Numbers 19:5
And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:
Numbers 19:5 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:" from the Bible, specifically in the book of Numbers, chapter 19, verse 5, describes a ritual of purification using a red heifer. This ritual was prescribed by God to the Israelites to cleanse themselves from defilement caused by contact with a corpse. The process involved burning the entire heifer - its skin, flesh, blood, and dung - as a sacrifice. The ashes of the heifer were then mixed with water and sprinkled on the unclean individuals to purify them. This act was seen as a symbolic way of atoning for sins and restoring purity. It is a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for purification before coming into the presence of God. This verse serves as a lesson in obedience to God's commandments and the importance of spiritual cleansing for the followers of God.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse 'And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:' from the book of Numbers 19:5 is that it symbolizes the complete purification or cleansing process required for atonement. The burning of the heifer in its entirety signifies the thoroughness of the sacrifice needed to remove sin and impurity. The use of the heifer, a young female cow, as the sacrificial animal may also represent innocence and purity being offered up to atone for sin. Additionally, the inclusion of her skin, flesh, blood, and dung in the burning highlights the holistic nature of the sacrifice, incorporating every part of the heifer in the purification process. This verse underscores the importance of a complete and thorough sacrifice for forgiveness and cleansing in the eyes of God.
Numbers 19:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:
World English Bible
One shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn.
Douay-Rheims
And shall burn her in the sight of all delivering up to the fire her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, and her dung.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And cause the kow to be burnt in his sight: with her skinne, and her flesh, and her blood, and her doung shall he burne her.