King James Version

What Does Numbers 8:7 Mean?

Numbers 8:7 in the King James Version says “And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their f...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean. let them shave: Heb. let them cause a razor to pass over, etc”

Numbers 8:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

6

Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.

7

And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean. let them shave: Heb. let them cause a razor to pass over, etc

8

Then let them take a young bullock with his meat offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering.

9

And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together:

Read Numbers 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sprinkle water of purifying upon them (הַזֵּה עֲלֵיהֶם מֵי חַטָּאת, hazzeh aleyhem mey ḥatta't)—Mey ḥatta't (waters of sin/purification) refers to water mixed with ashes of the red heifer (Numbers 19). Hizzah (to sprinkle) was a ritual cleansing act symbolizing removal of defilement. Let them shave all their flesh (וְהֶעֱבִירוּ תַעַר עַל־כָּל־בְּשָׂרָם, veha'aviru ta'ar al-kol-besaram)—total shaving signified complete renewal, shedding the old self.

Let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean (וְכִבְּסוּ בִגְדֵיהֶם וְהִטֶּהָרוּ, vechivsu vigdeyhem vehittaharu)—Kibes (to wash) and taher (to be clean, pure) complete the threefold purification: water, shaving, laundering. This consecration ritual prefigures Christian baptism (Titus 3:5, 'washing of regeneration') and the comprehensive cleansing Christ provides (Ephesians 5:26, washing with water by the word).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical consecration (Numbers 8:5-22) occurred after the tabernacle's completion and before Israel's wilderness march began. Unlike priests (Aaron's line) who were anointed, Levites were ceremonially cleansed and presented as living offerings. This distinction separated high priestly ministry (intercession, sacrifice) from Levitical service (tabernacle maintenance, worship assistance).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the threefold cleansing (water, shaving, washing) symbolize the comprehensive nature of God's sanctification work in believers?
  2. What does the Levites' role as 'cleansed servants' rather than 'anointed priests' teach about different callings within the body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְכֹֽה1 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

תַעֲשֶׂ֤ה2 of 16

“And thus shalt thou do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶם֙3 of 16
H0
וְהִטֶּהָֽרוּ׃4 of 16

“and so make themselves clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

הַזֵּ֥ה5 of 16

“them Sprinkle”

H5137

to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם6 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֵ֣י7 of 16

“water”

H4325

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

חַטָּ֑את8 of 16

“of purifying”

H2403

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

וְהֶֽעֱבִ֤ירוּ9 of 16
H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

תַ֙עַר֙10 of 16

“upon them and let them shave”

H8593

a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)

עַל11 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל12 of 16
H3605

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

בְּשָׂרָ֔ם13 of 16

“all their flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְכִבְּס֥וּ14 of 16

“and let them wash”

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בִגְדֵיהֶ֖ם15 of 16

“their clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְהִטֶּהָֽרוּ׃16 of 16

“and so make themselves clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 8:6Numbers 19:7-10Numbers 19:13Leviticus 16:28Psalms 51:7Hebrews 9:10

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