Numbers Chapter 15 · Verse 22
And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,
Original Language Analysis
וְכִ֣י
H3588
וְכִ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִשְׁגּ֔וּ
And if ye have erred
H7686
תִשְׁגּ֔וּ
And if ye have erred
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
2 of 13
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
and not observed
H6213
תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
and not observed
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוֹ֖ת
all these commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוֹ֖ת
all these commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
7 of 13
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
This legislation balanced God's holiness (requiring punishment for sin) with His mercy (providing atonement for inadvertent transgression). The sacrificial system couldn't cover all sins—murder, adultery, and blasphemy brought death penalty, not sacrifice. The system taught Israel that sin required blood atonement (Leviticus 17:11), but also that God graciously provided that atonement for those who didn't deliberately defy Him. This prepared for understanding Christ's atonement: comprehensive for the repentant, unavailing for the defiant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does distinguishing between inadvertent and defiant sin shape your understanding of God's character?
- What sins might you be treating as "inadvertent" that God sees as deliberate?
- How does this passage inform the "unforgivable sin" teaching in the gospels?
Analysis & Commentary
And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments—this introduces the critical distinction between unintentional sin (shegagah, שְׁגָגָה) and high-handed rebellion. "Erred" (shagag, שָׁגַג) means to stray, go astray, commit error—sin done in ignorance or inadvertence, not deliberate defiance. The comprehensive phrase all these commandments acknowledges the law's extensive demands, making inadvertent violations inevitable for fallen humans.
This provision revealed God's mercy: He provided atonement for unintentional transgressions, recognizing human frailty. However, verses 30-31 make clear that defiant, high-handed sin (beyad ramah—"with raised hand") brought no sacrifice—only divine judgment. This distinction between covered and uncovered sin anticipates Hebrews 10:26: "if we sin wilfully after receiving knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Christ's sacrifice covers our inadvertent failures, but presumptuous rejection of His atonement leaves no other recourse.