Numbers 19:13

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֹּגֵ֡עַ

H5060

Whosoever toucheth

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

יָמ֜וּת

H4191

that is dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

and that soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הָֽאָדָ֨ם

H120

of any man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָמ֜וּת

H4191

that is dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתְחַטָּ֗א

H2398

and purifieth

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

מִשְׁכַּ֤ן

H4908

the tabernacle

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

#12

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

טִמֵּ֔א

H2930

not himself defileth

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#14

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה

H3772

shall be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#15

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

and that soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#16

הַהִ֖וא

H1931

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

#17

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

from Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#18

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

מֵ֨י

H4325

because the water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#20

נִדָּ֜ה

H5079

of separation

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)

#21

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

זֹרַ֤ק

H2236

was not sprinkled

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

#23

עָלָיו֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#24

טָמֵ֣א

H2931

upon him he shall be unclean

foul in a religious sense

#25

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#26

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#27

טֻמְאָת֥וֹ

H2932

his uncleanness

religious impurity

#28

בֽוֹ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Numbers 19:13

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources