Numbers 31:23
Numbers 31:23 in Multiple Translations
everything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water.
Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
everything that may abide the fire, ye shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make to go through the water.
And anything which may be heated, is to go through the fire and be made clean; but in addition it is to be put in the water of cleaning: and anything which may not go through the fire is to be put in the water.
anything that doesn't burn—must be put through fire to make it clean. But it still has to be purified using water of purification. Anything that burns must be put through the water.
Euen all that may abide the fire, yee shall make it goe through the fire, and it shalbe cleane: yet, it shalbe purified with the water of purification: and all that suffereth not the fire, yee shall cause to passe by the water.
every thing which may go into fire, ye cause to pass over through fire, and it hath been clean; only, with the water of separation it is cleansed, and all that may not go into fire, ye cause to pass over through water;
everything that may withstand the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity. All that doesn’t withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water.
Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
And all that may pass through the fire, shall be purified by fire, but whatsoever cannot abide the fire, shall be sanctified with the water of expiation:
Put everything that will not burn into the fire, and then they will be acceptable for you to use. But also sprinkle those things with the water that causes things and people to become acceptable to God. The things that would burn if you put them in a fire, sprinkle them with that water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:23
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Numbers 31:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:23
Study Notes — Numbers 31:23
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 31:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:23
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:23
- Sermons on Numbers 31:23
Context — Vengeance on Midian
23everything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water.
24On the seventh day you are to wash your clothes, and you will be clean. After that you may enter the camp.” 25The LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 19:9 | Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to gather up the ashes of the heifer and store them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They must be kept by the congregation of Israel for preparing the water of purification; this is for purification from sin. |
| 2 | Numbers 19:17 | For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 3:13 | his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. |
| 4 | Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. |
| 5 | Matthew 3:11 | I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 3:21 | And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, |
| 7 | Revelation 3:18 | I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. |
| 8 | Malachi 2:2–3 | If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart. Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it. |
| 9 | Leviticus 11:32 | When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 1:7 | so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
Numbers 31:23 Summary
This verse, Numbers 31:23, teaches us about purification. Just like the Israelites had to cleanse their belongings with fire or water, we need to let God clean our hearts and minds. This can happen through difficult times (like fire) or through reading and obeying God's Word (like water), as seen in Psalm 119:9 and Jeremiah 23:29. By allowing God to purify us, we become cleaner and closer to Him, reflecting the process described in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of putting items through fire in Numbers 31:23?
The purpose of putting items through fire is to purify them, as fire is a symbol of purification in the Bible, seen in Isaiah 1:25 and Malachi 3:2-3. This process is meant to cleanse the items of any impurities before they can be used by the Israelites.
Why are items that cannot withstand fire passed through water instead?
Items that cannot withstand fire are passed through water as an alternative method of purification, highlighting the importance of cleanliness in the eyes of God, as also seen in Leviticus 15:13 and Numbers 19:17-19.
What is the water of purification mentioned in this verse?
The water of purification is likely referring to the ceremonial water used for cleansing in Numbers 19:9, which was mixed with the ashes of the red heifer, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of purification beyond mere physical cleanliness.
How does this verse relate to our spiritual lives today?
This verse reminds us that, just as the Israelites had to purify their belongings, we must also allow God to purify our hearts and minds through the fire of trials and the water of His Word, as seen in 1 Peter 1:7 and Ephesians 5:26.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'items' in my life that need to be purified by God's fire or washed with the water of His Word?
- How do I distinguish between what can withstand the 'fire' of trials and what needs the gentler cleansing of God's Word in my life?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of purification to my daily life, making sure to cleanse not just my actions but my thoughts and intentions as well?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of spiritual cleanliness and how it reflects my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:23
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:23
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:23
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:23
Sermons on Numbers 31:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ashes of a Heifer by George Warnock | George Warnock delves into the profound cleansing work of the Spirit of God in our lives, emphasizing the comprehensive purification offered through the Blood of Christ and the ete |
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Washed With Fire by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who worked in Africa and lived in a humble bamboo house. Despite facing potential dangers in the jungle, she had faith and |
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Judgement Seat of Believers by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher describes a dream of a great judgment morning at a camp, where the nations gather before the white throne for judgment. The preacher emphasi |
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The Judgement Seat of Christ by Erwin Lutzer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that our faithfulness on earth will determine our position in the eternal kingdom. He highlights the importance of being faithful in all aspe |
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The Voice of Gods Judgement by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He emphasizes that each person is given different abilities and resources according to their own |
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A Voice From Heaven by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians resisting the temptations and allurements of the world. He encourages believers to have the patience and endura |
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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-Iii Interview: Jim Cymbala by Jim Cymbala | In this video, Dr. Richard Land discusses the bias against conservatives and Christians in the national media, as detailed in Bernard Goldberg's book "Bias." He highlights the outr |






