Numbers 15:13
New International Version
“’Everyone who is native-born must do these things in this way when they present a food offering as an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

New Living Translation
All of you native-born Israelites must follow these instructions when you offer a special gift as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

English Standard Version
Every native Israelite shall do these things in this way, in offering a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
All the native shall do in this manner these things in presenting a fire offering, a pleasing aroma to YHWH.

King James Bible
All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

New King James Version
All who are native-born shall do these things in this manner, in presenting an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Everyone who is a native shall do these things in this way, in presenting an offering by fire as a soothing aroma to the LORD.

NASB 1995
‘All who are native shall do these things in this manner, in presenting an offering by fire, as a soothing aroma to the LORD.

NASB 1977
‘All who are native shall do these things in this manner, in presenting an offering by fire, as a soothing aroma to the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
All who are native shall do these things in this manner, in bringing near an offering by fire, as a soothing aroma to Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
All who are native-born shall do these things in this way, in presenting an offering by fire, as a sweet and soothing aroma to the LORD.

Berean Annotated Bible
Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD {YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
“Every Israelite is to prepare these things in this way when he presents a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Every Israelite is to prepare these things in this way when he presents a fire offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version
All that are home-born shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

English Revised Version
All that are homeborn shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All native-born Israelites must do it this way when they bring an offering by fire, a soothing aroma to the LORD.

Good News Translation
All native Israelites are to do this when they present a food offering, an odor pleasing to the LORD.

International Standard Version
Every native born person is to do these things, bringing an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

NET Bible
"'Every native-born person must do these things in this way to present an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
"'All who are native-born shall do these things in this way, in offering an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
All that are born in the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

World English Bible
“‘All who are native-born shall do these things in this way, in offering an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
every native does thus with these, for bringing a fire-offering near of refreshing fragrance to YHWH;

Berean Literal Bible
All the native shall do in this manner these things in presenting a fire offering, a pleasing aroma to YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
every native doth thus with these, at bringing near a fire-offering of sweet fragrance to Jehovah;

Smith's Literal Translation
Every native shall do thus with these to bring near a sacrifice, an odor of sweetness to Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Both they that are born in the land, and the strangers

Catholic Public Domain Version
Both natives and sojourners

New American Bible
All the native-born shall make these offerings in this way, whenever they present a sweet-smelling oblation to the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Every native Israelite shall do these things in this way, in presenting an offering by fire, a pleasing odor to the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
All the house of Israel shall do these things after this manner, and shall offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour to the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
All of the house Israel shall do and shall offer an offering for a fragrance of savor to LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
All that are home-born shall do these things after this manner, in presenting an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Every native of the country shall do thus to offer such things as sacrifices for a smell of sweet savour to the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws about Offerings
12This is how you must prepare each one, no matter how many. 13Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 14And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do.…

Cross References
Everyone who is native-born

Exodus 12:49
The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.”

Leviticus 24:22
You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’”

Numbers 9:14
If a foreigner dwelling among you wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreigner and the native of the land.’”
shall prepare these things in this way

Exodus 29:38-39
This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. / Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.

Numbers 28:2
“Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me.

Leviticus 7:37
This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering,
when he presents a food offering

Leviticus 2:1
“When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it,

Leviticus 6:14
Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar.

Leviticus 7:25
If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which a food offering may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people.
as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 1:9
The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Exodus 29:18
Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.

Genesis 8:21
When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.
Leviticus 23:17
Bring two loaves of bread from your dwellings as a wave offering, each made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with leaven, as the firstfruits to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 16:16-17
Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. / Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.

1 Kings 8:41-43
And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— / for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

Isaiah 56:6-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”


Treasury of Scripture

All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet smell to the LORD.

