Numbers 8:7

Authorized King James Version

And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
תַעֲשֶׂ֤ה
And thus shalt thou do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לָהֶם֙
H0
#4
וְהִטֶּהָֽרוּ׃
and so make themselves clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#5
הַזֵּ֥ה
them Sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#6
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מֵ֣י
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
חַטָּ֑את
of purifying
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#9
וְהֶֽעֱבִ֤ירוּ
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#10
תַ֙עַר֙
upon them and let them shave
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
בְּשָׂרָ֔ם
all their flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#14
וְכִבְּס֥וּ
and let them wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#15
בִגְדֵיהֶ֖ם
their clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#16
וְהִטֶּהָֽרוּ׃
and so make themselves clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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

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

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