Numbers 15:39

Numbers 15:39 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

These 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.

King James Version KJV

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

American Standard Version ASV

and it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of Jehovah, and do them; and that ye follow not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to play the harlot;

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that, looking on these ornaments, you may keep in mind the orders of the Lord and do them; and not be guided by the desires of your hearts and eyes, through which you have been untrue to me:

Free Bible Version FBV

When you look at these tassels you will be reminded to keep all the commandments of the Lord and not be unfaithful, following your own thoughts and desires.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And ye shall haue the fringes, that when ye looke vpon them, ye may remember all the commandemets of the Lord, and do them: and that ye seeke not after your own heart, nor after your owne eyes, after the which ye go a whoring;

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and it hath been to you for a fringe, and ye have seen it, and have remembered all the commands of Jehovah, and have done them, and ye search not after your heart, and after your eyes, after which ye are going a-whoring;

World English Bible WEB

It shall be to you for a fringe, that you may see it, and remember all the LORD’s commandments, and do them; and that you don’t follow your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to play the prostitute;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it shall be to you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go astray:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That when they shall see them, they may remember all the commandments of the Lord, and not follow their own thoughts and eyes going astray after divers things,

Translation for Translators T4T

When you look at the tassels, you will remember all the instructions that I gave to you, and you will obey them, instead of doing what you desire and as a result causing yourselves to become unacceptable to me.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 15:39

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 15:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָ֣ה לָ/כֶם֮ לְ/צִיצִת֒ וּ/רְאִיתֶ֣ם אֹת֗/וֹ וּ/זְכַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת כָּל מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑/ם וְ/לֹֽא תָתֻ֜רוּ אַחֲרֵ֤י לְבַבְ/כֶם֙ וְ/אַחֲרֵ֣י עֵֽינֵי/כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם

וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

לָ/כֶם֮ Prep | Suff

לְ/צִיצִת֒ tsîytsith H6734 tassel Prep | N-fs

וּ/רְאִיתֶ֣ם râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וּ/זְכַרְתֶּם֙ zâkar H2142 to remember Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מִצְוֺ֣ת mitsvâh H4687 commandment N-fp

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֹתָ֑/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תָתֻ֜רוּ tûwr H8446 to spy V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

אַחֲרֵ֤י ʼachar H310 after Prep

לְבַבְ/כֶם֙ lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff

וְ/אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 after Conj | Prep

עֵֽינֵי/כֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אַתֶּ֥ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

זֹנִ֖ים zânâh H2181 to fornicate V-Qal

אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 15:39

וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לָ/כֶם֮ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/צִיצִת֒ tsîytsith H6734 "tassel" Prep | 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.

וּ/רְאִיתֶ֣ם râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

וּ/זְכַרְתֶּם֙ zâkar H2142 "to remember" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

מִצְוֺ֣ת mitsvâh H4687 "commandment" N-fp

This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.

Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)

Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

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.

אֹתָ֑/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תָתֻ֜רוּ tûwr H8446 "to spy" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.

Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.

אַחֲרֵ֤י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

לְבַבְ/כֶם֙ lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

וְ/אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 "after" Conj | Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

עֵֽינֵי/כֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אַתֶּ֥ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

זֹנִ֖ים zânâh H2181 "to fornicate" V-Qal

To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.

Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.

אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Study Notes — Numbers 15:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 15:39 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:39
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:39
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:39
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 15:39
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:39
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:39
Sermons on Numbers 15:39

Context — The Law of Tassels

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. 41I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 106:39	They defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deeds.
2	Proverbs 28:26	He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
3	Psalms 73:27	Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
4	Ezekiel 6:9	Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive, your survivors will remember Me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me, and by their eyes that lusted after idols. So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations.
5	Proverbs 3:1	My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
6	Exodus 13:9	It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.
7	Deuteronomy 4:23	Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you.
8	James 4:4	You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.
9	Ecclesiastes 11:9	Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
10	Deuteronomy 29:19	because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.

Numbers 15:39 Summary

This verse is saying that the tassels on the Israelites' clothes are to help them remember to obey God's commands, so they won't follow their own desires and sin. It's like having a reminder on your phone or a note on your fridge to help you remember something important. By remembering and obeying God's commands, we can avoid sin and live a holy life, as encouraged in verses like Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16. We can apply this principle in our own lives by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, like Psalm 119:11, and seeking to obey God's commands in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the tassels mentioned in Numbers 15:39?

