Numbers 31:24

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִבַּסְתֶּ֧ם
And ye shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#2
בִּגְדֵיכֶ֛ם
your clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#3
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י
on the seventh
seventh
#5
וּטְהַרְתֶּ֑ם
and ye shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#6
וְאַחַ֖ר
and afterward
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
תָּבֹ֥אוּ
ye shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
into the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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