Old Testament
Numbers 5:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Command the Israelites to send out of the camp every leper, everyone with a discharge, and anyone defiled by contact with the dead.
Compare translations
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:
What Numbers 5:2 means
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.
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
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 5:2
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 5:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.