King James Version
What Does Numbers 19:7 Mean?
“Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even.”
Context
5
And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:
6
And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet , and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
7
Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even.
8
And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even.
9
And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Then the priest . . . —**The Targum of Jonathan refers these words to the priest who killed the heifer, and Ibn Ezra to the priest who burnt it; but the reference is more probably, as in the preceding verse, to Eleazar.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 19:7 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 19:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge