Numbers 5:3
Numbers 5:3 in Multiple Translations
You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”
Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.
both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camp, in the midst whereof I dwell.
Male or female they are to be put outside the tent-circle, so that they may not make unclean my resting-place among them.
Whether male or female, you must expel them so they won't make their camp unclean, for that is where I live with them.”
Both male and female shall ye put out: out of the hoste shall yee put them, that they defile not their tentes among whome I dwell.
from male unto female ye do send out; unto the outside of the camp ye do send them; and they defile not their camps in the midst of which I do tabernacle.'
You shall put both male and female outside of the camp so that they don’t defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”
Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst of which I dwell.
Whether it be man or woman, cast ye them out of the camp, lest they defile it when I shall dwell with you.
Send them away from there in order that they will not touch people in the camp area where I live among you and cause them to become unacceptable to me.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:3
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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:3
Study Notes — Numbers 5:3
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:3
- Sermons on Numbers 5:3
Context — Cleansing the Camps
3You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”
4So the Israelites did this, sending such people outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses. 5And the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 23:14 | For the LORD your God walks throughout your camp to protect you and deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, lest He see anything unclean among you and turn away from you. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:11–12 | And I will make My dwelling place among you, and My soul will not despise you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. |
| 3 | Psalms 68:18 | You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. |
| 4 | Revelation 21:3 | And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. |
| 5 | Numbers 35:34 | Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 5:7–13 | Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth. I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” |
| 7 | Hebrews 12:15–16 | See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. |
| 8 | 2 John 1:10–11 | If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. |
| 9 | 2 Thessalonians 3:6 | Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. |
| 10 | Isaiah 12:6 | Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.” |
Numbers 5:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that God wanted the Israelites to send away people who were sick or unclean so that the rest of the people could stay healthy and pure, which is similar to how God wants us to live today, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7. God wants to be with His people and for them to be holy, just like He is, as stated in 1 Peter 1:15-16. He wants us to live in a way that honors Him and keeps us close to Him, which is why He gives us commands like this one in Numbers 5:3. By following God's commands, we can show our love for Him and live in a way that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in John 14:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct the Israelites to send away people with skin diseases or bodily discharges?
God commanded this to maintain the purity and holiness of the camp, where He dwelled among them, as seen in Numbers 5:3, and to prevent the spread of disease, reflecting His care for the well-being of His people, similar to His instructions in Leviticus 13:46.
What does it mean to 'defile their camp' in Numbers 5:3?
To defile the camp means to make it unclean or impure, which would hinder God's presence among the Israelites, as God is a holy God who dwells among His people, as stated in Exodus 25:8 and Leviticus 26:12.
Is this command to send away the unclean still applicable today?
While the specific command in Numbers 5:3 was for the Israelites in the wilderness, the principle of maintaining purity and holiness is still relevant for believers today, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where we are called to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's presence among His people?
This verse highlights God's desire to dwell among His people, as stated in Numbers 5:3, and the importance of maintaining holiness and purity to ensure His presence, which is a theme throughout the Bible, including in Exodus 29:45-46 and Ezekiel 37:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'send away' things in my life that might be defiling my relationship with God, such as sinful habits or negative influences?
- How can I balance the need for purity and holiness with the command to love and care for those who may be struggling with issues that make them feel 'unclean'?
- What does it mean for me to 'dwell' with God, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in my life, as seen in John 15:4-7?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of maintaining purity and holiness in my own life, such as in my thoughts, words, and actions, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:3
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:3
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:3
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:3
Sermons on Numbers 5:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 379 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life while engaging in outward missions, particularly in America. He encourages his friends to cultivate their hea |
|
Comfort for the Church by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always |
|
Bible Portraits of Christ 02 His Feet by James Booker | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a televised program about the Olympics and a long-distance walking event. The speaker uses this analogy to illustrate a lesson about spendin |
|
The Tabernacle of God With Us by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives, highlighting the need for humility, truth, and righteousness. It discusses the consequences of breaking God's |
|
The Things Which Must Be Hereafter by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living testimony for God in our generation. He encourages believers to go where there is difficulty and opposition, |
|
The Horizon of Christ - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Christ being the horizon of God's interests and activities. They explain that God designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the f |
|
That He Might Fill All Things - Part 4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the scripture from Ephesians 4:7-16. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our calling and the distribution of gifts given by Christ. |






