Numbers 19:21 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who handle the purification water also become unclean and must wash, establishing a perpetual law.
The Context of Numbers 19:21
The purification water itself imparts uncleanness to those handling it.
What Does Numbers 19:21 Mean?
Even the agent of purification—the clean person who sprinkles the water—becomes unclean through contact with it. This person must wash their clothes and wait until evening for restoration, showing the power of the water itself.
The phrase 'perpetual statute' confirms this law's lasting application. The contagion of even the purifying water emphasizes death's persistent touch throughout the entire ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 19:21
What does Numbers 19:21 mean?
Those who handle the purification water also become unclean and must wash, establishing a perpetual law.
What is the context of Numbers 19:21?
The purification water itself imparts uncleanness to those handling it.