Numbers 5:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest prepares a mixture of holy water and tabernacle dust for the test.
The Context of Numbers 5:17
A sacred mixture is prepared for the test.
What Does Numbers 5:17 Mean?
Holy water from the sanctuary is mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor, creating a substance that physically represents the intersection of God's holiness (the water) and the earthly place where He dwells (the dust). The earthen vessel, being breakable, may symbolize the fragility of the matter at hand.
This preparation emphasizes the sacred nature of the test. The use of materials from the tabernacle itself—the seat of God's presence—demonstrates that the procedure invokes God's authority and knowledge. The woman will drink this mixture, making it a physical link to divine judgment.
Numbers 5:17 in the Original Language
holy (קָדֹשׁ, kadosh) means set apart for God's purposes
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:17
What does Numbers 5:17 mean?
The priest prepares a mixture of holy water and tabernacle dust for the test.
What is the context of Numbers 5:17?
A sacred mixture is prepared for the test.