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Numbers 5:3

Numbers 5:3 in Multiple Translations

You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”

Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.

both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camp, in the midst whereof I dwell.

Male or female they are to be put outside the tent-circle, so that they may not make unclean my resting-place among them.

Whether male or female, you must expel them so they won't make their camp unclean, for that is where I live with them.”

Both male and female shall ye put out: out of the hoste shall yee put them, that they defile not their tentes among whome I dwell.

from male unto female ye do send out; unto the outside of the camp ye do send them; and they defile not their camps in the midst of which I do tabernacle.'

You shall put both male and female outside of the camp so that they don’t defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”

Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst of which I dwell.

Whether it be man or woman, cast ye them out of the camp, lest they defile it when I shall dwell with you.

Send them away from there in order that they will not touch people in the camp area where I live among you and cause them to become unacceptable to me.’”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:3

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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מִ/זָּכָ֤ר עַד נְקֵבָה֙ תְּשַׁלֵּ֔חוּ אֶל מִ/ח֥וּץ לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה תְּשַׁלְּח֑וּ/ם וְ/לֹ֤א יְטַמְּאוּ֙ אֶת מַ֣חֲנֵי/הֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י שֹׁכֵ֥ן בְּ/תוֹכָֽ/ם
מִ/זָּכָ֤ר zâkâr H2145 male Prep | N-ms
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
נְקֵבָה֙ nᵉqêbâh H5347 female N-fs
תְּשַׁלֵּ֔חוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מִ/ח֥וּץ chûwts H2351 outside Prep | N-ms
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה machăneh H4264 camp Prep | N-cs
תְּשַׁלְּח֑וּ/ם shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יְטַמְּאוּ֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מַ֣חֲנֵי/הֶ֔ם machăneh H4264 camp N-cp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
שֹׁכֵ֥ן shâkan H7931 to dwell V-Qal
בְּ/תוֹכָֽ/ם tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:3

מִ/זָּכָ֤ר zâkâr H2145 "male" Prep | N-ms
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
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.
נְקֵבָה֙ nᵉqêbâh H5347 "female" N-fs
This Hebrew word means female, referring to a woman, girl, or female animal. It is used in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe the female sex.
Definition: 1) female 1a) woman, female child 1b) female animal
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: female. See also: Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 12:5; Jeremiah 31:22.
תְּשַׁלֵּ֔חוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִ/ח֥וּץ chûwts H2351 "outside" Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
תְּשַׁלְּח֑וּ/ם shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וְ/לֹ֤א 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.
יְטַמְּאוּ֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
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.
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.
מַ֣חֲנֵי/הֶ֔ם machăneh H4264 "camp" N-cp | Suff
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.
אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
שֹׁכֵ֥ן shâkan H7931 "to dwell" V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
בְּ/תוֹכָֽ/ם tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Numbers 5:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 23:14 For the LORD your God walks throughout your camp to protect you and deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, lest He see anything unclean among you and turn away from you.
2 Leviticus 26:11–12 And I will make My dwelling place among you, and My soul will not despise you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.
3 Psalms 68:18 You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
4 Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.
5 Numbers 35:34 Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”
6 1 Corinthians 5:7–13 Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth. I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
7 Hebrews 12:15–16 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.
8 2 John 1:10–11 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
9 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
10 Isaiah 12:6 Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”

Numbers 5:3 Summary

[This verse is saying that God wanted the Israelites to send away people who were sick or unclean so that the rest of the people could stay healthy and pure, which is similar to how God wants us to live today, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7. God wants to be with His people and for them to be holy, just like He is, as stated in 1 Peter 1:15-16. He wants us to live in a way that honors Him and keeps us close to Him, which is why He gives us commands like this one in Numbers 5:3. By following God's commands, we can show our love for Him and live in a way that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in John 14:15.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct the Israelites to send away people with skin diseases or bodily discharges?

God commanded this to maintain the purity and holiness of the camp, where He dwelled among them, as seen in Numbers 5:3, and to prevent the spread of disease, reflecting His care for the well-being of His people, similar to His instructions in Leviticus 13:46.

What does it mean to 'defile their camp' in Numbers 5:3?

To defile the camp means to make it unclean or impure, which would hinder God's presence among the Israelites, as God is a holy God who dwells among His people, as stated in Exodus 25:8 and Leviticus 26:12.

Is this command to send away the unclean still applicable today?

While the specific command in Numbers 5:3 was for the Israelites in the wilderness, the principle of maintaining purity and holiness is still relevant for believers today, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where we are called to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's presence among His people?

This verse highlights God's desire to dwell among His people, as stated in Numbers 5:3, and the importance of maintaining holiness and purity to ensure His presence, which is a theme throughout the Bible, including in Exodus 29:45-46 and Ezekiel 37:27-28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can 'send away' things in my life that might be defiling my relationship with God, such as sinful habits or negative influences?
  2. How can I balance the need for purity and holiness with the command to love and care for those who may be struggling with issues that make them feel 'unclean'?
  3. What does it mean for me to 'dwell' with God, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in my life, as seen in John 15:4-7?
  4. In what ways can I apply the principle of maintaining purity and holiness in my own life, such as in my thoughts, words, and actions, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8-9?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:3

Both male and female shall ye put out,.... Whether leprous, or profluvious, or defiled by touching a dead carcass: by this law, Miriam, when leprous, was put out of the camp, Numbers 12:14; without

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:3

Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:3

By which caution God would intimate the possibility and danger of men’ s being made guilty by other men’ s sins, and the necessary duty of avoiding intimate converse with wicked men. In the midst whereof I dwell, by my special and gracious presence; and therefore the permission of such impurities is the greater injury and provocation to me, as being done in my sight, and reflecting dishonour upon my name.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:3

Numbers 5:3 Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.Ver. 3. Without the camp shall ye put them.] Evildoers are to be suspended, excommunicated, which text showeth plainly the truth of this ceremony.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:3

1–4. Exclusion of unclean persons. The compiler has very suitably placed this in connexion with the careful arrangements enjoined in the preceding chapter to preserve the sacredness of the Dwelling of Jehovah. Because of His presence the whole camp (‘in the midst whereof I dwell’) was sacred, and all pollution must be rigorously avoided (cf. Leviticus 15:31). The same principle is applied, in Numbers 35:33 f., to the whole land of Canaan.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:3

3. Without the camp — We are not to suppose that these impure persons were left without shelter. Severe indeed, and inhuman, would this banishment of morally innocent persons be, if there were no provision made for their comfort.

Sermons on Numbers 5:3

SermonDescription
George Fox Epistle 379 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life while engaging in outward missions, particularly in America. He encourages his friends to cultivate their hea
Thomas Watson Comfort for the Church by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always
James Booker Bible Portraits of Christ 02 His Feet by James Booker In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a televised program about the Olympics and a long-distance walking event. The speaker uses this analogy to illustrate a lesson about spendin
Joshua Daniel The Tabernacle of God With Us by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives, highlighting the need for humility, truth, and righteousness. It discusses the consequences of breaking God's
Carter Conlon The Things Which Must Be Hereafter by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living testimony for God in our generation. He encourages believers to go where there is difficulty and opposition,
T. Austin-Sparks The Horizon of Christ - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Christ being the horizon of God's interests and activities. They explain that God designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the f
T. Austin-Sparks That He Might Fill All Things - Part 4 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the scripture from Ephesians 4:7-16. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our calling and the distribution of gifts given by Christ.

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