Numbers 19:20

Authorized King James Version

But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

But the man

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)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

טִמֵּ֗א

H2930

because he hath defiled

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

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

יִתְחַטָּ֔א

H2398

and shall not purify

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

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

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

himself 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

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

מִתּ֣וֹךְ

H8432

from among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#10

הַקָּהָ֑ל

H6951

the congregation

assemblage (usually concretely)

#11

כִּי֩

H3588

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

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

מִקְדַּ֨שׁ

H4720

the sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#14

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#15

טִמֵּ֗א

H2930

because he hath defiled

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

#16

מֵ֥י

H4325

the water

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

#17

נִדָּ֛ה

H5079

of separation

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

#18

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#19

זֹרַ֥ק

H2236

hath not been sprinkled

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

#20

עָלָ֖יו

H5921

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

#21

טָמֵ֥א

H2931

upon him he is unclean

foul in a religious sense

#22

הֽוּא׃

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Numbers 19:20

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources