Numbers 19:12

Authorized King James Version

He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
יִתְחַטָּ֜א
He shall purify
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#3
ב֞וֹ
H0
#4
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֛י
himself with it on the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#6
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י
and on the seventh
seventh
#8
יִטְהָֽר׃
he shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#9
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#10
לֹ֨א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יִתְחַטָּ֜א
He shall purify
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#12
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֛י
himself with it on the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#14
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י
and on the seventh
seventh
#16
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
יִטְהָֽר׃
he shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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