Numbers 19:20

Numbers 19:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean.

King James Version KJV

But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.

American Standard Version ASV

But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of Jehovah: the water for impurity hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the man who, being unclean, does not make himself clean in this way, will be cut off from the meeting of the people, because he has made the holy place of the Lord unclean: the water has not been put on him, he is unclean.

Free Bible Version FBV

But if you don't purify yourself, you will be expelled from the Israelites, because you have made the Tabernacle of the Lord unclean. The water of purification hasn't been sprinkled on you, and you remain unclean.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the man that is vncleane and purifieth not himselfe, that person shalbe cut off from among the Congregation, because hee hath defiled the Sanctuarie of the Lord: and the sprinkling water hath not bene sprinkled vpon him: therefore shall he be vncleane.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And the man who is unclean, and doth not cleanse himself, even that person hath been cut off from the midst of the assembly; for the sanctuary of Jehovah he hath defiled; water of separation is not sprinkled upon him; he [is] unclean.

World English Bible WEB

But the man who shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him. He is unclean.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If any man be not expiated after this rite, his soul shall perish out of the midst of the church: because he hath profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, and was not sprinkled with the water of purification.

Translation for Translators T4T

“If those who have become unacceptable to me do not become acceptable to me again by doing this, they will no longer be permitted to live among the Israeli people, because they have defiled my Sacred Tent. They did not sprinkle on themselves the water that removes the guilt of their sins, so they remain unacceptable to me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 19:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 19:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אִ֤ישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִטְמָא֙ וְ/לֹ֣א יִתְחַטָּ֔א וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ/הִ֖וא מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ הַ/קָּהָ֑ל כִּי֩ אֶת מִקְדַּ֨שׁ יְהוָ֜ה טִמֵּ֗א מֵ֥י נִדָּ֛ה לֹא זֹרַ֥ק עָלָ֖י/ו טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא

וְ/אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִטְמָא֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִתְחַטָּ֔א châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms

וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה kârath H3772 to cut Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Art | N-cs

הַ/הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

הַ/קָּהָ֑ל qâhâl H6951 assembly Art | N-ms

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מִקְדַּ֨שׁ miqdâsh H4720 sanctuary N-ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

טִמֵּ֗א ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Piel-Perf-3ms

מֵ֥י mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

נִדָּ֛ה niddâh H5079 impurity N-fs

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

זֹרַ֥ק zâraq H2236 to scatter V-Q-Perf-3ms

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

טָמֵ֥א ṭâmêʼ H2931 unclean Adj

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 19:20

וְ/אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יִטְמָא֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.

Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִתְחַטָּ֔א châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה kârath H3772 "to cut" Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Art | N-cs

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

הַ/הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

הַ/קָּהָ֑ל qâhâl H6951 "assembly" Art | N-ms

A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.

Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body

Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִקְדַּ֨שׁ miqdâsh H4720 "sanctuary" N-ms

A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.

Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

טִמֵּ֗א ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

מֵ֥י mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

נִדָּ֛ה niddâh H5079 "impurity" N-fs

Impurity, which can refer to ceremonial uncleanness, such as menstruation, or moral corruption, like idolatry, as discussed in Leviticus.

Definition: 1) impurity, filthiness, menstruous, set apart 1a) impurity 1a1) of ceremonial impurity 1a2) of menstruation 1b) impure thing (fig.) 1b1) of idolatry, immorality

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far, filthiness, [idiom] flowers, menstruous (woman), put apart, [idiom] removed (woman), separation, set apart, unclean(-ness, thing, with filthiness). See also: Leviticus 12:2; Numbers 19:20; Zechariah 13:1.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

זֹרַ֥ק zâraq H2236 "to scatter" V-Q-Perf-3ms

To scatter or sprinkle something, like in Leviticus 16:14 where the priest scatters blood on the altar. This act symbolizes purification and cleansing.

Definition: 1) to scatter, sprinkle, toss, throw, scatter abundantly, strew 1a) (Qal) to scatter, sprinkle, toss 1b) (Pual) to be sprinkled

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. See also: Exodus 9:8; Leviticus 9:18; Isaiah 28:25.

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

טָמֵ֥א ṭâmêʼ H2931 "unclean" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.

Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Study Notes — Numbers 19:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 19:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:20
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:20
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:20
Sermons on Numbers 19:20

Context — Purification of the Unclean

18Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain. 19The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean.

20But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean.

21This is a permanent statute for the people: The one who sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes, and whoever touches the water of purification will be unclean until evening. 22Anything the unclean person touches will become unclean, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 16:16	Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
2	Genesis 17:14	But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
3	Numbers 19:13	Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him.
4	Revelation 22:11	Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.”
5	Acts 13:39–41	Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Watch out, then, that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you: ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ ”
6	Romans 2:4–5	Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
7	2 Peter 3:14	Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
8	Numbers 15:30	But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people.

Numbers 19:20 Summary

Numbers 19:20 teaches us that if someone who is unclean does not take steps to purify themselves, they will be separated from the community of believers. This is because being unclean defiles the sanctuary of the Lord, showing disrespect for God's holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45). To avoid this, we must prioritize our spiritual cleanliness, recognizing our sinfulness and seeking purification through God's prescribed methods, such as confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). By doing so, we can maintain a right relationship with God and the community of believers, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone who is unclean does not purify themselves according to Numbers 19:20?

If a person who is unclean does not purify themselves, they will be cut off from the assembly, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord, as stated in Numbers 19:20. This emphasizes the importance of following God's commands for purification, as seen in Leviticus 15:31.

Why is it so important to be clean before approaching the sanctuary of the Lord?

Being clean before approaching the sanctuary of the Lord is crucial because it shows respect and reverence for God's holiness, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45. Failing to do so can lead to severe consequences, as seen in Numbers 19:20.

How does the concept of being 'cut off from the assembly' relate to our lives today?

The concept of being 'cut off from the assembly' in Numbers 19:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God and His community, as seen in Hebrews 10:25. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual cleanliness and participation in the body of Christ.

What is the significance of the 'water of purification' in this verse?

The 'water of purification' in Numbers 19:20 represents a ritual cleansing process, symbolizing the removal of spiritual impurity, as seen in Ezekiel 36:25. It highlights the need for spiritual cleansing and the importance of following God's prescribed methods for achieving it, such as those found in Leviticus 16:30.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'unclean' and in need of purification, and how can I apply the principles of Numbers 19:20 to my situation?
How can I balance the need for spiritual cleanliness with the reality of living in a fallen world, where impurity and sin are inevitable, as seen in Romans 3:23?
In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and the community of believers, making sure I am not 'cut off from the assembly' due to unaddressed sin or impurity, as warned in 1 Corinthians 5:13?
What role does humility and recognition of my own sinfulness play in the process of purification and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:20

But the man that shall be unclean,.... By touching any dead body, bone, or grave: and shall not purify himself; with the water of purification: that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:20

He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. He that toucheth the dead body of any man. This law is noticed here to show the uses to which the water of separation was applied.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:20

Shall not purify himself, i.e, shall contemptuously refuse to submit to this way of purification.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:20

14–22. A second use of the ‘water of impurity.’ Mere presence under the same roof as the dead, without actual contact, causes defilement.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:20

20. Shall be cut off — See Leviticus 7:20. This is an emphatic repetition of the threatening in Numbers 19:13. See note.

Sermons on Numbers 19:20

	Sermon	Description
	Does Association With Evil Defile? by A.E. Booth	A.E. Booth preaches about the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in the sight of God, drawing lessons from the Old Testament types and prophecies. He emphasizes the need
	Water Baptism - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of not just believing and confessing the Gospel, but also demonstrating it through our actions. He shares a principle he taug
	Whatever Happened to Repentance? by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess t
	Baptism by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, Jacob Prast discusses the topic of baptism, specifically focusing on water baptism. He references Colossians 2:12, which speaks about being buried with Jesus in bap
	Accidents, Not Punishments by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a tragic incident where a couple is crushed and killed in an accident. The preacher emphasizes that this event should not be seen as a puni
	Grieving the Holy Spirit by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experience of feeling distant from God and lacking spiritual understanding, comfort, and power. He emphasizes the need for individuals and
	Corn in Egypt by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross for salvation. He encourages the listeners to believe in Jes