King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:21 Mean?
“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;”
Numbers 31:21 · KJV
Context
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,
23
Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryEleazar the priest said...This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses—the Hebrew chuqqah (ordinance/statute) indicates a permanent, binding regulation, not temporary instruction. Eleazar's citation of Torah (law) emphasizes that these purification requirements weren't arbitrary rules but divine revelation. The priest's role as interpreter and enforcer of ceremonial law ensured proper understanding and compliance.
This verse marks a transition: after Moses' rebuke (v.14-18), Eleazar provides detailed implementation of purification laws. The cooperation between prophet (Moses) and priest (Eleazar) shows complementary leadership—Moses declared God's will, Eleazar administered its ritual execution. In Christ, these roles unite: He is both Prophet revealing God's word and High Priest administering perfect cleansing (Hebrews 3:1, 4:14). The church's teaching ministry similarly combines biblical proclamation with practical application.
This verse marks a transition: after Moses' rebuke (v.14-18), Eleazar provides detailed implementation of purification laws. The cooperation between prophet (Moses) and priest (Eleazar) shows complementary leadership—Moses declared God's will, Eleazar administered its ritual execution. In Christ, these roles unite: He is both Prophet revealing God's word and High Priest administering perfect cleansing (Hebrews 3:1, 4:14). The church's teaching ministry similarly combines biblical proclamation with practical application.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Eleazar, Aaron's son, became high priest after Aaron's death (Numbers 20:25-28). His role included teaching Torah (Leviticus 10:11), making judicial decisions using Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21), and overseeing tabernacle service. His specific involvement in post-warfare purification ensured correct ritual application preventing corporate defilement. The reference to 'ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses' likely points to Numbers 19's red heifer ceremony and related purity laws in Leviticus 11-15. The priest's authoritative teaching prevented individual soldiers from improvising purification methods, maintaining community holiness through standardized obedience.
Reflection Questions
- Do you submit your spiritual practices to Scripture's authority and church teaching, or do you improvise based on personal preference?
- How does Christ's combination of prophetic and priestly offices give you confidence He both reveals and accomplishes your complete cleansing?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsהַכֹּהֵן֙3 of 16
“the priest”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אַנְשֵׁ֣י5 of 16
“unto the men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
הַצָּבָ֔א6 of 16
“of war”
H6635a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה8 of 16
“to the battle”
H4421a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
אֲשֶׁר12 of 16
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16
“which the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת15 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 31:21 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 31:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge