Definition: Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 15:31. It’s a pretty serious warning about sin and consequences. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying that someone who deliberately ignores or disregards God’s laws and commandments will be severely punished. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Because he hath despised the word of the LORD” : This means they are actively rejecting or ignoring God's instructions. They’re not just passively not listening; they’re actively saying "I don't care about what you tell me." It’s like refusing to follow a rule or instruction. “And hath broken his commandment” : This is the key part. “Commandment” means a specific law or rule given by God. This verse specifically refers to the Ten Commandments – the most important set of laws in the Bible. Breaking these commandments is a direct defiance of God's will. “That soul shall utterly be cut off” : This is a strong statement. It means that the person’s soul (their spirit and being) will be completely destroyed or abandoned by God. It’s like a complete loss of their connection to Him. “His iniquity [shall be] upon him” : “Iniquity” means sin, guilt, or moral decay. "Upon him" means that these sins will be permanently attached to them. It's saying that the consequences of this disregard will be permanent and inescapable. So, putting it all together: This verse warns against deliberately disobeying God’s laws and commandments. When someone does this, they are facing a severe consequence – being completely cut off from God’s favor and being burdened with guilt and sin for eternity. Important Note: The word "iniquity" is a tricky one. It doesn't necessarily mean a person is inherently bad. It simply means they have a tendency to do wrong, to be prone to sin. It's about a failing in obedience to God’s laws. Does this make sense? Would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of Israel and their relationship with God? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (e.g., the consequences of rejecting God)?