Numbers 31:23

Authorized King James Version

Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
דָּבָ֞ר
H1697
Every thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
יָבֹ֛א
H935
and all that abideth
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
בָּאֵ֖שׁ
H784
not the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
תַּֽעֲבִ֥ירוּ
H5674
ye shall make go through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#7
בָּאֵ֖שׁ
H784
not the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
וְטָהֵ֔ר
H2891
and it shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#9
אַ֕ךְ
H389
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#10
בַמָּֽיִם׃
H4325
the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
נִדָּ֖ה
H5079
of separation
properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)
#12
יִתְחַטָּ֑א
H2398
nevertheless it shall be purified
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#13
וְכֹ֨ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יָבֹ֛א
H935
and all that abideth
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
בָּאֵ֖שׁ
H784
not the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#18
תַּֽעֲבִ֥ירוּ
H5674
ye shall make go through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#19
בַמָּֽיִם׃
H4325
the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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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