Numbers 19:4

Numbers 19:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting.

King James Version KJV

And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:

American Standard Version ASV

and Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle her blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then let Eleazar the priest take some of her blood on his finger, shaking the blood seven times in the direction of the front of the Tent of meeting:

Free Bible Version FBV

Eleazar the priest will put some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times towards the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then shall Eleazar the Priest take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle it before the Tabernacle of the Congregation seuen times,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And Eleazar the priest hath taken of its blood with his finger, and hath sprinkled over-against the front of the tent of meeting of her blood seven times;

World English Bible WEB

Eleazar the priest shall take some of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle her blood toward the front of the Tent of Meeting seven times.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And dipping his finger in her blood, shall sprinkle it over against the door of the tabernacle seven times,

Translation for Translators T4T

He must dip one of his fingers in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times on the ground near the Sacred Tent.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 19:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לָקַ֞ח אֶלְעָזָ֧ר הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן מִ/דָּמָ֖/הּ בְּ/אֶצְבָּע֑/וֹ וְ/הִזָּ֞ה אֶל נֹ֨כַח פְּנֵ֧י אֹֽהֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד מִ/דָּמָ֖/הּ שֶׁ֥בַע פְּעָמִֽים

וְ/לָקַ֞ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֶלְעָזָ֧ר ʼElʻâzâr H499 Eleazar N-proper

הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

מִ/דָּמָ֖/הּ dâm H1818 blood Prep | N-ms | Suff

בְּ/אֶצְבָּע֑/וֹ ʼetsbaʻ H676 finger Prep | N-fs | Suff

וְ/הִזָּ֞ה nâzâh H5137 to sprinkle Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

נֹ֨כַח nôkach H5227 before Prep

פְּנֵ֧י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

אֹֽהֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms

מוֹעֵ֛ד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms

מִ/דָּמָ֖/הּ dâm H1818 blood Prep | N-ms | Suff

שֶׁ֥בַע shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj

פְּעָמִֽים paʻam H6471 beat N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 19:4

וְ/לָקַ֞ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אֶלְעָזָ֧ר ʼElʻâzâr H499 "Eleazar" N-proper

Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

מִ/דָּמָ֖/הּ dâm H1818 "blood" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

בְּ/אֶצְבָּע֑/וֹ ʼetsbaʻ H676 "finger" Prep | N-fs | Suff

In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.

Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.

וְ/הִזָּ֞ה nâzâh H5137 "to sprinkle" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

To spring or spirt means to jump or leap, and can also mean to sprinkle something, often in a ritual. This word is used in the Bible to describe actions like sprinkling water for purification. It is a verb that implies sudden movement.

Definition: 1) to spurt, spatter, sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to spurt, spatter 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to spurt, sprinkle upon

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: sprinkle. See also: Exodus 29:21; Leviticus 16:14; Isaiah 52:15.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

נֹ֨כַח nôkach H5227 "before" Prep

Refers to something being in front of or before something else, often describing location or direction. Used in Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites' position relative to the Promised Land. It can also mean on behalf of someone.

Definition: subst 1) be in front of adv 2) in front of, opposite to, in the sight of, before, to the front, right on prep 3) towards the front of, in front of, on behalf of, as far as in front of Also means: ne.khach (נֵכַח "before" H5226)

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on). See also: Genesis 25:21; 1 Kings 22:35; Proverbs 4:25.

פְּנֵ֧י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

אֹֽהֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" N-ms

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

מוֹעֵ֛ד môwʻêd H4150 "meeting" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.

Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.

מִ/דָּמָ֖/הּ dâm H1818 "blood" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

שֶׁ֥בַע shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj

This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.

Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.

פְּעָמִֽים paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fp

This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.

Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

Study Notes — Numbers 19:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 19:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:4
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 19:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 19:4
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:4
Sermons on Numbers 19:4

Context — The Red Heifer

2“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke. 3Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence.

4Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting.

5Then the heifer must be burned in his sight. Its hide, its flesh, and its blood are to be burned, along with its dung. 6The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 4:17	and he is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil.
2	Leviticus 4:6	The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.
3	Leviticus 16:14	And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat.
4	Leviticus 16:19	He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.
5	1 Peter 1:2	according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
6	Hebrews 9:13–14	For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
7	Hebrews 12:24	to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Numbers 19:4 Summary

In Numbers 19:4, we see Eleazar the priest taking the blood of a red heifer and sprinkling it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. This act was a symbol of purification and atonement, showing us that God is holy and we need to be cleansed from our sins. Just like the Israelites needed to be purified after coming into contact with death, we need to be cleansed from our sins through faith in Jesus Christ, as taught in Romans 3:25 and 1 John 1:7, where Jesus is described as the one who cleanses us from all our sins. By understanding this ritual, we can appreciate the depth of God's love and the importance of seeking forgiveness and purification in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Eleazar the priest have to sprinkle the blood of the red heifer seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting?