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Aroma Birth Born Country Home-Born Israelites Pleasant Pleasing Presenting Savor Savour Soothing Sweet Way
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Aroma Birth Born Country Home-Born Israelites Pleasant Pleasing Presenting Savor Savour Soothing Sweet Way
Numbers 15
1. The law of the meat offering, and the drink offering
14. The stranger is under the same law
17. The law of the first of the dough
22. The sacrifice for sins of ignorance
30. The punishment of presumption
32. He who violated the Sabbath is stoned
37. The law of tassels












Everyone who is native-born
This phrase refers to the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were born within the covenant community. The term "native-born" emphasizes the importance of identity and heritage in the Israelite community. It highlights the distinction between Israelites and foreigners or sojourners living among them. This distinction is significant in the context of the Old Testament, where God's covenant promises were specifically given to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 17:7-8). The native-born Israelites were expected to adhere to the laws and commandments given by God through Moses, which set them apart as God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6).

shall prepare these things in this way
This phrase indicates the specific instructions given by God for the preparation of offerings. The detailed nature of these instructions underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. The Israelites were to follow God's commands precisely, reflecting their commitment to His covenant. This meticulous attention to detail in worship can be seen throughout the Levitical laws, where God provided specific guidelines for sacrifices, offerings, and rituals (Leviticus 1-7). The phrase also suggests a continuity of practice, ensuring that the worship of God remained consistent across generations.

when he presents a food offering
A food offering, often referred to as a grain offering, was a type of sacrifice made to God, typically consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense (Leviticus 2:1-2). These offerings were a way for the Israelites to express gratitude, devotion, and dependence on God for their sustenance. The food offering was part of the broader sacrificial system that included burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each type of offering had its own significance and purpose, contributing to the overall worship and atonement practices of the Israelites. The food offering, in particular, symbolized the dedication of the fruits of one's labor to God.

as a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" is a recurring theme in the sacrificial system, signifying God's acceptance of the offering (Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:18). It conveys the idea that the sacrifice, when offered in obedience and sincerity, was agreeable to God. This phrase also points to the deeper spiritual reality that true worship is not merely about external rituals but about the heart's attitude. In the New Testament, this idea is expanded as believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The pleasing aroma can also be seen as a type of Christ, whose sacrificial death was the ultimate offering that brought reconciliation between God and humanity (Ephesians 5:2).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Native-born Israelites
This term refers to those who were born within the community of Israel, as opposed to foreigners or sojourners. The native-born had specific responsibilities and privileges under the Mosaic Law.

2. Offerings Made by Fire
These were sacrifices presented to God, often involving the burning of animals or grains, symbolizing dedication and atonement.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who established the laws and rituals for His people to follow as a sign of their relationship with Him.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God and communicated it to the people.

5. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, where offerings were made.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The verse emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions precisely. For believers today, this means adhering to the teachings of Scripture and living in a way that honors God.

The Role of Tradition and Community
The native-born Israelites had specific roles within their community. Similarly, Christians are called to participate actively in their faith communities, contributing to the body of Christ.

Sacrificial Living
Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices, Christians are called to live sacrificially, dedicating their lives to God and serving others.

Pleasing Aroma to the LORD
The concept of a pleasing aroma signifies actions that are acceptable and delightful to God. Believers should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him, through worship, service, and obedience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 15:13?

2. How does Numbers 15:13 emphasize consistency in worship practices for all believers?

3. Why is it important to follow God's commands as stated in Numbers 15:13?

4. How does Numbers 15:13 connect to New Testament teachings on worship?

5. What can we learn from Numbers 15:13 about obedience in our daily lives?

6. How can Numbers 15:13 guide us in maintaining unity within the church?

7. What does Numbers 15:13 reveal about God's expectations for offerings from His people?

8. How does Numbers 15:13 reflect the importance of tradition in worship?

9. Why is the concept of a "pleasing aroma" significant in Numbers 15:13?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 15?

11. What is the purpose of a grain offering?

12. Numbers 15:24-29: If unintentional sins still require sacrifices, does this conflict with the notion of a merciful God who judges intent?

