Numbers 19:22

Authorized King James Version

And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that toucheth it shall be unclean until even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹ֛ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
הַנֹּגַ֖עַת
person 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
#4
בּ֥וֹ
H0
#5
הַטָּמֵ֖א
And whatsoever the unclean
foul in a religious sense
#6
תִּטְמָ֥א
it shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#7
וְהַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ
and the soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#8
הַנֹּגַ֖עַת
person 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
#9
תִּטְמָ֥א
it shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#10
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until even
dusk

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources