King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:17 Mean?

Numbers 5:17 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the pr... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:

Numbers 5:17 · KJV


Context

15

Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

16

And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:

17

And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:

18

And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:

19

And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse: with another: or, being in the power of thy husband: Heb. under thy husband


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The holy water in an earthen vessel combines the sacred and the common. Holy water from the laver used for priestly consecration is placed in a common clay vessel, then mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor. This mixture of holy, common, and even base elements creates the water of testing. The earthen vessel may represent humanity—containing what is holy yet being common clay. The dust recalls the curse on the serpent and on Adam—'dust you are and to dust you shall return.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The laver stood in the tabernacle courtyard between the altar and the tent entrance. Priests washed there before entering God's presence or offering sacrifices. The water was thus associated with purification and preparation to approach God. The tabernacle floor's dust came from the very ground made holy by God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the combination of holy water and common dust teach about God's ability to use all elements for His purposes?
  2. How does the earthen vessel symbolize humanity's role as bearers of what is holy?
  3. In what ways does the dust element recall the curse and point toward the need for redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
יִקַּ֥ח1 of 17

shall take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן2 of 17

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַמָּֽיִם׃3 of 17

it into the water

H4325

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

קְדֹשִׁ֖ים4 of 17

holy

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

בִּכְלִי5 of 17

vessel

H3627

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

חָ֑רֶשׂ6 of 17

in an earthen

H2789

a piece of pottery

וּמִן7 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הֶֽעָפָ֗ר8 of 17

and of the dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 17
H834

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

יִֽהְיֶה֙10 of 17
H1961

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

בְּקַרְקַ֣ע11 of 17

that is in the floor

H7172

floor (as if a pavement of pieces or tesseroe), of a building or the sea

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן12 of 17

of the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

יִקַּ֥ח13 of 17

shall take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן14 of 17

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְנָתַ֥ן15 of 17

and put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶל16 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּֽיִם׃17 of 17

it into the water

H4325

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


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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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