Numbers 15:38
Numbers 15:38 in Multiple Translations
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of each border a cord of blue:
Say to the children of Israel that through all their generations they are to put on the edges of their robes an ornament of twisted threads, and in every ornament a blue cord;
“Tell the Israelites that for all future generations you must make tassels for the hems of your clothes and attach them with blue cord.
Speake vnto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes vpon the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put vpon the fringes of the borders a ryband of blewe silke.
'Speak unto the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, and they have made for themselves fringes on the skirts of their garments, to their generations, and they have put on the fringe of the skirt a ribbon of blue,
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue.
Speak to the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribin of blue:
Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt tell them I to make to themselves fringes in the corners of their garments, putting in them ribands of blue:
“Tell this to the Israeli people: You and all your descendants must twist threads together to make tassels, and then attach them with blue cords to the bottom edges of your clothes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 15:38
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 15:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דַּבֵּ֞ר
אֶל
בְּנֵ֤י
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
וְ/עָשׂ֨וּ
לָ/הֶ֥ם
צִיצִ֛ת
עַל
כַּנְפֵ֥י
בִגְדֵי/הֶ֖ם
לְ/דֹרֹתָ֑/ם
וְ/נָֽתְנ֛וּ
עַל
צִיצִ֥ת
הַ/כָּנָ֖ף
פְּתִ֥יל
תְּכֵֽלֶת
דַּבֵּ֞ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/עָשׂ֨וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לָ/הֶ֥ם
Prep | Suff
צִיצִ֛ת
tsîytsith
H6734
tassel
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כַּנְפֵ֥י
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd
בִגְדֵי/הֶ֖ם
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
לְ/דֹרֹתָ֑/ם
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/נָֽתְנ֛וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
צִיצִ֥ת
tsîytsith
H6734
tassel
N-fs
הַ/כָּנָ֖ף
kânâph
H3671
wing
Art | N-fs
פְּתִ֥יל
pâthîyl
H6616
cord
N-ms
תְּכֵֽלֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 15:38
דַּבֵּ֞ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/עָשׂ֨וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/הֶ֥ם
""
Prep | Suff
צִיצִ֛ת
tsîytsith
H6734
"tassel"
N-fs
In the Bible, a tassel or fringe is a decorative strip of fabric, often worn on clothing as a reminder of God's commands. It appears in Numbers 15:38 and Deuteronomy 22:12. The Israelites wore these tassels to show their faith.
Definition: fringe, tassel, lock
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fringe, lock. See also: Numbers 15:38; Numbers 15:39; Ezekiel 8:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כַּנְפֵ֥י
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fd
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
בִגְדֵי/הֶ֖ם
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
לְ/דֹרֹתָ֑/ם
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
וְ/נָֽתְנ֛וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
צִיצִ֥ת
tsîytsith
H6734
"tassel"
N-fs
In the Bible, a tassel or fringe is a decorative strip of fabric, often worn on clothing as a reminder of God's commands. It appears in Numbers 15:38 and Deuteronomy 22:12. The Israelites wore these tassels to show their faith.
Definition: fringe, tassel, lock
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fringe, lock. See also: Numbers 15:38; Numbers 15:39; Ezekiel 8:3.
הַ/כָּנָ֖ף
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
פְּתִ֥יל
pâthîyl
H6616
"cord"
N-ms
This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.
Definition: cord, thread (twisted)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:21; Ezekiel 40:3.
תְּכֵֽלֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
"blue"
N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 15:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 15:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:38
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 15:38
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
- Sermons on Numbers 15:38
Context — The Law of Tassels
36So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
37And the LORD said to Moses,
38“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.
39These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes. 40Then you will remember and obey all My commandments, and you will be holy to your God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 23:5 | All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 22:12 | You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear. |
| 3 | Matthew 9:20 | Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. |
| 4 | Luke 8:44 | She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. |
Numbers 15:38 Summary
This verse is telling us that God wants us to remember His commands and obey them. He told the Israelites to make tassels on their clothes to help them remember, just like we might tie a string around our finger to remember something. By remembering and obeying God's commands, we can be holy and pleasing to Him, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45. We can apply this principle in our lives by finding ways to remind ourselves of God's Word and seeking to obey Him, as encouraged in Psalm 119:11 and Matthew 22:37-40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God command the Israelites to make tassels on the corners of their garments?
God commanded the Israelites to make tassels as a reminder to obey His commandments, as stated in Numbers 15:38-40, and to be holy to Him, which is also emphasized in Leviticus 11:44-45.
What is the significance of the blue cord on each tassel?
The blue cord on each tassel symbolized the heavenly and divine nature of God's commands, as blue was a color often associated with the heavens and God's throne, as seen in Exodus 24:10 and Ezekiel 1:26.
Is this command still applicable to believers today?
While the specific command to wear tassels is part of the Old Testament law, the principle of remembering and obeying God's commands is still relevant today, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 and Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by finding ways to remind ourselves of God's commands and principles, such as reading Scripture daily, as encouraged in Psalm 119:97-104, and seeking to obey Him in all aspects of life, as taught in Colossians 3:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can remind myself to obey God's commands, just like the Israelites were reminded by the tassels on their garments?
