Numbers 19:6

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָקַ֣ח
shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
עֵ֥ץ
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
אֶ֛רֶז
cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#5
וְאֵז֖וֹב
and hyssop
hyssop
#6
וּשְׁנִ֣י
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
#7
תוֹלָ֑עַת
and scarlet
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
#8
וְהִשְׁלִ֕יךְ
and cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
תּ֖וֹךְ
it into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
שְׂרֵפַ֥ת
of the burning
cremation
#12
הַפָּרָֽה׃
of the heifer
a heifer

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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