Numbers 5:2

Authorized King James Version

Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:

Word-by-Word Analysis

צַ֚ו

H6680

Command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וִֽישַׁלְּחוּ֙

H7971

that they put out

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה

H4264

of 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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צָר֖וּעַ

H6879

every leper

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

#10

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

זָ֑ב

H2100

and every one that hath an issue

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

#12

וְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

טָמֵ֥א

H2931

and whosoever is defiled

foul in a religious sense

#14

לָנָֽפֶשׁ׃

H5315

by the dead

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Numbers 5:2

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources