Numbers 19:18

Authorized King James Version

And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָקַ֨ח
shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֵז֜וֹב
hyssop
hyssop
#3
וְטָבַ֣ל
and dip
to dip, to immerse
#4
בַּמַּיִם֮
it in the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
אִ֣ישׁ
person
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
טָהוֹר֒
And a clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#7
וְהִזָּ֤ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הָאֹ֙הֶל֙
it upon the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#10
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
and upon all the vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#13
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הַנְּפָשׁ֖וֹת
and upon the persons
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#15
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
הָֽיוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
שָׁ֑ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#18
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הַנֹּגֵ֗עַ
that were there and upon him that touched
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
#20
בַּעֶ֙צֶם֙
a bone
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#21
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#22
בֶֽחָלָ֔ל
or one slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#23
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#24
בַמֵּ֖ת
or one dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#25
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#26
בַקָּֽבֶר׃
or a grave
a sepulcher

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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