Numbers 19:21
Numbers 19:21 in Multiple Translations
This 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.
And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.
And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them: and he that sprinkleth the water for impurity shall wash his clothes, and he that toucheth the water for impurity shall be unclean until even.
This is to be a law for them for ever: he who puts the water on the unclean person is to have his clothing washed; and anyone touching the water will be unclean till evening.
This is a permanent rule for everyone. The man who sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes, and anyone who touches the water of purification will be unclean until the evening.
And it shalbe a perpetual lawe vnto them, that he that sprinkleth the sprinkling water, shall wash his clothes: also hee that toucheth the sprinkling water, shalbe vncleane vntill euen.
'And it hath been to them for a statute age-during, that he who is sprinkling the water of separation doth wash his garments, and he who is coming against the water of separation is unclean till the evening,
It shall be a perpetual statute to them. He who sprinkles the water for impurity shall wash his clothes, and he who touches the water for impurity shall be unclean until evening.
And it shall be a perpetual statute to them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until the evening.
This precept shall be an ordinance for ever. He also that sprinkled the water, shall wash his garments. Every one that shall touch the waters of expiation, shall be unclean until the evening.
That is a law for the Israeli people that will never be changed. Those who sprinkle that water on themselves must then wash their clothes. And anyone who touches that water which removes guilt for sins will remain unacceptable to God until that evening.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 19:21
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 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיְתָ֥ה
לָּ/הֶ֖ם
לְ/חֻקַּ֣ת
עוֹלָ֑ם
וּ/מַזֵּ֤ה
מֵֽי
הַ/נִּדָּה֙
יְכַבֵּ֣ס
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו
וְ/הַ/נֹּגֵ֨עַ֙
בְּ/מֵ֣י
הַ/נִּדָּ֔ה
יִטְמָ֖א
עַד
הָ/עָֽרֶב
וְ/הָיְתָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
לָּ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
לְ/חֻקַּ֣ת
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
Prep | N-cs
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
וּ/מַזֵּ֤ה
nâzâh
H5137
to sprinkle
Conj | V-Hiphil
מֵֽי
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
הַ/נִּדָּה֙
niddâh
H5079
impurity
Art | N-fs
יְכַבֵּ֣ס
kâbaç
H3526
to wash
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
וְ/הַ/נֹּגֵ֨עַ֙
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
Conj | Art | V-Qal
בְּ/מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
הַ/נִּדָּ֔ה
niddâh
H5079
impurity
Art | N-fs
יִטְמָ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 19:21
וְ/הָיְתָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָּ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/חֻקַּ֣ת
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
וּ/מַזֵּ֤ה
nâzâh
H5137
"to sprinkle"
Conj | V-Hiphil
To spring or spirt means to jump or leap, and can also mean to sprinkle something, often in a ritual. This word is used in the Bible to describe actions like sprinkling water for purification. It is a verb that implies sudden movement.
Definition: 1) to spurt, spatter, sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to spurt, spatter 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to spurt, sprinkle upon
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: sprinkle. See also: Exodus 29:21; Leviticus 16:14; Isaiah 52:15.
מֵֽי
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.
הַ/נִּדָּה֙
niddâh
H5079
"impurity"
Art | 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.
יְכַבֵּ֣ס
kâbaç
H3526
"to wash"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To wash means to clean something, often by trampling or stamping on it with the feet, as seen in the process of washing clothes.
Definition: 1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller 1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle) 1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person) 1c) (Pual) to be washed 1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fuller, wash(-ing). See also: Genesis 49:11; Leviticus 15:21; Psalms 51:4.
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וְ/הַ/נֹּגֵ֨עַ֙
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בְּ/מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | 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.
הַ/נִּדָּ֔ה
niddâh
H5079
"impurity"
Art | 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.
יִטְמָ֖א
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
Study Notes — Numbers 19:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 19:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:21
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:21
- Sermons on Numbers 19:21
Context — Purification of the Unclean
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 | Hebrews 9:13–14 | For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! |
| 2 | Hebrews 10:4 | because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:10 | They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. |
| 4 | Leviticus 11:40 | Whoever eats from the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening. |
| 5 | Leviticus 11:25 | and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 6 | Leviticus 16:26–28 | The man who released the goat as the scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may reenter the camp. The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up. The one who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and afterward he may reenter the camp. |
| 7 | Hebrews 7:19 | (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. |
Numbers 19:21 Summary
[This verse, Numbers 19:21, teaches us about the importance of respecting spiritual purity and the need to cleanse ourselves after coming into contact with uncleanness. Just like the person sprinkling the water of purification had to wash their clothes, we need to take steps to cleanse ourselves spiritually when we've been exposed to sin or uncleanness (as seen in Psalm 51:2, 7). By doing so, we can maintain our relationship with God and avoid spreading uncleanness to others. This principle is still relevant today, as believers are called to be holy and set apart, as stated in 1 Peter 1:15-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the person sprinkling the water of purification need to wash their clothes?
The person sprinkling the water of purification needed to wash their clothes because they came into contact with the ceremonial uncleanness of the people being purified, as seen in Numbers 19:21, and this act of washing was a way to cleanse themselves from that uncleanness, similar to the washing required in Exodus 30:19-20.
What happens to someone who touches the water of purification?
According to Numbers 19:21, whoever touches the water of purification will be unclean until evening, emphasizing the importance of respecting the ceremonial purity required in the community, as also highlighted in Leviticus 15:5-11.
Is this statute still applicable today?
While the specific statute in Numbers 19:21 was given to the Israelites, the principle of respecting and maintaining spiritual purity remains relevant for believers today, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, where believers are called to be the temple of God and to keep themselves from uncleanness.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and uncleanness?
This verse, Numbers 19:21, illustrates how sin and uncleanness can spread and affect others, similar to the concept seen in Haggai 2:13-14, where the uncleanness of one person can defile others, emphasizing the need for purification and cleansing, as provided through Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 John 1:7-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can unintentionally 'touch' or come into contact with spiritual uncleanness in my daily life?
- How can I apply the principle of respecting spiritual purity in my own life, based on Numbers 19:21 and other scriptures?
- What are some modern-day equivalents of 'washing my clothes' after being exposed to spiritual uncleanness, and how can I prioritize my own spiritual cleansing?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of how my actions and choices might affect the spiritual purity of those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:21
And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them,.... To the children of Israel, throughout their generations, unto the coming of the Messiah, when the ceremonial law, which stood in divers washings and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:21
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 19:21
Shall wash his clothes, because he is unclean, as it here follows. It is strange that the same water should cleanse one person, and defile another; but God would have it so, partly, to teach us that it did not cleanse by any virtue in itself, or in the work done, but only by virtue of God’ s appointment; partly, to mind the Jews of the imperfection of their priesthood, and their ritual purifications and expiations, and consequently of the necessity of a better priest and sacrifice and way of purifying, which these outward rites did point at; and partly, to show that the efficacy of God’ s ordinances doth not depend upon the person or quality of his ministers, because the same person who was polluted himself could and did cleanse others. He that toucheth the water of separation; either by sprinkling of it, or by being sprinkled with it; for even he that was cleansed by it, was not fully cleansed as soon as he was sprinkled, but only at the even of that day, as is said here and above, .
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:21
21. The man who sprinkles the sacred water becomes ‘unclean’; and in the next clause it is stated more generally that the man who touches it becomes unclean. The uncleanness in this case is slight; it lasts until the evening and can be removed by simply washing the clothes. Gray cites a Buddhist parallel from Max Müller, Sacred Books of the East, ii. 250. A close connexion existed in the Semitic mind between ‘uncleanness’ and ‘holiness.’ ‘Holiness’ or ‘sacredness’ was a contagious quality which debarred its possessor from ordinary intercourse with others until the contagion had been removed. Inanimate objects could also receive the contagion: see on Numbers 16:37.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:21
21, 22. It was to be a perpetual statute that he who sprinkled the water of separation, or even touched it, and the person defiled by the corpse-defiled person and the one polluted by his touch, should be unclean till evening.
Sermons on Numbers 19:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Hebrews - Part 26): Christ Offered Himself by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the concept of redemption. He explains that all three persons of the Trinity - the Father, |
|
How Much Can You Lose Without Losing Your Faith by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the impending judgment of God upon the world. He believes that this judgment will encompass all of human history, from the first man Adam to |
|
Charlotte Seminar 5-26-00 Pm by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and instruction for kings and judges. He urges them to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. The pre |
|
Atonement Through the Blood of Jesus by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday emphasizes the significance of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, arguing that it surpasses the old sacrificial system of animals and is central to redemption. He illu |
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Repentance From Dead Works by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside emphasizes the critical nature of 'repentance from dead works' in the Christian faith, contrasting it with the futile attempts of legalism to achieve righteousness. |
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God: The Forgotten Father and Author of His Son’s Passion by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the often-overlooked role of God the Father in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, challenging the notion that Jesus acted independently. He argues that God |
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The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice Over Those of the Law by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrifices, illustrating that while the blood of bulls and goats could only ceremonia |