Numbers 15:31 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Numbers that outlines the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. In the verses leading up to 15:31, the Israelites are instructed to make offerings and sacrifices to atone for their unintentional sins. However, the passage also addresses the severity of intentional disobedience and the consequences that follow such actions.

The context of this verse is important to fully understand its meaning. In the larger narrative of the book of Numbers, the Israelites are traveling through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. Throughout their journey, they are given specific laws and commandments by God to follow. This verse specifically addresses what will happen to those who intentionally and willfully disobey these laws.

The verse begins by stating, "Because he hath despised the word of the Lord." This highlights the intentional nature of the disobedience. The individual has not simply made a mistake or committed a sin unintentionally, but has deliberately acted in defiance of God's commands. This deliberate disobedience is seen as a direct rejection of God's authority and leadership over the Israelites.

Following this, the verse states, "and hath broken his commandment." This emphasizes the act of disobedience as a breaking of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The covenant was a sacred agreement between God and his chosen people, and to break the commandments was to break this covenant.

The verse then outlines the consequences of such intentional disobedience: "that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him." The phrase "cut off" carries significant weight in this context. It signifies a separation from God and the community of believers. This could take various forms, including physical death or expulsion from the community. The individual's iniquity, or sin, is said to be upon him, indicating that they will bear the full weight of their disobedience and face the resulting judgment and punishment from God.

The theme of obedience and consequence is central to this verse. It serves as a warning to the Israelites about the serious repercussions of intentional disobedience to God's commands. The passage highlights the importance of honoring the covenant with God and following his laws faithfully. It also underscores the idea of accountability and individual responsibility for one's actions.

In addition to its thematic significance, this verse also carries symbolic and theological implications. It reflects the biblical understanding of sin as a deliberate rejection of God's authority and an act that separates individuals from their Creator. It also emphasizes the idea of divine justice and the need for atonement for sin. The consequences outlined in this verse serve as a reminder of the seriousness of disobedience and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Overall, Numbers 15:31 in the King James Version of the Bible communicates a powerful message about the consequences of intentional disobedience to God's commands. It emphasizes themes of obedience, accountability, and the need for atonement. The verse serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of honoring the covenant with God and the gravity of sin in the biblical narrative.