Numbers 19:22
Numbers 19:22 in Multiple Translations
Anything the unclean person touches will become unclean, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening.”
And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that toucheth it shall be unclean until even.
And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that toucheth it shall be unclean until even.
Anything touched by the unclean person will be unclean; and any person touching it will be unclean till evening.
Anything the unclean person touches will be unclean, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until the evening.”
And whatsoeuer the vncleane person toucheth, shall be vncleane: and the person that toucheth him, shalbe vncleane vntill the euen.
and all against which the unclean person cometh is unclean, and the person who is coming against [it] is unclean till the evening.'
“Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean; and the soul that touches it shall be unclean until evening.”
And whatever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that toucheth it shall be unclean until the evening.
Whatsoever a person toucheth who is unclean, he shall make it unclean: and the person that toucheth any of these things, shall be unclean until the evening.
“If someone touches a thing or a person that has become unacceptable to me, that person will remain unacceptable to me until that evening.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 19:22
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 19:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כֹ֛ל
אֲשֶׁר
יִגַּע
בּ֥/וֹ
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
יִטְמָ֑א
וְ/הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ
הַ/נֹּגַ֖עַת
תִּטְמָ֥א
עַד
הָ/עָֽרֶב
וְ/כֹ֛ל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִגַּע
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Art | Adj
יִטְמָ֑א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | Art | N-cs
הַ/נֹּגַ֖עַת
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
Art | V-Qal
תִּטְמָ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 19:22
וְ/כֹ֛ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
יִגַּע
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
בּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Art | 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.
יִטְמָ֑א
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/הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | 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/נֹּגַ֖עַת
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
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.
תִּטְמָ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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 19:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 19:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:22
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:22
- Sermons on Numbers 19:22
Context — Purification of the Unclean
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 | Haggai 2:13 | So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. |
| 2 | Leviticus 7:19 | Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. |
| 3 | Matthew 15:19–20 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.” |
| 4 | Leviticus 5:2 | Or if a person touches anything unclean—whether the carcass of any unclean wild animal or livestock or crawling creature—even if he is unaware of it, he is unclean and guilty. |
| 5 | Mark 7:21–23 | For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” |
| 6 | Leviticus 15:5 | Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. |
Numbers 19:22 Summary
Numbers 19:22 teaches that when someone unclean touches something, it becomes unclean too, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening. This shows how easily sin and uncleanness can spread. In simple terms, it's like how one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. As Christians, we can learn from this principle to avoid things that might lead us away from God, just like we see in (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) and (Ephesians 5:11), and instead strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be unclean in Numbers 19:22?
To be unclean means to be ceremonially defiled, making one ineligible to participate in worship or approach the sanctuary of the Lord, as seen in Numbers 19:20 and Leviticus 15:31.
How does something become unclean according to this verse?
According to Numbers 19:22, anything an unclean person touches becomes unclean, illustrating the contagious nature of ceremonial uncleanness, similar to the concept in Haggai 2:13-14.
What is the duration of uncleanness in this context?
The uncleanness lasts until evening, as stated in Numbers 19:22, after which the person or object can be considered clean again, similar to the evening cleansing mentioned in Leviticus 11:24-25.
Is this concept of uncleanness still applicable today?
While the specific ceremonial laws are not directly applicable to Christians today, the principle of separating oneself from sinful influences remains relevant, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and Ephesians 5:11.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of avoiding sinful influences in my daily life, considering the teachings of Numbers 19:22 and other scriptures?
- What are some modern-day 'unclean' things or practices that I should avoid, in light of verses like 2 Corinthians 6:14-16?
- In what ways can I practically 'touch' or influence others for good or for ill, and how can I ensure my influence is positive and godly, as seen in Matthew 5:13-16?
- How does the concept of ceremonial uncleanness relate to the idea of spiritual cleanliness, as discussed in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:2?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:22
And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean,.... Not the person unclean by sprinkling, or touching the water of purification, but the unclean person spoken of throughout the chapter,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:22
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 19:22
The unclean person; not he who is so only by touching the water of separation, , but he who is so by the greater sort of uncleanness, which lasted seven days, of which ,16, and which was not removed without the use of this water of purification, as is manifest from the context and other places of Scripture, and from the nature of the thing; for the lesser sort of uncleanness, mentioned in the foregoing verse, lasted only till even, and was cleansed by the sole washing of his clothes and flesh in water, , without any use of this water of purification, which, if it had been necessary, must have been used on the third and on the seventh day, according to the rule, ,19, and so the uncleanness of one day had been made an uncleanness of seven days, which is a contradiction. Besides it is unreasonable, that he who immediately touched the defiling thing, should be no more and longer unclean than he who touched that person only; and it was contrary to other rules in like cases, as Leviticus 15, where the man or woman having an issue, are thereby made unclean for seven days, ,28, but he who toucheth them is made unclean only till even, Leviticus 15 7,27. And therefore this cannot be meant of him who was unclean by touching this water, who himself was unclean only till even, , as also he who toucheth him is in this place. Shall be unclean, to signify to us the very infectious nature of sin and of sinful company. Until even, because as his defilement was less, so it was fit the duration of it should be shorter.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:22
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 19:22
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 19:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Clean Heart by Ernest O'Neill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of swearing and its implications. He acknowledges that even though using mild swear words may not seem too evil, it is still wrong |
|
The Citadel of the Soul by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong emphasizes the concept of the human soul as a citadel, a place of security and autonomy where individuals have the power to choose what enters and exits. He highligh |
|
Sinners Bound to Change Their Own Hearts by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity for sinners to actively seek a new heart and spirit, as commanded in Ezekiel 18:31. He argues that this requirement is not unreasonable, as |
|
The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
|
The Taming of Anger by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of thoughts in the manifestation of anger, asserting that all sins, including anger, begin in the heart and mind. He explains that quick-temp |
|
Its Mock Salvation vs. a Real Deliverance From Sin by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches about the contrast between mock salvation and true salvation from sin, emphasizing the universal need for a regenerating process to address the moral disea |
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Pastor Offers 5 Biblical Reasons Why Gay Marriage Is Wrong by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the controversy surrounding homosexuality and gay marriage, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love even if it means risking reputation and |