Numbers Chapter 15 · Verse 40
That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תִּזְכְּר֔וּ
That ye may remember
H2142
תִּזְכְּר֔וּ
That ye may remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
and do
H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
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 #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְוֹתָ֑י
all my commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָ֑י
all my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
6 of 9
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וִֽהְיִיתֶ֥ם
and be
H1961
וִֽהְיִיתֶ֥ם
and be
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.1 Thessalonians 4:7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.Colossians 1:2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Leviticus 19:2Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
Historical Context
The tassel command (tzitzit in Hebrew) continues among observant Jews today. The blue thread's rarity and expense (dyed from murex snail secretion) made it precious, symbolizing royalty and divinity. The tassels' visibility on garments' corners reminded wearers constantly of God's law. Jesus wore these tassels (Matt 9:20, 14:36, 23:5), fulfilling the Law while condemning ostentatious enlargement for display. The practice demonstrates that physical reminders aid spiritual discipline - though New Testament Christians aren't bound to specific Old Testament symbols, we need reminders (Scripture memory, worship, sacraments) to maintain holy living.
Questions for Reflection
- What regular practices help you remember God's commands and maintain holy living?
- How do you balance using helpful spiritual disciplines without becoming legalistic or merely external in your obedience?
Analysis & Commentary
God commands: 'That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.' The Hebrew 'zakar' (remember) isn't mere mental recall but active remembrance that produces obedience. The purpose is holiness - separation unto God. The preceding verses commanded tassels with blue ribbons on garments (v.38-39) as visible reminders of God's commands. This illustrates that humans need tangible helps for spiritual remembrance. The New Testament provides baptism and the Lord's Supper as remembrance ordinances (Luke 22:19, Rom 6:3-4). Holiness flows from remembering God's redemption and commands, maintaining consecration through constant mindfulness.