share torah logo

Numbers 15:14 - Strangers' equal sacrifices accepted?

Numbers 15:14 - במדבר 15:14

Hebrew Text

וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּכֶם גֵּר אוֹ אֲשֶׁר־בְּתוֹכְכֶם לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם וְעָשָׂה אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ־נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה כַּאֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשׂוּ כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה׃

English Translation

And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whoever may be among you throughout your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour to the Lord; as you do, so he shall do.

Transliteration

Vechi-yagur itchem ger o asher-betochchem ledoroteichem ve'asa ishe re'ach-nichoach la'Adonai ka'asher ta'asu ken ya'aseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִֽי־יָגוּר֩ אִתְּכֶ֨ם גֵּ֜ר א֤וֹ אֲשֶׁר־בְּתֽוֹכְכֶם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְעָשָׂ֛ה אִשֵּׁ֥ה רֵֽיחַ־נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשׂ֖וּ כֵּ֥ן יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃
וְכִֽי־יָגוּר֩ אִתְּכֶ֨ם גֵּ֜ר א֤וֹ אֲשֶׁר־בְּתֽוֹכְכֶם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְעָשָׂ֛ה אִשֵּׁ֥ה רֵֽיחַ־נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשׂ֖וּ כֵּ֥ן יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Inclusion of the Ger in Avodah

The verse (Vayikra 17:8) discusses the laws pertaining to a ger (stranger or convert) who dwells among Bnei Yisrael and wishes to bring a korban (offering) to Hashem. The Torah emphasizes that the ger must follow the same procedures as a native-born Jew when bringing an offering. Rashi explains that this teaches us that the ger is equal in matters of avodah (service of Hashem) and is subject to the same halachic requirements as a born Jew.

Equal Status in Divine Service

The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbe'ach 3:2) derives from this verse that a ger may bring voluntary offerings just like any other Jew. The phrase "ka'asher ta'asu kein ya'aseh" ("as you do, so he shall do") underscores this principle of equality. The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) further elaborates that this applies to all details of the korbanot, including the type of offering, its preparation, and its presentation.

The Ger's Commitment to Torah

The Talmud (Kerisos 9a) notes that this verse also hints at the ger's acceptance of Torah obligations. Just as Bnei Yisrael are bound by mitzvos, so too is the ger who joins the nation. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 2:4) connects this idea to the broader theme of unity, teaching that Hashem desires the sincere service of all who seek closeness to Him, whether native-born or convert.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • A ger must bring korbanot in accordance with halachah, just like any Jew (Rambam, Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos).
  • The verse reinforces that there is no distinction between Jews by birth and converts in matters of avodah (Tosafos, Chullin 5a).
  • The ger's korban is equally pleasing to Hashem when offered with proper intent (Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 9a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws pertaining to offerings brought by non-Jews (gerim) and their equivalence to those brought by Jews.
📖 Menachot 73b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the types of offerings that can be brought by non-Jews and the requirements for these offerings to be acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:14 mean when it talks about a 'stranger' offering a sacrifice?
A: The verse teaches that a non-Jew ('ger') who lives among the Jewish people and wishes to bring an offering to Hashem may do so, following the same laws as Jews. Rashi explains this refers to a 'ger toshav' (a resident alien who accepts certain basic laws) who voluntarily brings an offering. The Torah emphasizes equality in divine service.
Q: Why is Numbers 15:14 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it shows the Torah's inclusive approach - even non-Jews who live among Israel can connect to Hashem through offerings. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbeach 3:2) derives from this that all offerings must follow Torah law, whether brought by Jews or righteous gentiles.
Q: What can we learn from 'as you do, so he shall do' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Menachos 73b) learns from this phrase that the same halachic requirements apply to both Jews and non-Jews bringing offerings - same type of animal, same preparation, same altar. This teaches that sincere service of Hashem follows divine commandments, not human preferences.
Q: How does Numbers 15:14 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we can't bring sacrifices today, the principle remains relevant: The Midrash (Sifrei) explains this verse shows Hashem welcomes all who sincerely seek Him. Today, this applies to how we treat righteous gentiles and converts, and how all people can pray to Hashem in their own way within halachic boundaries.
Q: Does this verse mean non-Jews can bring sacrifices whenever they want?
A: No - the Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh Hakorbanos 3:2-3) explains that while the Torah permits this, in practice non-Jews could only bring voluntary offerings (not obligatory ones) and only when the Temple stands. Even then, they needed to follow all the halachic procedures just like Jewish offerings.