Numbers 19:18
And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
Numbers 19:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Book of Numbers, we see the ritual of purification using hyssop being described. Hyssop was a plant known for its cleansing properties in biblical times. The act of sprinkling water with hyssop was a symbolic gesture of purifying and cleansing. The verse outlines the various scenarios in which this purification was necessary - whether it be touching a bone, being near a dead person, or coming into contact with a grave. This ritual was important in maintaining spiritual purity and cleanliness according to the laws set forth in the Bible. By adhering to these practices, the people of Israel were able to maintain a connection with God and remain pure in His sight.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Numbers 19:18 is significant in understanding the concept of ritual purity in the Old Testament. The act of using hyssop to sprinkle water on the tent, vessels, and individuals who had come into contact with impurity was a symbolic action meant to cleanse them from defilement. Hyssop, a plant known for its purification properties, represents the spiritual cleansing and purification that God provides for His people. The sprinkling of water symbolizes the washing away of sin and impurity, restoring individuals to a state of holiness before God. This ritual also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and purification in order to maintain a right relationship with God. Through this symbolic act, God demonstrates His grace and mercy in granting His people a way to be restored to Him after being contaminated by sin or death.
Numbers 19:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
and a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched the bone, or the slain, or the dead, or the grave:
World English Bible
A clean person shall take hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels, on the persons who were there, and on him who touched the bone, or the slain, or the dead, or the grave.
Douay-Rheims
And a man that is clean shall dip hyssop in them, and shall sprinkle therewith all the tent, and all the furniture, and the men that are defiled with touching any such thing:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And a cleane person shall take hyssope and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it vpon the tent, and vpon all the vessels, and on the persons that were therein, and vpon him that touched ye bone, or the slayne, or the dead, or the graue.