King James Version

What Does Numbers 19:1 Mean?

Numbers 19:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,”

Numbers 19:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

2

This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:

3

And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:

Read Numbers 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The red heifer ceremony provided purification from corpse contamination—the ultimate ritual uncleanness. This elaborate procedure involving a flawless animal, specific burning materials, and careful application of ashes demonstrates that removing death's defilement requires extraordinary measures. The writer of Hebrews (9:13-14) explicitly connects this to Christ's superior purification from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corpse contamination was unavoidable yet made one ceremonially unclean (verses 11-16), creating a dilemma: death is inescapable, yet God is holy. The red heifer rite provided ongoing purification for Israel's entire wilderness period when death was ever-present. One heifer's ashes served for extended time, suggesting Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does death's pervasive contamination illustrate sin's universal pollution?
  2. What aspects of the red heifer ceremony point specifically to Christ's cleansing work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 7

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 7

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 7

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֖ן6 of 7

“and unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 19:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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