Numbers 5:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Both men and women must be removed so they do not defile the camp where God dwells.
The Context of Numbers 5:3
Separation maintains the sanctity of God's dwelling place.
What Does Numbers 5:3 Mean?
The command applies equally to men and women, showing impartial application of ritual law. The camp's holiness is directly tied to the presence of God in the midst of the people, making ceremonial purity not arbitrary but foundational to God's dwelling among them.
This separation isn't punishment but protection—of the camp's fitness as a dwelling place for God and of the person's own healing journey. The requirement reveals how seriously ancient Israel took the covenant relationship and God's presence among them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:3
What does Numbers 5:3 mean?
Both men and women must be removed so they do not defile the camp where God dwells.
What is the context of Numbers 5:3?
Separation maintains the sanctity of God's dwelling place.