King James Version

What Does Numbers 19:9 Mean?

Numbers 19:9 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 19:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever.

11

He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. man: Heb. soul of man


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The preservation of the red heifer's ashes for 'water of separation' (Hebrew 'mei niddah') established a permanent purification system for Israel. This represents God's provision for ongoing cleansing from defilement. The phrase 'it is a purification for sin' (Hebrew 'chattat hi') uses the same word for sin offering, connecting ceremonial uncleanness with moral guilt. The ashes' preservation anticipates the eternal efficacy of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Heb 10:10-14) - His blood remains perpetually available for our cleansing (1 John 1:7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ashes were stored outside the camp in a ceremonially clean place, accessible yet separate from daily camp life. This ensured availability while maintaining the sacred nature of the purification ritual. Rabbinic tradition indicates only nine red heifers were prepared from Moses to the Temple's destruction in 70 AD, underscoring the rarity and preciousness of this provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the preserved efficacy of the red heifer's ashes strengthen your confidence in Christ's eternal sacrifice?
  2. What areas of spiritual contamination in your life need the cleansing water of God's Word applied?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאָסַ֣ף׀1 of 20

shall gather

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 20

And a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

טָה֑וֹר3 of 20

in a clean

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

אֵ֚ת4 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵ֣פֶר5 of 20

up the ashes

H665

ashes

הַפָּרָ֔ה6 of 20

of the heifer

H6510

a heifer

וְהִנִּ֛יחַ7 of 20

and lay them up

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

מִח֥וּץ8 of 20

without

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה9 of 20

the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

בְּמָק֣וֹם10 of 20

place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

טָה֑וֹר11 of 20

in a clean

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וְ֠הָֽיְתָה12 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַֽעֲדַ֨ת13 of 20

for the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵֽי14 of 20

of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל15 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

לְמִשְׁמֶ֛רֶת16 of 20

and it shall be kept

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

לְמֵ֥י17 of 20

for a water

H4325

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

נִדָּ֖ה18 of 20

of separation

H5079

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)

חַטָּ֥את19 of 20

it is a purification for sin

H2403

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

הִֽוא׃20 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 19:9 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 19:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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