Numbers 9:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Some men are ceremonially unclean due to contact with a corpse and cannot participate in Passover.
The Context of Numbers 9:6
Certain men are ceremonially unclean from a death and cannot keep Passover.
What Does Numbers 9:6 Mean?
Under Israelite law, contact with a dead body created ritual impurity that prevented participation in sacred observances. This was not a punishment but a status requiring restoration. These men were excluded not from God's love or the covenant, but from the immediate temple rituals until cleansing was complete, reflecting the concern for holiness in worship.
The men's response is significant: they approached Moses and Aaron seeking a solution rather than simply accepting exclusion. This shows both their understanding of the sacred law and their commitment to Passover—they wanted to participate in the covenant remembrance.
Numbers 9:6 in the Original Language
טָמֵא (tamei), 'defiled' — to become unclean through contact with death or other impurity sources, requiring purification rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 9:6
What does Numbers 9:6 mean?
Some men are ceremonially unclean due to contact with a corpse and cannot participate in Passover.
What is the context of Numbers 9:6?
Certain men are ceremonially unclean from a death and cannot keep Passover.