate the absolute obligation for those able to comply. The subsequent verse, Numbers 9:14, extends the Passover ordinance to sojourners among Israel, further emphasizing its universal application within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover was the most significant annual festival for Israel, commemorating their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt through the blood of the lamb (as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). It was not merely a historical remembrance but a perpetual ordinance, a foundational act of worship that reaffirmed God's covenant with His people and their identity as those redeemed by His mighty hand. The concept of being "clean" was paramount in Israelite ritual life, as ritual purity was necessary to approach God and participate in communal worship. A "journey" could also be a legitimate impediment, as travel in the ancient world was arduous and could make timely observance impossible. The penalty of being "cut off from among his people" (Hebrew: *karath*) was a severe form of excommunication or even divine judgment, implying a loss of covenantal blessings, social standing, and potentially life itself, underscoring the absolute seriousness of willful rebellion against God's direct commands. This penalty is also seen in other contexts, such as for failing to observe circumcision ([Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Genesis 17:14 - Circumcision and the Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clean (Hebrew, _tahor'_):** This term signifies ritual purity, a state required for participation in sacred acts and approaching God. The text specifies "the man that is clean," meaning he has no legitimate ritual impediment (like contact with a dead body, as mentioned in [Numbers 9:6](/numbers/9-6 "Numbers 9:6 - Unclean and the Passover")). This highlights that the individual's failure to observe Passover is not due to an external, unavoidable circumstance, but an internal, willful choice.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _karath'_):** This powerful verb, often translated as "cut off," denotes a definitive separation or expulsion from the covenant community. It carries strong legal and theological weight, implying a severing of relationship with God and His people, leading to a loss of the blessings and protections of the covenant. While its precise execution could vary (social ostracism, divine judgment, or even premature death), it always signified a grave breach of covenant and a state of spiritual alienation.
* **Bear his sin (Hebrew, _nasa avon'_):** This phrase means to suffer the consequences or penalty for one's iniquity. It emphasizes personal accountability for the transgression. The individual is not merely excluded; they are held responsible for the inherent guilt and the resultant divine judgment or natural consequences of their disobedience. This concept is found throughout the Pentateuch, highlighting individual responsibility before God, as seen in [Leviticus 5:1](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1 - Bearing Sin for Withholding Testimony").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the man that [is] clean, and is not in a journey":** This clause establishes the conditions under which the penalty applies. It explicitly excludes those who have legitimate reasons for non-observance, such as ritual impurity or being on a distant journey, for whom the "second Passover" provision was made ([Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - The Second Passover")). The focus is on those who are able to participate.
* **"and forbeareth to keep the passover":** This highlights the willful nature of the transgression. "Forbeareth" implies a deliberate refusal or neglect, not an accidental oversight or an inability. It's a conscious choice to disregard a divine command.
* **"even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people":** This is the severe consequence. "Cut off" (Hebrew: *karath*) signifies excommunication, a severing of the individual from the covenant community of Israel. This could mean social ostracism, loss of inheritance, or even divine judgment leading to premature death, emphasizing the gravity of violating a foundational covenant ordinance.
* **"because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season":** This provides the specific reason for the penalty: the failure to present the Passover offering at the divinely ordained time. The Passover lamb was an "offering of the LORD," signifying its sacred status and the act of worship it represented. Neglecting it was a direct affront to God's command and His established worship.
* **"that man shall bear his sin":** This final clause reiterates the personal responsibility and the inevitable consequences of such disobedience. The individual will suffer the full weight and penalty of their transgression, emphasizing that such a sin is not overlooked but carries inherent spiritual and potentially physical ramifications.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 9:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stern message. **Legal Language** is paramount, using precise, declarative statements to define the conditions for transgression and the prescribed penalty, characteristic of Mosaic law. The verse functions as a **Conditional Statement**, setting up an "if-then" scenario: *if* one is clean and present, *then* willful neglect leads to being cut off. There is a strong **Contrast** established with the preceding verses ([Numbers 9:6-12](/numbers/9-6 "Numbers 9:6-12 - Provision for the Unclean")), differentiating between legitimate impediments to observance (for which grace is provided) and willful negligence (for which severe judgment is pronounced). The phrase "cut off from among his people" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual and social alienation, vividly depicting the severing of covenant relationship. Finally, the **Repetition** of the theme of personal responsibility, culminating in "that man shall bear his sin," underscores the individual's accountability for their choices before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 9:13 profoundly emphasizes the absolute necessity of obedience to God's commands within the covenant framework. It highlights that while God is gracious in providing for legitimate impediments, He demands faithful observance from those who are able. The Passover, as a perpetual ordinance, was not merely a historical reenactment but a vital act of worship and covenant renewal, symbolizing Israel's identity as God's redeemed people. Willful neglect of such a command was tantamount to a rejection of the covenant itself, leading to severe consequences. This principle extends beyond specific rituals to the broader call for wholehearted devotion and obedience to God's revealed will, underscoring that a true relationship with God necessitates active participation in the life and worship He prescribes.

