Numbers 19:6
Numbers 19:6 in Multiple Translations
The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer.
And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
and the priest shall take cedar-wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
Then let the priest take cedar-wood and hyssop and red thread, and put them into the fire where the cow is burning.
The priest shall throw cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson thread on the burning cow.
Then shall the Priest take cedar wood, and hyssope and skarlet lace, and cast them in the mids of the fire where the kow burneth.
and the priest hath taken cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and hath cast unto the midst of the burning of the cow;
The priest shall take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the middle of the burning of the heifer.
And the priest shall take cedar-wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
The priest shall also take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet twice dyed, and cast it into the flame, with which the cow is consumed.
Eliezer then must take a stick of cedar wood, a stalk of a plant named hyssop, and some scarlet/red yarn, and throw them into the fire where the cow is burning.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 19:6
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 19:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָקַ֣ח
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
עֵ֥ץ
אֶ֛רֶז
וְ/אֵז֖וֹב
וּ/שְׁנִ֣י
תוֹלָ֑עַת
וְ/הִשְׁלִ֕יךְ
אֶל
תּ֖וֹךְ
שְׂרֵפַ֥ת
הַ/פָּרָֽה
וְ/לָקַ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
אֶ֛רֶז
ʼerez
H730
cedar
N-ms
וְ/אֵז֖וֹב
ʼêzôwb
H231
hyssop
Conj | N-ms
וּ/שְׁנִ֣י
shânîy
H8144
scarlet
Conj | N-ms
תוֹלָ֑עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
N-fs
וְ/הִשְׁלִ֕יךְ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תּ֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
N-ms
שְׂרֵפַ֥ת
sᵉrêphâh
H8316
fire
N-fs
הַ/פָּרָֽה
pârâh
H6510
heifer
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 19:6
וְ/לָקַ֣ח
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.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
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.
עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֶ֛רֶז
ʼerez
H730
"cedar"
N-ms
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
וְ/אֵז֖וֹב
ʼêzôwb
H231
"hyssop"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, hyssop is a plant used for medicine and rituals, mentioned in the book of Exodus. It symbolizes purification and cleansing. The Israelites used it to apply blood to doorposts.
Definition: hyssop, a plant used for medicinal and religious purposes
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: hyssop. See also: Exodus 12:22; Leviticus 14:52; Psalms 51:9.
וּ/שְׁנִ֣י
shânîy
H8144
"scarlet"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
תוֹלָ֑עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
"worm"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
וְ/הִשְׁלִ֕יךְ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
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.
תּ֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
שְׂרֵפַ֥ת
sᵉrêphâh
H8316
"fire"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to burning or cremation, and is used in the Bible to describe the act of burning something, like in Amos 6:10. It can also mean a burning or a fire, and is often associated with purification or destruction. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: burning
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: burning. See also: Genesis 11:3; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Isaiah 9:4.
הַ/פָּרָֽה
pârâh
H6510
"heifer"
Art | N-fs
A heifer is a young female cow, and this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe such an animal. In Exodus 29:1, a heifer is used as a sacrifice, and in Numbers 19:2, it is used for purification. It is an important animal in biblical times.
Definition: cow, heifer
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cow, heifer, kine. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 19:6; Isaiah 11:7.
Study Notes — Numbers 19:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 19:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:6
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 19:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
- Sermons on Numbers 19:6
Context — The Red Heifer
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.
7Then the priest must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water; after that he may enter the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. 8The one who burned the heifer must also wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he too will be ceremonially unclean until evening.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 14:4 | the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed. |
| 2 | Leviticus 14:49 | He is to take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop to purify the house; |
| 3 | Psalms 51:7 | Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. |
| 4 | Leviticus 14:6 | And he is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:18 | “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. |
| 6 | Hebrews 9:19–23 | For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship. According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. |
Numbers 19:6 Summary
In Numbers 19:6, the priest adds cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool to the burning heifer as part of a purification ritual. This act symbolizes the removal of sin and uncleanness, pointing to the ultimate cleansing provided by Jesus Christ (as seen in Hebrews 10:1-10). Just as these items were used to purify the people, we can be purified and made holy through faith in Christ, as described in 1 John 1:7-9. By trusting in God's plan of redemption, we can be cleansed from our sins and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool in Numbers 19:6?
