King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:20 Mean?

Numbers 31:20 in the King James Version says “And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood. th... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood. that: Heb. instrument, or, vessel of skins

Numbers 31:20 · KJV


Context

18

But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

19

And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.

20

And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood. that: Heb. instrument, or, vessel of skins

21

And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;

22

Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Purify all your raiment...all that is made of skins...goats' hair...and...wood—this verse expands purification from persons (v.19) to possessions. The Hebrew chata (purify) required treating all plundered items that contacted corpses or battlefield death. Different materials required different methods (v.23): fire-resistant metals went through fire, while organic materials (cloth, leather, hair, wood) underwent water purification to avoid destruction.

This comprehensive cleansing taught that defilement spreads beyond persons to possessions—sin's contamination affects everything it touches. Israel couldn't bring death's taint into the camp even through inanimate objects. The principle: holiness requires attention to details; partial obedience preserves corrupting influences. New Testament believers are called to 'cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit' (2 Corinthians 7:1), examining not just actions but possessions, entertainments, and influences that defile.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare plunder included clothing, leather goods (tents, water skins, armor), woven items (goat hair tents were common), and wooden implements (bows, tools, household items). Bringing these into camp without purification would ritually defile the entire community, making corporate worship impossible. The law anticipated problems: soldiers couldn't simply abandon valuable spoils, so God provided cleansing methods preserving material value while removing spiritual defilement. This demonstrated that holiness concerns extend to economic and material dimensions, not just personal morality—a distinction often lost in modern individualistic spirituality.

Reflection Questions

  1. What possessions or media in your life carry spiritual 'contamination' requiring removal or cleansing?
  2. How does God's concern for purifying even material goods challenge contemporary separation of 'sacred' and 'secular' spheres?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְכָל1 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֶּ֧גֶד2 of 12

all your raiment

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְכָל3 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלִי4 of 12

and all that is made

H3627

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

ע֛וֹר5 of 12

of skins

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וְכָל6 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה7 of 12

and all work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

עִזִּ֖ים8 of 12

of goats

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

וְכָל9 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלִי10 of 12

and all that is made

H3627

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

עֵ֑ץ11 of 12

of wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

תִּתְחַטָּֽאוּ׃12 of 12

And purify

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn


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 31:20 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 31:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study