Old Testament
Numbers 5:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to remove certain individuals from the camp to maintain purity and health among the community.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Command the Israelites to send out of the camp every leper, everyone with a discharge, and anyone defiled by contact with the dead.
Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to remove certain individuals from the camp to maintain purity and health among the community. Lepers, those with bodily discharges, and anyone who has come into contact with a dead body are to be sent away. This command reflects the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness in the Israelite community. The presence of these individuals was seen as a potential source of contamination, both physically and ceremonially. By isolating them, the community could protect itself from disease and maintain its holiness before God. This practice underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach issues of purity and the lengths they were to go to ensure the well-being of the entire community. It also serves as a reminder of the broader biblical themes of sin, separation, and the need for redemption.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 5:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the importance of maintaining a healthy community. While we may not practice physical separation today, we can reflect on how our actions and choices affect those around us. Promoting a supportive and clean environment is essential for spiritual and emotional well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 5:2 mean?
Numbers 5:2 conveys God's command to the Israelites to remove individuals with leprosy, bodily discharges, or those who have come into contact with the dead from the camp. This action was intended to maintain the community's physical and ceremonial purity.
What is the significance of lepers in Numbers 5:2?
In Numbers 5:2, lepers are significant as they represent individuals who were considered unclean and a potential source of contamination. Their removal from the camp underscores the importance of maintaining health and purity within the Israelite community.
What does 'defiled by contact with the dead' mean in Numbers 5:2?
'Defiled by contact with the dead' in Numbers 5:2 refers to individuals who have come into contact with a corpse, which rendered them ceremonially unclean. This command highlights the seriousness of maintaining spiritual cleanliness in the community.
Why were people with discharges sent out of the camp in Numbers 5:2?
People with discharges were sent out of the camp in Numbers 5:2 to prevent the spread of physical and ceremonial impurity. This practice was part of the broader effort to ensure the community remained healthy and holy before God.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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