King James Version

What Does Numbers 19:17 Mean?

Numbers 19:17 in the King James Version says “And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water sh...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel: ashes: Heb. dust running: Heb. living waters shall be given”

Numbers 19:17 · KJV

Context

15

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.

16

And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

17

And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel: ashes: Heb. dust running: Heb. living waters shall be given

18

And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:

19

And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.

Read Numbers 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For purification, 'they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel.' The red heifer's ashes mixed with 'living water' (mayim chayim) created 'water of separation' for cleansing. The Hebrew 'mayim chayim' (running/living water) suggests fresh, flowing water symbolizing life. This purification combined sacrifice (ashes) with life (water), pointing to Christ's death and resurrection providing cleansing. Jesus spoke of 'living water' springing up to eternal life (John 4:10, 14, 7:38). The mixture's dual components teach that cleansing requires both Christ's atoning death and resurrection life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This procedure required preserved red heifer ashes (v.9) available for ongoing purification needs. The running water (from springs or streams, not stagnant pools) ensured purity. Hyssop branches dipped in the mixture were sprinkled on the defiled person or object (v.18). This practice continued until temple destruction, with tradition claiming only nine red heifers were ever prepared from Moses to 70 AD, showing their rarity. The system demonstrated that God provided means for ongoing cleansing from unavoidable defilement. While the specific ritual ended, the principle continues - believers need regular cleansing through confession and appropriating Christ's sacrifice (1 John 1:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you regularly appropriating Christ's cleansing through confession, or allowing spiritual defilement to accumulate?
  2. How does the combination of sacrifice (ashes) and living water point you to both Christ's death and resurrection life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלָֽקְחוּ֙1 of 11

“person they shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לַטָּמֵ֔א2 of 11

“And for an unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

מֵֽעֲפַ֖ר3 of 11

“of the ashes”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

שְׂרֵפַ֣ת4 of 11

“of the burnt heifer”

H8316

cremation

הַֽחַטָּ֑את5 of 11

“of purification for sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְנָתַ֥ן6 of 11

“shall be put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלָ֛יו7 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַ֥יִם8 of 11

“water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

חַיִּ֖ים9 of 11

“and running”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אֶל10 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּֽלִי׃11 of 11

“thereto in a vessel”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

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 19:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 19:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 26:19John 7:38Revelation 7:17John 4:10-11Song of Solomon 4:15Numbers 19:9

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