Old Testament
Numbers 19:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"This is what the law requires, as the LORD has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer that has no spot or defect and has never worn a yoke.
Compare translations
This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
What Numbers 19:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 19:2, God instructs the Israelites to bring a red heifer that is perfect and has never been used for work. This heifer is significant for the purification rituals in the Israelite community. The requirement for the heifer to be without spot or defect symbolizes the need for purity and perfection in offerings to God. The red color may also represent the idea of sacrifice and atonement. The heifer's lack of a yoke indicates that it has not been burdened by labor, further emphasizing its purity. This command highlights the importance of following God's laws precisely and the seriousness of maintaining holiness in worship practices. The red heifer plays a crucial role in the ritual of purification, which is essential for the community's spiritual health and relationship with God. Overall, this verse sets the stage for understanding the significance of sacrifices and the need for purity in approaching God.
How to apply Numbers 19:2 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of purity in our lives and worship. Just as the Israelites were called to bring a perfect offering, we should strive to present ourselves and our actions in a way that honors God. This can involve examining our lives for areas that need improvement and seeking to live in accordance with His commands.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 19:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 19:2
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 19:2 mean?
Numbers 19:2 conveys God's command to the Israelites to bring a flawless red heifer for purification rituals. This heifer symbolizes purity and the seriousness of adhering to God's laws.
What is the significance of the red heifer in Numbers 19:2?
The red heifer in Numbers 19:2 is significant for its role in purification rituals, representing the need for a perfect sacrifice. Its unblemished condition emphasizes the importance of purity in offerings to God.
How does Numbers 19:2 relate to the concept of sacrifice?
Numbers 19:2 relates to sacrifice by illustrating the need for a perfect offering to God, which is essential for atonement and maintaining a right relationship with Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.