Numbers 15:14
And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָגוּר֩
sojourn
H1481
יָגוּר֩
sojourn
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
אִתְּכֶ֨ם
H854
אִתְּכֶ֨ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
גֵּ֜ר
And if a stranger
H1616
גֵּ֜ר
And if a stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
א֤וֹ
H176
א֤וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּתֽוֹכְכֶם֙
with you or whosoever be among
H8432
בְּתֽוֹכְכֶם֙
with you or whosoever be among
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
7 of 17
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
you in your generations
H1755
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
you in your generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
and will offer
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
and will offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִשֵּׁ֥ה
an offering made by fire
H801
אִשֵּׁ֥ה
an offering made by fire
Strong's:
H801
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
נִיחֹ֖חַ
of a sweet
H5207
נִיחֹ֖חַ
of a sweet
Strong's:
H5207
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
and will offer
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
and will offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, foreigners were typically excluded from cultic activities or relegated to inferior status. Israel's inclusion of sojourners who embraced Yahweh was radically counter-cultural, reflecting God's ultimate plan to bless 'all families of the earth' (Genesis 12:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inclusion of the <em>ger</em> challenge ethnic or cultural barriers in contemporary church communities?
- What conditions allowed strangers to participate in Israel's worship, and what parallels exist for gospel conversion?
- In what ways does this passage refute both ethnic exclusivism and theological universalism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if a stranger sojourn with you (גֵּר ger, 'sojourner/resident alien')—Remarkably, the ger who aligned with Israel's covenant could participate in worship on equal terms with natives. This foreshadows the gospel mystery: Gentiles as 'fellowheirs, and of the same body' (Ephesians 3:6).
And will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD—The stranger's offering is equally acceptable. God smells no difference between native and alien sacrifices when both follow prescribed patterns. This anticipates Acts 10:35: 'In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.' Ruth the Moabitess exemplified this principle (Ruth 1:16-17).