The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 15:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For he hath contemned the word of the Lord, and made void his precept: therefore shall he be destroyed, and shall bear his iniquity.

Douay-Rheims

כִּ֤י דְבַר־יְהוָה֙ בָּזָ֔ה וְאֶת־מִצְוָת֖וֹ הֵפַ֑ר הִכָּרֵ֧ת ׀ תִּכָּרֵ֛ת הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא עֲוֺנָ֥ה בָֽהּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

What is the significance of the phrase, "The soul of me that worketh pride with the hand" (Num. 15:30)? Having established by decree the sacrifices required for unintentional transgressions, God also provides regulations for those who sin willfully. The nature of sin varies, as some succumb to passions due to mental frailty, while others yield to different circumstances; there are also individuals who blatantly disregard Divine commandments. Those who sin out of pride are cited as examples of those who willfully reject these laws.

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Concerning such individuals, it is stated that they shall face destruction, with the reasoning provided: "As the word of the Lord hath despised the word of the Lord, and His commandments scattered, let that soul be destroyed by wiping: for his sin is upon it" (Num. 15:31). The person who falters due to weakness and later acknowledges their wrongs may have some justification. However, the one who embraces evil and scorns God's commandments stands without any justification.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.