Numbers 31:23

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

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.

Free Bible Version

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.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

One Unity Resource Bible

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 does not withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water.

Translation for Translators

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.

Unlocked Literal Bible

and everything that resists fire, you must put it through the fire, and it will become clean. You must then purify those things with the water of cleansing. Whatever cannot go through the fire you must cleanse with that water.

Noah Webster Bible

World English Bible

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.

Young's Literal Translation

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;

Context

Vengeance on Midian

²²Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead—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.”

Summary

In this verse, God instructs Moses and Eleazar the priest on how to purify the spoils of war taken from the Midianites. They were to pass the items through fire and water to cleanse them, symbolizing purification through judgment and the Word of God. This process signified the removal of impurity and dedication of the spoils to the Lord. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and consecration in handling the blessings and victories God grants His people.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

The water of separation - The water in which the ashes of the red heifer were mingled; See Num 8:7 (note), Num 19:2 (note), etc. Garments, whether of cloth or skins, were to be washed. Gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, and lead, to pass through the fire, probably to be melted down.