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Book of Numbers - Chapter 19 - Verse 20

19:20
But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.

Meaning

In this verse, it is explained that if a person becomes unclean and does not purify themselves, they will be cut off from the congregation because they have defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness and purity in the sight of God. The water of separation mentioned in the verse refers to the ritual purification process prescribed by God in the Old Testament. By not undergoing this purification ritual, the person remains unclean and unfit to be a part of the congregation. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual and moral purity in the eyes of the Lord. It also highlights the consequences of defiling the sacred spaces dedicated to God. Overall, this verse emphasizes the significance of maintaining a pure heart and spirit in order to remain in fellowship with the congregation and to honor the sanctuary of the LORD.

Theological Overview

This verse from Numbers 19:20 speaks about the consequences for a man who becomes unclean and fails to purify himself. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and holiness before the Lord. In this context, being unclean signifies a state of spiritual impurity or defilement which separates the individual from the congregation of the Lord. The act of purification, symbolized by the sprinkling of the water of separation, serves as a ritual cleansing to make oneself right with God and the community. Failure to undergo this purification process results in being cut off from the congregation, highlighting the severity of spiritual impurity in the eyes of the Lord. This verse underscores the significance of maintaining a pure heart and a clean conscience in order to remain in fellowship with God and his people.

American Standard Version

But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of Jehovah: the water for impurity hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.
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