King James Version

What Does Numbers 19:2 Mean?

Numbers 19:2 in the King James Version says “This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bri... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 19:2 · 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:

4

And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The red heifer ordinance presents a unique paradox in Levitical law: the purifying agent itself causes ceremonial uncleanness to those who prepare it (v.7-8). This foreshadows Christ's paradoxical work - He who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). The Hebrew 'parah adummah' (red heifer) must be completely red, without blemish, and never yoked - symbolizing the sinless, unblemished Christ who took our yoke upon Himself. The ashes mixed with water created 'waters of separation' (mei niddah), pointing to baptism's cleansing power through Christ's sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Given during Israel's wilderness wanderings, this ordinance addressed the frequent occurrence of death in the camp and provided purification for corpse contamination. The red heifer was slaughtered outside the camp (v.3), anticipating Christ's crucifixion outside Jerusalem's walls (Heb 13:11-12). Archaeological evidence suggests red heifers were extremely rare, making this ordinance costly and emphasizing the precious nature of purification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the paradox of the red heifer (purifying others while defiling the priests) help you understand Christ's substitutionary atonement?
  2. In what ways do you need the 'waters of separation' to cleanse you from contact with spiritual death?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
זֹ֚את1 of 25
H2063

this (often used adverb)

חֻקַּ֣ת2 of 25

This is the ordinance

H2708

a statute

הַתּוֹרָ֔ה3 of 25

of the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁר4 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה5 of 25

hath commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 25

which the LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 25

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דַּבֵּ֣ר׀8 of 25

Speak

H1696

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

אֶל9 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י10 of 25

unto the children

H1121

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל11 of 25

of Israel

H3478

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

וְיִקְח֣וּ12 of 25

that they bring

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵלֶיךָ֩13 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פָרָ֨ה14 of 25

heifer

H6510

a heifer

אֲדֻמָּ֜ה15 of 25

thee a red

H122

rosy

תְּמִימָ֗ה16 of 25

without spot

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

אֲשֶׁ֤ר17 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵֽין18 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּהּ֙19 of 25
H0
מ֔וּם20 of 25

wherein is no blemish

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר21 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא22 of 25

and upon which never

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָלָ֥ה23 of 25

came

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלֶ֖יהָ24 of 25
H5921

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

עֹֽל׃25 of 25

yoke

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively


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 19:2 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 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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