13. Numbers 7:1-3: How could the Israelites, while wandering in the wilderness, assemble such large quantities of metals and animals for offerings?

14. 2 Chronicles 13:3 - How historically plausible is an army of 400,000 under Abijah's command at that time?
What Does Numbers 15:13 Mean
everyone who is native-born

- The phrase sets its focus on Israelites by birth, the original recipients of God’s covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6).

- It distinguishes them from resident foreigners who will be addressed in verses 14-16; the standard for worship is shared, but the native-born carry the first responsibility for preserving it (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24:22).

- The Lord’s worship is not a cultural preference but a divine command, so those born into the covenant community are summoned to model obedience (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).


shall prepare these things

- “These things” points back to verses 3-12: the animal, grain, oil, and wine that accompany burnt offerings.

- Preparation includes:

• Selecting animals without defect (Leviticus 1:3).

• Measuring flour, oil, and wine exactly as prescribed (Numbers 15:4-10).

• Bringing it all to the priest, who places it on the altar (Leviticus 2:1-2).

- Nothing is left to chance; holiness requires attention to detail (Exodus 29:38-42).


in this way

- God specifies “this way” to guard worship from personal invention (Exodus 25:40).

- Deviating from the pattern brings severe consequences, as Nadab and Abihu learned (Leviticus 10:1-3).

- Consistency across generations preserves truth and keeps the focus on God rather than on human creativity (Deuteronomy 12:8-9).


when he presents a food offering

- A “food offering” (Leviticus 2) involves grain, oil, and incense, often joined to an animal sacrifice (Numbers 15:4-5).

- It represents daily sustenance offered back to the Giver, acknowledging dependence (Deuteronomy 8:10-18).

- The worshiper approaches personally; the act is not delegated entirely to the priest (Leviticus 1:4).


as a pleasing aroma to the LORD

- The smoke rising from the altar signifies acceptance: “The LORD smelled the soothing aroma” (Genesis 8:21).

- God is not pleased merely by scent but by obedient faith expressed through the offering (1 Samuel 15:22).

- The phrase foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).


summary

Numbers 15:13 reminds Israel’s native-born that they must follow God’s exact instructions when bringing their grain-and-drink offerings with burnt sacrifices. Every detail matters, because true worship is defined by God, not by personal preference. Obedient preparation, consistent practice, and heartfelt presentation combine to produce a pleasing aroma that God accepts. The verse thus calls God’s people—then and now—to reverent, precise, and grateful worship rooted in His unfailing Word.

(13) All that are born of the country.--The Targum of Jonathan is, "all that are born in Israel, and not among the people." It seems clear, however, from Numbers 15:14 that the reference in this verse is to the indigenous Israelites.

Verse 13. - All that are born of the country. כָּל־הָאֶזְרָח, all the native born. Septuagint, πᾶς ὁ αὐτόχθων. The phrase is used no doubt from the point of view of a resident in Canaan; but it was only to such residents that these ordinances applied. Those things. The regulations just mentioned.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Everyone
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who is native-born
הָאֶזְרָ֥ח (hā·’ez·rāḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 249: A spontaneous growth, native

shall prepare
יַעֲשֶׂה־ (ya·‘ă·śeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

these
אֵ֑לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

things in this way
כָּ֖כָה (kā·ḵāh)
Adverb
Strong's 3602: Just so

when he presents
לְהַקְרִ֛יב (lə·haq·rîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

an offering made by fire
אִשֵּׁ֥ה (’iš·šêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 801: A burnt-offering, a sacrifice

as a pleasing
נִיחֹ֖חַ (nî·ḥō·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5207: A quieting, soothing, tranquilizing

aroma
רֵֽיחַ־ (rê·aḥ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7381: To smell, perceive odor

to the LORD.
לַֽיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Numbers 15:13 All who are native-born shall do these (Nu Num.)
Numbers 15:12
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