Numbers 19:10

Authorized King James Version

And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠כִבֶּס
shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#2
הָֽאֹסֵ֨ף
And he that gathereth
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֵ֤פֶר
the ashes
ashes
#5
הַפָּרָה֙
of the heifer
a heifer
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בְּגָדָ֔יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#8
וְטָמֵ֖א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#9
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
הָעָ֑רֶב
until the even
dusk
#11
וְֽהָיְתָ֞ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
לִבְנֵ֣י
and it shall be unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
וְלַגֵּ֛ר
and unto the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#15
הַגָּ֥ר
that sojourneth
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#16
בְּתוֹכָ֖ם
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#17
לְחֻקַּ֥ת
them for a statute
a statute
#18
עוֹלָֽם׃
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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