Numbers 8 7

Numbers 8:7 kjv

And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

Numbers 8:7 nkjv

Thus you shall do to them to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purification on them, and let them shave all their body, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

Numbers 8:7 niv

To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes. And so they will purify themselves.

Numbers 8:7 esv

Thus you shall do to them to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of purification upon them, and let them go with a razor over all their body, and wash their clothes and cleanse themselves.

Numbers 8:7 nlt

Do this by sprinkling them with the water of purification, and have them shave their entire body and wash their clothing. Then they will be ceremonially clean.

Numbers 8 verses

Numbers 8 7 Meaning

Numbers 8:7 outlines the specific, multi-step ritual purification for the Levites before they could begin their consecrated service to the Lord in the Tabernacle. This was a process administered by the High Priest (Aaron and his sons) that involved symbolic actions to remove ceremonial uncleanness and prepare them for their unique role as the Lord's dedicated servants, substituting for the firstborn of Israel. Each action – sprinkling, shaving, and washing clothes – represented a profound cleansing necessary for their holy function.

Numbers 8 7 Context

Numbers chapter 8 specifically details the consecration of the Levites, who were set apart to serve in the Tabernacle. This followed the instructions for lighting the lamps of the Menorah (vv. 1-4) and preceded the Passover celebration (ch. 9). The Levites were chosen by God as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel, belonging uniquely to the Lord and designated to assist Aaron and his sons (the priests) in the Tabernacle's operation (Nu 8:6). Verse 7 outlines the core physical purification steps of this elaborate ceremony, which culminated in the people laying their hands on the Levites, their being offered before the Lord as a wave offering, and a special atonement sacrifice. The cleansing ritual described here was essential because they were to handle sacred objects and perform duties directly related to God's holy presence among His people. Historically, physical purity was intricately linked with spiritual readiness to approach God in the Israelite sacrificial system, distinguishing them from other nations and their defiling pagan practices.

Numbers 8 7 Word analysis

• And thus: A connective indicating the method by which the preceding divine command regarding the Levites' consecration will be carried out.

• you shall do to them: Refers to Aaron and his sons, the priests, who were tasked with performing this purification ritual upon the Levites, demonstrating priestly authority in matters of ceremonial purity and consecration.

• to cleanse them: (Hebrew: l'ṭahēr - לְטַהֵר) To make them pure, ceremonially clean, free from defilement. This is the ultimate purpose of the ritual actions. It implies both outward purification and inward preparation for sacred service, indicating a change in status from common to holy.

• Sprinkle: (Hebrew: hizzah - הִזֵּיתָ) To cause water to scatter in drops. This act of sprinkling was a common ritual for purification in the Old Testament, symbolizing purification or atonement. It often represented the application of a cleansing agent.

• water of purification: (Hebrew: mê ḥaṭṭa’ṯ - מֵי חַטָּאת) Literally "waters of sin" or "waters of purification." This refers to a specific type of consecrated water used for cleansing from defilement, often associated with impurity. While Numbers 19 describes water mixed with red heifer ashes specifically for corpse defilement, here it likely refers to a general ritual purification water suitable for those entering sacred service, emphasizing the removal of sin's defilement.

• on them: Refers directly to the Levites, signifying that the sprinkling was a personal application of cleansing to their very beings.

• and let them shave all their body: (Hebrew: he‘evîrû ta‘ar ‘al-kol-beśārām - הֶעֱבִירוּ תַעַר עַל-כָּל-בְּשָׂרָם) "Cause a razor to pass over all their flesh." This was a comprehensive, radical removal of all body hair. Unlike the Nazirite vow (Nu 6) which prohibited cutting hair, this command signifies a complete break from their former state, symbolizing a thorough stripping away of natural impurities, marks of earthly ties, and old defilements, preparing for a total dedication to God. It can also signify a "new birth" into their dedicated role.

• and let them wash their clothes: (Hebrew: w'khibbsew bigdehem - וְכִבְּסוּ בִגְדֵיהֶם) This act, washing their garments, was a frequent requirement in the Law for approaching God or signifying a purified state. It indicated the removal of external impurities from their coverings, signifying complete cleanliness for divine service and preparing them to wear consecrated attire.

• and so make themselves clean: (Hebrew: w'niṭharû - וְנִטְהֲרוּ) A reflexive verb, "they will purify themselves." This implies that while the priests perform the actions upon them, the Levites must also actively participate and submit to the process, thus demonstrating their own readiness and intention to be clean. It highlights both the ritual application and the personal appropriation of the purification.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Sprinkle water of purification on them, and let them shave all their body, and let them wash their clothes": This sequence describes a progressive and exhaustive process of cleansing. The sprinkling initiates, the shaving thoroughly purges, and the washing of clothes ensures external purity. This holistic approach emphasizes the meticulous requirement for holiness in Tabernacle service, addressing both the individual and their garments, mirroring a journey from defilement to a state of profound sanctification. It underscores that God requires a comprehensive approach to purity from those who draw near to Him in sacred service.

Numbers 8 7 Bonus section

The specific method of purification for the Levites, involving water and shaving, stands out compared to the initial consecration of Aaron and his sons (the priests) in Leviticus 8. The priests were washed with water (Lev 8:6) and then anointed with oil (Lev 8:12), which conferred their priestly status and enablement. The Levites, on the other hand, received no anointing oil in this context but rather underwent a radical shaving and extensive washing, indicating a purification from previous status and a transition into an assistant role, being "clean to approach" but not in the same capacity as the priests. This meticulous ritual distinction highlights the hierarchical yet interconnected roles within the Tabernacle service, all contributing to the worship of a holy God. The concept of "cleansing" is also fundamental to understanding the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, where Christ’s singular sacrifice cleanses us once for all from sin's power and defilement, empowering us for service by grace, not ritual.

Numbers 8 7 Commentary

Numbers 8:7 outlines critical preparatory steps for the Levites' consecration, moving them from the common to the holy realm. Each action bears profound symbolic weight. The 'water of purification' (mê ḥaṭṭa’ṯ), applied through sprinkling, points to a ceremonial removal of defilement that renders one fit to approach God, a precursor to the true cleansing available through Christ (Heb 9:13-14). The comprehensive shaving of all body hair is a drastic measure, signifying a complete break with their natural state and a profound surrender to a new identity wholly dedicated to divine service. It communicates radical detachment from the old self and radical identification with their new calling. The washing of clothes reinforces this, addressing external appearance and demonstrating thorough preparedness for entering the sacred sphere. These detailed rituals underscore God's demand for holiness and set a standard for all who serve Him. In a deeper theological sense, they prefigure the spiritual purification believers undergo through Christ's atoning blood, His living Word (Eph 5:26), and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Tit 3:5), which enable all believers, the New Testament "royal priesthood," to serve the living God (1 Pet 2:9).