These items were likely chosen for their symbolic and purifying properties, as seen in other biblical contexts such as Leviticus 14:4-7, where they are used for cleansing and purification rituals.
Why did the priest need to throw these items onto the burning heifer?
This act was part of the ritual to purify the people from sin and uncleanness, as the heifer's ashes would later be used for ceremonial cleansing, as described in Numbers 19:9 and 17-22.
Is there any spiritual significance to the specific items chosen in this verse?
The scarlet wool may symbolize the blood of Christ, which cleanses us from sin, as seen in Hebrews 9:13-14, while the hyssop represents humility and the cedar wood represents the fragrance of Christ, as hinted at in Song of Solomon 4:11 and other passages.
How does this ritual relate to the broader biblical theme of sin and redemption?
This ritual points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of the world and provides redemption through His blood, as described in Hebrews 10:1-10 and other New Testament passages.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for purification and holiness in the lives of His people?
- How can we apply the principles of ceremonial cleansing to our own spiritual lives, seeking to be purified and made holy in God's sight?
- What does the use of specific items like cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool teach us about the importance of detail and obedience in our walk with God?
- In what ways can we, like the priest in this verse, participate in the process of spiritual purification and cleansing, both for ourselves and for others?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 19:6
And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet,.... Another priest, according to the Targum of Jonathan; but it seems to design Eleazar the priest, and so, in later times, the same
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 19:6
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 19:6
All which are here burnt, and as it were offered to God, that they might be sanctified to this holy use for the future; for of these kinds of things was the sprinkle made wherewith the unclean were sprinkled, .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
Numbers 19:6 And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast [it] into the midst of the burning of the heifer.Ver. 6. Cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet.] Hereby was signified, that Christ, howsoever in respect of our sins he was burnt up with the fire of his Father’ s wrath; yet by the everlasting Spirit, whereby he offered up himself without spot to God, and by the gifts and graces of it, he was a full sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour to God to purge offences.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
(6) And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet.—According to the Targum of Jonathan, another priest was to do this, but the reference seems to be to Eleazar. Cedar-wood may be regarded as the emblem of fragrance and incorruption; hyssop as the emblem of purification; and scarlet (or crimson) wool or cloth may be regarded as emblematical both of sin, which is compared to it in Isaiah 1:18, and also of the blood, which is the life, the shedding of which was needful in order to the remission of sin. All of these were used in the purification of the leper (Leviticus 14:4). In both cases there appears to be a typical reference to the sprinkling of the blood of Christ. (See. Hebrews 9:13-14).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 19:6
6. cedar wood, and hyssop] The former, perhaps, for its durability, the latter for its cleansing qualities. It is doubtful, however, if ‘hyssop’ is the true rendering of the Heb. ’çzôbh, since the hyssop is not native to Palestine. The ‘cape’ and the ‘marjoram’ have been suggested. In the purification of the leper the same objects are employed, but with a different purpose. The cedar wood and ’çzôbh, bound together by a scarlet thread, formed an instrument for sprinkling blood upon the recovered leper and his house (Leviticus 14:4; Leviticus 14:6; Leviticus 14:49; Leviticus 14:51). See Numbers 19:18 below.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 19:6
Compare Leviticus 14:4 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 19:6
6. Cedar is remarkable for its power to resist decay. The cedar roof of the temple of Diana at Ephesus lasted four hundred years, and beams in the temple of Apollo lasted eleven hundred and seventy years.
Sermons on Numbers 19:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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After We Fail What Then by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from our failures and sins. He encourages listeners not to waste their sins but to use them as opportunities for |
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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |
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My Sin Is Ever Before Me by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing prayer and putting faith into action. He uses examples from the Bible, such as David's downfall after his affa |
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Dead Words by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his admiration for a group of individuals, stating that he does not aspire to be with anyone better. He then shares a verse from t |
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Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv |
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Ephraim Is a Cake Not Turned by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God and not holding back. He urges the audience to examine their lives and identify any "stuff" |
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Love Never Faileth by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth and wisdom in our inner being. He quotes from Psalm 51, where David asks God to purify him and make him clean. The sp |