Old Testament
Numbers 15:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The whole community of Israel will be forgiven, including any foreigners living among them, since the entire people sinned unintentionally.
Compare translations
And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.
What Numbers 15:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 15:26, God assures the Israelites that if they sin unintentionally, they will be forgiven. This verse emphasizes God's mercy and the importance of community. It highlights that both Israelites and foreigners living among them are included in this forgiveness, showing that God's grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries. The concept of unintentional sin suggests that not all wrongdoing is deliberate, and God understands human frailty. This passage reassures the community that they are not beyond redemption, even when they fail to uphold God's laws. It reflects the idea that God desires a relationship with His people, and forgiveness is available to all who seek it, regardless of their background. This inclusivity reinforces the notion that everyone is part of God's family, and His compassion is vast. The verse encourages believers to recognize their shortcomings and seek forgiveness, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding within the community.
How to apply Numbers 15:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness, both from God and from others. It reminds us that everyone makes unintentional errors and that we should extend grace to ourselves and those around us. Embracing this principle fosters a supportive community where individuals can grow and learn together.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 15:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 15:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 15:26 mean?
Numbers 15:26 means that God offers forgiveness to the entire community of Israel, including foreigners, for unintentional sins. It highlights God's mercy and the idea that mistakes made without intent can be forgiven.
What is the significance of unintentional sin in Numbers 15:26?
Unintentional sin in Numbers 15:26 signifies that not all wrongdoing is deliberate, and God understands human frailty. This concept reassures the community that they can still receive forgiveness even when they fail to follow God's laws.
Who is included in the forgiveness mentioned in Numbers 15:26?
The forgiveness mentioned in Numbers 15:26 includes both the Israelites and any foreigners living among them. This shows that God's grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries and is available to all.
What themes are present in Numbers 15:26?
The themes present in Numbers 15:26 include forgiveness, community, inclusivity, unintentional sin, God's mercy, redemption, and grace. These themes emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting one another.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.