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.
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.' This verse distinguishes presumptuous sin from unintentional error. The Hebrew 'beyad ramah' (בְּיָד רָמָה, 'with a high hand') literally means with uplifted hand, indicating defiant, deliberate rebellion against God. Such sin 'reproacheth the LORD' (blasphemes or reviles God), treating His authority with contempt. The penalty 'cut off from among his people' could mean execution or divine judgment removing the person from covenant community. This shows that attitude matters in sin—intentional defiance differs from weakness or ignorance. The inclusion of 'born in the land, or a stranger' shows God's standards apply equally to all. Jesus distinguished between servants who knew their master's will and those ignorant (Luke 12:47-48). While all sin requires atonement, presumptuous sin shows hardened heart. This warns against high-handed rebellion versus weakness and failure.
Historical Context
This verse concludes regulations about unintentional sins (Numbers 15:22-29), which could be atoned through prescribed offerings. Presumptuous sin, by contrast, had no sacrifice—it meant cutting off from the people. The immediately following narrative (Numbers 15:32-36) illustrates this with the Sabbath-breaker who deliberately violated God's command and was executed. Psalm 19:13 prays for deliverance from 'presumptuous sins,' recognizing their severity. Ancient Near Eastern law codes distinguished intentional and accidental offenses, but Israel's distinction was unique in the theological emphasis—defiant sin blasphemes God. The Book of Hebrews warns that 'if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins' (Hebrews 10:26). This doesn't mean believers lose salvation but warns against deliberate, persistent rebellion. The principle distinguishes struggling with sin from embracing it defiantly.
Questions for Reflection
What is the difference between struggling with sin and presumptuously defying God, and why does it matter?
How does this verse inform our understanding of the unforgivable sin and persistent rebellion?
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Analysis & Commentary
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.' This verse distinguishes presumptuous sin from unintentional error. The Hebrew 'beyad ramah' (בְּיָד רָמָה, 'with a high hand') literally means with uplifted hand, indicating defiant, deliberate rebellion against God. Such sin 'reproacheth the LORD' (blasphemes or reviles God), treating His authority with contempt. The penalty 'cut off from among his people' could mean execution or divine judgment removing the person from covenant community. This shows that attitude matters in sin—intentional defiance differs from weakness or ignorance. The inclusion of 'born in the land, or a stranger' shows God's standards apply equally to all. Jesus distinguished between servants who knew their master's will and those ignorant (Luke 12:47-48). While all sin requires atonement, presumptuous sin shows hardened heart. This warns against high-handed rebellion versus weakness and failure.