The tassels serve as a reminder to remember and obey all the commandments of the Lord, as stated in Numbers 15:39, similar to how the rainbow serves as a reminder of God's covenant in Genesis 9:13-17.

How do the tassels help prevent prostitution of oneself by following one's own heart and eyes?

The tassels help by serving as a constant visual reminder to obey God's commandments, rather than following one's own desires, which can lead to sin, as warned against in Proverbs 28:26 and Jeremiah 17:9.

Is this verse only applicable to the Israelites, or is there a broader application?

While the specific command to wear tassels was given to the Israelites, the principle of remembering and obeying God's commandments is applicable to all believers, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 8:2 and Matthew 22:37-40.

How can we apply the principle of remembering God's commandments in our daily lives?

We can apply this principle by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalm 119:11, and seeking to obey God's commands in our thoughts, words, and actions, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2 and 1 John 2:3-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I follow my own heart and eyes, rather than obeying God's commandments, and how can I change this?
How can I use visual reminders, like the tassels, to help me remember and obey God's commands in my daily life?
In what ways do I prostitute myself by following my own desires, and how can I turn back to following God's commands?
What are some specific commandments that I struggle to obey, and how can I seek God's help to obey them?
How can I balance the need to remember and obey God's commands with the need to trust in His grace and forgiveness when I fail?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:39

And it shall be unto you for a fringe,.... The blue ribbon or lace shall be in or upon the fringe to fasten it: that ye may look upon it; the blue lace making the whole the more conspicuous: from

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:39

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 15:39

It, i.e. the riband, shall be unto you, i.e. shall serve you for the fringe, to wit, to render it more visible and notorious by its certain, and remarkable, and distinct colour, whereas the fringe without this was of the same piece and colour with the garment, and therefore less observable. Or, it, i.e. the riband, shall be in your fringes, or, put to your fringes, fastened to them, that by looking upon it you may remember, that your eye may affect your mind and heart. That ye seek not, or, inquire not, for other rules or ways of serving me than I have prescribed you. After your own heart, and your own eyes, i.e. neither after the devices and inventions of your own minds or hearts, as Nadab and Abihu did when they offered strange fire, and as you now did, when you pretended to serve and please me by going up the hill and towards Canaan without and against my command; nor after the examples or inventions of others which your eyes see, as you did when you were set upon worshipping a calf after the manner of Egypt. To go a whoring, i.e. to depart from me, and to prefer your own fancies before my commands, and to live only by present sight or sense, and not at all by faith in my promises.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 15:39

(39) That ye seek not after your own heart.—Or, That ye go not about, or search not out, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:39

39. it shall be unto you for a tassel] The point of this appears to lie in a play on the words ẓ ?îẓ ?îth (‘tassel’) and ẓ ?îẓ ?1 [Note: Used in Exodus 28:36; Exodus 39:30, Leviticus 8:9 of the diadem (R.V. ‘plate’) on the high priest’s forehead.] ‘a shining thing,’ ‘an ornament.’ The tassels are not to be superstitious charms but striking ornaments, which will constantly catch the wearer’s eye, and act as a religious reminder. after which ye go a whoring] The Heb. has a participle, not an imperfect as R.V. suggests. The words apparently mean—Ye are still prone to follow the superstitious and illegitimate practices to which your heart and your eyes lead you. It is an obscure sentence, and perhaps something has been lost from the text. But there seems little doubt that the earlier superstitions connected with the tassels are referred to.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:39

39. Look upon it, and remember — There is nothing in a fringe resembling a precept; but when the former has been appointed to represent the latter the sign always suggests the thing signified,

Sermons on Numbers 15:39

	Sermon	Description
	Youth by Matt Chandler	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of taking steps and not being afraid to fail. He emphasizes that God's power flows through us and that we should embrace the
	Notes of a Lecture Numbers 15 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby discusses the significance of Numbers 15, emphasizing God's unwavering purpose despite Israel's rebellion and unbelief. He highlights how, even after the people's
	A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea
	Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use
	Hearing His Voice Through Others by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's voice and applying His word to our lives. It highlights the dangers of ignoring God's voice, leading to various societal issu
	Who Is the Idiot? by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about an old man who has painted and cleaned his house in hopes of selling it. However, when potential buyers come, they reveal that they
	The Heart Is Decietful and Desperately Wicked by Peter Hammond	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of objective truth and reality. He argues that without the God of the Bible, rationality, logic,