- How can I balance the desire to follow my own heart and eyes with the need to obey God's commands?
- What are some specific commands or principles from Scripture that I need to remember and obey in my daily life?
- In what ways can I use physical reminders, like the tassels, to help me stay focused on God and His Word?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:38
Speak unto the children of Israel,.... Whom it only concerned, and all of them, except women and children; for priests, Levites, Israelites, proselytes, and freed servants, were bound to wear the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:38
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
Fringes were certain threads or ends of their garments, standing out a little further than the rest of their garments, left there for this use. In the borders, i.e. in the four borders or quarters, as it is . Heb. wings, which is oft used for borders or ends, as 24:5, &c. Of their garments, i.e. of their upper garment, or that wherewith they covered themselves, as is expressed . This was practised by the Pharisees in Christ’ s time, who are noted for making their borders larger than ordinary, ; and by Christ himself, as may gathered from . A riband, to make it more obvious to the sight, and consequently more serviceable to the use here mentioned. Of blue, or, of a purple colour, as the Jewish writers agree, whose opinion is the more considerable, because it was matter of constant practice among them.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:Ver. 38. That they may make them fringes.] A ribband of blue.] This sky coloured ribbon taught them, that though their commoration was on earth, their conversation should be in heaven.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
(38) That they make them fringes . . . —Better, That they make them tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the tassel of the corner (i.e., on each tassel) a thread (or cord) of blue. The tassels (zirith) appear to be the same as the gedilim (fringes) of Deuteronomy 22:12. The outer garment of the Jews was a fourcornered cloth, which was also used by the poor as a counterpane (Exodus 22:26-27). It appears to have been commonly used with a hole in the centre, through which the head was put, so that one-half covered the front and the other the back of the body. These tassels, or fringes (LXX. κράσπεδα—craspeda), were enlarged by the Pharisees to exhibit their punctilious fulfilment of the Law (Matt. xiii 5). Great sanctity was attached to these fringes or tassels, and for this cause the woman with the issue of blood desired to touch a kraspedon of our Saviour’s garment (Matthew 9:20).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
Verse 38. Bid them - make them fringes] We learn from Numbers 15:39 that these fringes were emblematical of the various commands of God. That there was any analogy between a fringe and a precept, it would be bold to assert; but when a thing is appointed to represent another, no matter how different, that first object be comes the regular representative or sign of the other. There is no analogy between the term bread and the farinaceous nutritive substance thereby signified; but because this term is used to express and represent that thing, every person thus understands it; and when the word bread is seen or heard, a perfect knowledge, not of the letters which compose that word, but of the thing signified by it, is conveyed to the mind. So the fringes, being appointed by God to represent and bring to mind the commandments of God, Numbers 15:39, the mention or sight of them conveyed the intelligence intended. All the Jews wore these, and so probably did our Lord; see Matthew 9:20, where the word κρασπεον is rather to be understood of the fringe than of the hem of his garment.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:38
38. that they make them tassels upon the corners of their garments] This is commanded (with different words for ‘tassels’ and ‘garments’) in Deuteronomy 22:12. No statement is there made as to the reason for the observance. It was probably a very ancient custom, dating from a time when such tassels were superstitiously worn as magical charms. Here, however, it has been invested with a higher religious significance. The practice is referred to in the N.T., Matthew 14:36, Mark 6:56 (E.V. ‘border of his garment’); and it continues among the Jews to this day. In the synagogue all males over thirteen years of age wear a special garment called a tallith, which ‘consists of an oblong cloth with a tassel at each corner. The head is passed through a hole in the middle of the cloth, which hangs over the breast and back.’ See art. ‘Fringes’ in Hastings’ DB. ii. upon the tassel of each corner a thread of violet] in order to fasten it to the garment.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 15:38
That they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue - Reader that they add to the fringes of the borders (or corners) a thread of blue (compare the marginal references).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:38
38. Fringes — The Hebrew tzeetzeeth, fringe or tassel, is used only in this statute and in Ezekiel 8:3, where it is rendered “a lock of mine head.” The fringe was not originated by this law, but it
Sermons on Numbers 15:38
| Sermon | Description | |
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Pharisees Think That Holiness Is in the Style of One's Clothes by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the Pharisees' tendency to focus on outward appearances, such as lengthening their tassels and broadening their phylacteries, to appear holier than others |
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Badge of Christ by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the significance of the ribband of blue worn by the Israelites as a reminder of God's commandments, symbolizing a heavenly spirit and the importance of |
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The Blue of Heaven by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the color blue in the Old Testament, representing heavenly realities and the connection between God's people and their High Priest, |
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His Chosen People by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to Christ after conversion. They encourage the audience to yield their souls, bodies, minds, and brains |
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Father by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating people in a disservice by reinforcing the notion that God is their father and sending them home happy. However |
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Blue Ribbons by Anton Bosch | This sermon delves into the importance of keeping our focus on God and heavenly things, drawing parallels from the Old Testament examples of the Israelites lusting after worldly th |
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7 Traits of a Pharisee - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the traits of Pharisees as outlined in Matthew 23, emphasizing the dangers of hypocrisy, seeking recognition, and leading others astray. It highlights the i |