Numbers 9:13 - But the man who is clean, and is not on a journey, and fails to keep the Passover, that soul shall be cut off from his people. Because he didn’t offer the offering of Yahweh in its appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

Generated Verse: Numbers 9:13

What does "Numbers 9:13" mean?


This verse from Numbers 9:13 outlines a severe consequence for Israelites who deliberately neglect to observe the Passover under specific conditions:

"But the man who is clean, and is not on a journey...": This establishes the criteria for the person being judged. They must be ritually clean (not defiled by contact with a corpse or other impurity) and not legitimately prevented from observing Passover due to being away on a journey.
"...and fails to keep the Passover...": This is the act of disobedience. It refers to a willful choice not to participate in the Passover sacrifice and meal.
"...that soul shall be cut off from his people...": This is the punishment. "Cut off" is a term that has been interpreted in various ways, ranging from excommunication from the community to a divinely imposed premature death. Either way, it signifies a severe consequence that removes the person from the covenant community.
"Because he didn’t offer the offering of Yahweh in its appointed season...": This explains the reason for the severity of the punishment. The Passover was a divinely ordained ordinance with a specific time and manner of observance. To deliberately neglect it was seen as a serious offense against God.
"...that man shall bear his sin.": This emphasizes the personal responsibility of the individual. They will be held accountable for their transgression. "Bearing his sin" means they will face the consequences of their actions.

In essence, this verse teaches that deliberately neglecting the Passover, when it is possible to observe it, is a serious sin that results in severe consequences for the individual and their relationship with the community and God.

It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the sanctity of appointed times of worship. It shows how intentionally turning away from these things is a grave matter.

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