* [Leviticus 23:29](/leviticus/23-29 "Leviticus 23:29 - Penalty for Not Afflicting Soul on Atonement")
* [Deuteronomy 12:32](/deuteronomy/12-32 "Deuteronomy 12:32 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Commands")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Willful Sin and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 9:13, while rooted in Old Testament ceremonial law, carries enduring principles for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that our relationship with God is not merely intellectual assent but requires active, obedient participation in the life He calls us to. Just as the Passover was a tangible expression of Israel's covenant with God, so too are there "appointed seasons" and practices in the Christian life that are vital for spiritual health and growth. These include corporate worship, the regular observance of the Lord's Supper, diligent study of God's Word, and consistent prayer. When we are able, and yet deliberately neglect these means of grace, we risk hindering our fellowship with God and diminishing our spiritual vitality. This verse challenges us to examine our priorities: do we treat our spiritual obligations as optional extras, or as essential expressions of our love and devotion to the One who has redeemed us? It calls us to a serious consideration of our personal accountability and the consequences of spiritual apathy or willful disobedience, urging us to embrace every opportunity to draw near to God in the ways He has prescribed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "appointed seasons" or spiritual disciplines do I sometimes neglect, even when I am able to participate?**
* **How does a willful neglect of spiritual practices impact my relationship with God and my sense of belonging to His people?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge my understanding of obedience and personal responsibility in the Christian life?**

### FAQ

**What does "cut off from among his people" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "cut off from among his people" (Hebrew: *karath*) is a severe legal and theological term. It signifies a definitive severing of the individual from the covenant community of Israel. While it could imply social ostracism or excommunication, it often carries the weight of divine judgment, potentially leading to premature death at the hand of God. It means the individual loses the protection, blessings, and identity associated with being part of God's chosen people. It's a spiritual and communal death sentence, indicating a profound breach of the covenant relationship, as also seen in the penalty for not observing circumcision in [Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Genesis 17:14 - Circumcision and the Covenant").

**Why was the penalty for not keeping the Passover so severe?**

Answer: The severity of the penalty reflects the profound significance of the Passover. It was not merely a ritual; it was the foundational act commemorating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishing their identity as His redeemed people. Neglecting it, especially without legitimate cause, was seen as a deliberate rejection of God's saving act, a contempt for His covenant, and a denial of one's identity within the community. It was a direct affront to God's authority and His established means of worship and remembrance, hence warranting the most serious form of judgment, as it undermined the very basis of their relationship with Him.

**Is this verse still relevant for Christians today, given that we are not under the Old Testament ceremonial law?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament (as articulated in [Galatians 3:24-25](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24-25 - The Law as a Guardian")), the underlying principles of Numbers 9:13 remain profoundly relevant. It teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, the seriousness of willful spiritual neglect, and the concept of personal accountability. For believers today, this translates to faithfully participating in the "appointed seasons" of the New Covenant, such as the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), corporate worship, prayer, and Bible study. Willful neglect of these means of grace, when able, can hinder our spiritual growth and fellowship with God, reminding us that God still values our faithful devotion and participation in the life of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 9:13, with its stern warning about bearing one's sin for neglecting the Passover, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover itself was a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, who is our [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). The blood of the lamb on the doorposts in Egypt, which averted God's judgment, pointed forward to the blood of Christ, which atones for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). While the Israelite who neglected the Passover had to "bear his sin," Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb, perfectly fulfilled this requirement by bearing the sin of all humanity on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - Christ Bears Our Sins")). Through His sacrifice, He took upon Himself the ultimate consequence of our disobedience, ensuring that those who believe in Him are not "cut off" from God but are instead brought into an eternal covenant relationship ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The command to observe the Passover, which pointed to a future deliverance, is now superseded by the New Covenant command to remember Christ's sacrifice through the Lord's Supper, a perpetual ordinance for the church that celebrates our complete deliverance through Him ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, Christ is the fulfillment of the Passover's purpose, the one who bore our sin, and the foundation of our eternal inclusion in God's redeemed people.

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

Exodus 12:15

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Genesis 17:14

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Numbers 9:7

And those men said unto him, We [are] defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the LORD in his appointed season among the children of Israel?

Numbers 15:30

¶ 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.

Numbers 15:31

Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.

Leviticus 17:4

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

Leviticus 20:20

And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.