Numbers 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽקְחוּ֙
person they shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
לַטָּמֵ֔א
And for an unclean
foul in a religious sense
#3
מֵֽעֲפַ֖ר
of the ashes
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#4
שְׂרֵפַ֣ת
of the burnt heifer
cremation
#5
הַֽחַטָּ֑את
of purification for sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#6
וְנָתַ֥ן
shall be put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
עָלָ֛יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
מַ֥יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
חַיִּ֖ים
and running
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
כֶּֽלִי׃
thereto in a vessel
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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