The act of sprinkling the blood seven times was a symbolic gesture of purification and atonement, as seen in other biblical rituals such as the cleansing of lepers in Leviticus 14:7, and it signified the seriousness of sin and the need for cleansing in the presence of a holy God, as taught in Numbers 19:4 and supported by Psalm 51:7.

What is the significance of using the priest's finger to sprinkle the blood?

The use of the priest's finger to sprinkle the blood emphasizes the personal and intentional nature of the ritual, underscoring the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, as seen in Exodus 29:12 and Leviticus 4:6, where the priest's actions are crucial for atonement and purification.

How does this ritual relate to the overall theme of Numbers 19?

The ritual described in Numbers 19:4 is part of a larger ordinance for the purification of those who have come into contact with death, highlighting the need for cleansing and restoration in the presence of God, as emphasized in Numbers 19:1-10 and reinforced by Ezekiel 36:25, where God promises to sprinkle clean water on His people to cleanse them from all their impurities.

What can we learn from this verse about the importance of ritual and symbolism in worship?

This verse teaches us that ritual and symbolism play a vital role in worship, as they convey deep spiritual truths and remind us of God's holiness and our need for cleansing, as seen in Hebrews 9:13-14, where the blood of Christ is compared to the sprinkling of blood in the Old Testament rituals, highlighting the ultimate purification and atonement found in Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

What does the act of sprinkling blood toward the front of the Tent of Meeting reveal about God's character and our relationship with Him?
How can I apply the principle of purification and atonement in my own life, especially when I feel 'unclean' or distant from God?
In what ways does the symbolism of the red heifer's blood point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does this impact my understanding of salvation and forgiveness?
What role does ritual and symbolism play in my own worship and spiritual practices, and how can I deepen my understanding and appreciation of these elements?
How does the detail of the priest's finger being used to sprinkle the blood speak to the personal and intimate nature of God's relationship with His people?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:4

And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger,.... He took the blood in his left hand, and sprinkled it with the finger of his right hand, as Maimonides says (a); and so the Targum

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:4

And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:4

Directly before the tabernacle, or, towards or over against the tabernacle; either, 1. Near to it; and so we must suppose that he took some of the blood in a basin, and carried it from without the camp to the tabernacle, and then returned to this place again; which might be done, though it be not here expressed. And this seems to agree best with other places, where this sprinkling seven times was performed in or near the tabernacle, as . Or, 2. Standing at a good distance from it, even without the camp, yet turning and looking towards it. For here is no intimation that he went into the camp before this work was done, but rather the contrary is implied, . And because being defiled by this work he could not come near to the tabernacle, it was sufficient for him to turn and took towards it. Either way this posture signified his presenting of this blood before the Lord by way of atonement and satisfaction for his and the people’ s sins, and his expectation of acceptance and pardon only from God, and from his mercy-seat in the tabernacle.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 19:4

Numbers 19:4 And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:Ver. 4. Shall take of the blood with his finger.] Not with his whole hand. Christ’ s blood must be touched or applied with great discretion and reverence; our practice also must be dyed in Christ’ s blood.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 19:4

(4) And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood . . . —The appointed rites were to be discharged by Eleazar, not by Aaron, who would otherwise have been temporarily disqualified by legal impurity from the discharge of his high-priestly functions. Before the tabernacle of the congregation . . . —i.e., opposite to the entrance of the Tabernacle, but, as stated in the preceding verse, outside the camp, because the act had reference to the uncleanness of death.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:4

4. Before the tabernacle — Properly toward the front of the tabernacle. Thus was the sacrifice referred to Jehovah. Seven times — Leviticus 4:6, note.

Sermons on Numbers 19:4

	Sermon	Description
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Atonement by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the identity of Jesus Christ as the man who came to save humanity. He highlights how Jesus willingly took on the form of a servant and sacri
	Why Did Jesus Have to Die? by Danny Bond	In this sermon, the preacher compares studying the book of Hebrews to swimming underwater with your eyes open. He explains that just like swimming underwater, it can be difficult t
	Christ Our Great High Priest by Martin Luther	Martin Luther preaches on the priesthood of Christ as a spiritual one, contrasting it with the material priesthood of the Old Covenant. He emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice was sp
	Our High Priest by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of Jesus as our eternal High Priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament high priest's annual atonement ritual and Christ's ulti
	The Throne and the Altar by G.W. North	G.W. North emphasizes the profound connection between the throne and the altar as depicted in the tabernacle's design, illustrating how the Mercy Seat, where God's presence dwelled
	Be Holy in All Conversation by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God over sin and the world. He compares the power of sin to the law of gravity, stating that while sin may pull us down, the po
	Contradictions - That Incredible Christian - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not surrendering to the world and maintaining one's power. He highlights the paradoxical nature of Christians, who are str