Numbers 15:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

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,
Douay-Rheims

וְהָיָ֣ה לָכֶם֮ לְצִיצִת֒ וּרְאִיתֶ֣ם אֹת֗וֹ וּזְכַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹֽא־תָתֻ֜רוּ אַחֲרֵ֤י לְבַבְכֶם֙ וְאַחֲרֵ֣י עֵֽינֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom
Cyrill of Alexandria

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

To help them recall His blessings in various ways, God instructed them, like children, to adopt practices often used to prevent forgetfulness, such as tying linen or thread around their fingers. Specifically, they were to attach hyacinth-colored cords to the borders of their garments, reaching down to their feet, so that looking at these reminders would lead them to reflect on the commandments, known as tzitzit. They took special care to create broad ribbons for these tassels and to enlarge the fringes of their clothing, which revealed their excessive pride. Why do you take pride in enlarging them (Matthew 23:5)? Is this the essence of your righteousness? Will these reminders benefit you if you neglect to engage with what they signify?

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Having wisely instructed us to engrave the law upon our hearts, and being aware of the profound suffering of the mind, He directs that the commandments be etched, metaphorically speaking, on tablets and doorposts. He also emphasizes the importance of having the sacred writings of the law placed on the right hand, and considers it beneficial that tassels and threads of jachon color adorn our garments. But how do these tassels and jachon-colored threads serve as reminders of the Divine commandments? Do we not acknowledge that the law was communicated enigmatically by the ancients and inscribed as if in shadows? It is true. The attachment of jachon threads to the hands and arms suggests we should contemplate and perform heavenly matters, keeping in mind the laws from above.

Read more (274 words)

According to Indian belief, the jachonte stone is attributed an ethereal nature, intertwined with light and darkness, resembling a fluid appearance as if it contained water ebbing and flowing. Thus, the law rightly ordains that the jachon threads should be displayed both on our clothing and on our hands, proclaiming that the law ought to be a garment for our minds and intellects, a divine checker, and a guide to righteous actions! Our hands symbolize our deeds; what we do is undoubtedly lawful, free from reproach, and not associated with wickedness. Consequently, the Pharisees enlarged their scrolls and broadened their phylacteries (Matthew 23:5), which corresponded to their records bound to the right hand. However, Christ mocked them for this practice, calling it a manifestation of bondage rather than a true remembrance of the law. It is indeed possible to act unlawfully while appearing to fulfill the law if one misapplies it. I believe this is encapsulated in Solomon's words: “Do not make yourself too wise; why should you destroy yourself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16). Therefore, it is essential to inscribe the Divine commandment within our minds and hearts. The benefit of this is clearly illustrated by the divine David, who states of each righteous person, “The law of his God is in his heart, and his feet shall not stumble” (Psalm 36:31). It is evident that one who has the Divine law residing within their mind will be firmly grounded and steadfast in virtue. Indeed. Hence, a diligent and consistent engagement with the law guides us in the right direction, aligned with what is pleasing to God, dispelling from our souls a certain darkness and oblivion.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.