Numbers 19:5
And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְעֵינָ֑יו
in his sight
H5869
לְעֵינָ֑יו
in his sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּשָׂרָהּ֙
and her flesh
H1320
בְּשָׂרָהּ֙
and her flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
8 of 13
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דָּמָ֔הּ
and her blood
H1818
דָּמָ֔הּ
and her blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
10 of 13
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Burning dung was especially unusual; in other offerings it was removed and disposed of separately (Leviticus 4:11-12). Including even the unclean parts emphasized the comprehensiveness of this purification provision. Death's contamination was so serious that extraordinary measures were required.
Questions for Reflection
- How thoroughly has Christ dealt with every aspect of sin's contamination in your life?
- What 'unclean' parts of yourself do you hesitate to bring under Christ's purifying work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The entire heifer—hide, flesh, blood, and dung—was burned in the priest's sight. Nothing was eaten or offered on the altar; complete consumption by fire was required. This total destruction differed from standard offerings, suggesting judgment and complete removal of contamination. The fire's thoroughness pictures how completely Christ's sacrifice dealt with sin's defilement.