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Numbers 15:38

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

Numbers 15:38 · King James Version

Meaning

This specific verse from the book of Numbers serves as an instruction given to the children of Israel by God. It directs them to make fringes on the borders of their garments, with a ribbon of blue attached to these fringes. The fringes, known in Hebrew as tzitzit, serve as a reminder to keep God's commandments and act as a visual representation of one's commitment to following God's laws. The color blue, traditionally associated with heaven and power, is said to symbolize the importance of remembering the commandments and to provide a connection between the wearer and God. This commandment is to be observed throughout the generations, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's laws and the importance of passing down these traditions from one generation to the next. By wearing these fringes with the blue ribbon, the children of Israel were reminded to live a life dedicated to God and to be constantly aware of His presence in their daily lives.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Numbers instructs the children of Israel to make fringes on the borders of their garments, with a ribband of blue attached. This commandment has often been interpreted as a reminder for the Israelites to remember and keep the commandments of God, as the fringes were to serve as a visual reminder of their covenant relationship with Him. The blue ribband, in particular, symbolizes the heavenly origin of the commandments and the importance of obedience to them. In terms of theological interpretation, this verse can symbolize the call for believers to remain faithful to God's commands and to constantly remind themselves of their commitment to Him. The word 'fringes' in Hebrew is 'tzitzit,' which is also associated with the concept of 'wings,' denoting protection and shelter under God's care. Therefore, the practice of wearing fringes with a blue ribband serves as a tangible expression of faith and obedience to God's word throughout the generations.

Numbers 15:38 in other translations

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of each border a cord of blue:

World English Bible

“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:

Douay-Rheims

Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt tell them to make to themselves fringes in the corners of their garments, putting in them ribands of blue:

Geneva Bible (1599)

Speake vnto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes vpon the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put vpon the fringes of the borders a ryband of blewe silke.