New International Versionand anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water.
New Living Translationthat is, all metals that do not burn—must be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure. These metal objects must then be further purified with the water of purification. But everything that burns must be purified by the water alone.
English Standard Versioneverything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean. Nevertheless, it shall also be purified with the water for impurity. And whatever cannot stand the fire, you shall pass through the water.
Berean Standard Bibleeverything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water.
King James BibleEvery thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
New King James Versioneverything that can endure fire, you shall put through the fire, and it shall be clean; and it shall be purified with the water of purification. But all that cannot endure fire you shall put through water.
New American Standard Bibleeverything that can withstand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it will be clean, only it shall be purified with water for impurity. But whatever cannot withstand the fire you shall pass through the water.
NASB 1995everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean, but it shall be purified with water for impurity. But whatever cannot stand the fire you shall pass through the water.
NASB 1977everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean, but it shall be purified with water for impurity. But whatever cannot stand the fire you shall pass through the water.
Legacy Standard Bibleeverything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean, but it shall be purified with water for impurity. But whatever cannot stand the fire you shall pass through the water.
Amplified Bibleeverything that can stand fire, you shall pass through fire, and it shall be clean. Nevertheless, it shall also be purified with the water of purification [to remove its impurity]; and all that cannot stand fire [such as fabrics] you shall pass through water.
Christian Standard Bibleeverything that can withstand fire—you are to pass through fire, and it will be clean. It must still be purified with the purification water. Anything that cannot withstand fire, pass through the water.
Holman Christian Standard Bibleeverything that can withstand fire—you are to pass through fire, and it will be clean. It must still be purified with the purification water. Anything that cannot withstand fire, pass through the water.
American Standard Versioneverything that may abide the fire, ye shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make to go through the water.
English Revised Versionevery thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make to go through the water.
GOD'S WORD® Translationanything that won't burn-must be put through fire in order to make it clean. Then it must also be put through the ritual water in order to take away its sin. Whatever might burn must [only] be put through the ritual water.
International Standard Versionor anything else that can survive a refiner's fire: You are to pass it through fire, after which it will be clean. Then it is to be purified with the water of impurity. Everything that cannot survive a refiner's fire is to be washed in water.
NET Bibleeverything that may stand the fire, you are to pass through the fire, and it will be ceremonially clean, but it must still be purified with the water of purification. Anything that cannot withstand the fire you must pass through the water.
New Heart English Bibleeverything that may withstand the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity: and all that doesn't withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water.
Webster's Bible TranslationEvery thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleeverything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water.
World English Bibleeverything that may withstand the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity. All that doesn’t withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versioneverything which may go into fire, you cause to pass over through fire, and it has been clean; it is surely cleansed with the water of separation; and all that may not go into fire, you cause to pass over through water;
Young's Literal Translation every thing which may go into fire, ye cause to pass over through fire, and it hath been clean; only, with the water of separation it is cleansed, and all that may not go into fire, ye cause to pass over through water;
Smith's Literal TranslationEvery thing which shall come through fire ye shall make pass through fire, and it was cleansed: only with the water of uncleanness shall it be purified: and all which will not come through the fire ye shall make pass through the water. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all that may pass through the fire, shall be purified by fire, but whatsoever cannot abide the fire, shall be sanctified with the water of expiation:
Catholic Public Domain Versionand all that may be able to pass through fire, shall be purified by fire. But whatever is not able to sustain fire shall be sanctified with the waters of expiation.
New American Biblewhatever can stand fire—you shall put into the fire, that it may become clean; however, it must also be purified with water of purification. But whatever cannot stand fire you must put into the water.
New Revised Standard Versioneverything that can withstand fire, shall be passed through fire, and it shall be clean. Nevertheless it shall also be purified with the water for purification; and whatever cannot withstand fire, shall be passed through the water. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEverything that may abide the fire, you shall make it to go through the fire and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water which is used for cleansing; and all that cannot abide the fire, you shall make pass through the water.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd everything that enters the furnace, pass it through the fire and it shall be purified, and sprinkle the water of sprinkling upon it and immerse all that has not passed through the fire in water. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of sprinkling; and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make to go through the water.
Brenton Septuagint Translationevery thing that shall pass through the fire shall so be clean, nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of sanctification; and whatsoever will not pass through the fire shall pass through water.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Vengeance on Midian… 22Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— 23everythingthatcan withstandthe fire—must be putthrough the fire,and it will be clean.Butit must still be purifiedwith the waterof purification.And everythingthatcannotwithstandthe firemust passthrough the water.24On the seventh day you are to wash your clothes, and you will be clean. After that you may enter the camp.”…
Cross References Leviticus 11:32-33When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. / If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot.
Leviticus 6:28The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water.
Leviticus 15:12Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.
Leviticus 13:47-59If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any wool or linen garment, / any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather— / and if the mark in the fabric, leather, weave, knit, or leather article is green or red, then it is contaminated with mildew and must be shown to the priest. ...
Leviticus 14:8-9The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days. / On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean.
Leviticus 16:26-28The man who released the goat as the scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may reenter the camp. / The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up. / The one who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and afterward he may reenter the camp.
Leviticus 17:15And any person, whether native or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening; then he will be clean.
Leviticus 22:6-7the man who touches any of these will remain unclean until evening. He must not eat from the sacred offerings unless he has bathed himself with water. / When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food.
Deuteronomy 12:15But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Both the ceremonially clean and unclean may eat it as they would a gazelle or deer,
Deuteronomy 14:3-21You must not eat any detestable thing. / These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, / the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. ...
Isaiah 1:25I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge your dross; I will remove all your impurities.
Ezekiel 22:18-22“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem. / Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to melt with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, leave you there, and melt you. ...
Malachi 3:2-3But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
Matthew 3:11-12I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Mark 9:49For everyone will be salted with fire.
Treasury of Scripture Every thing that may abide the fire, you shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that stays not the fire you shall make go through the water. abide Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, Iwill be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, Itis my people: and they shall say, The LORDis my God. Malachi 2:2,3 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not layit to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not layit to heart… it shall be purified Numbers 8:7 And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, andso make themselves clean. Numbers 19:9,17 And a manthat is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and laythem up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: itis a purification for sin… ye shall make Leviticus 11:32 And upon whatsoeverany of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whetherit be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vesselit be, whereinany work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed. Leviticus 15:17 And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even. Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Jump to Previous AbideAbidethAdditionCleanCleaningCleansingHeatedImpurityNeverthelessPassethPurifiedSeparationStandWaterWhateverWithstandJump to Next AbideAbidethAdditionCleanCleaningCleansingHeatedImpurityNeverthelessPassethPurifiedSeparationStandWaterWhateverWithstandNumbers 31 1.The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain13.Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive19.How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified25.The proportion in which the prey is to be divided48.The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lordeverything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fireThis phrase refers to the purification process for items taken as spoils of war. In the context of Numbers 31, the Israelites had just defeated the Midianites, and God instructed them on how to purify the plunder. The use of fire for purification is symbolic of God's holiness and judgment, as fire often represents purification and the presence of God (e.g., Exodus 3:2, Malachi 3:2-3). The fire tests the durability and purity of materials, separating what is valuable from what is not, much like God's refining process for believers ( 1 Peter 1:7). and it will be clean
The result of passing through the fire is cleanliness, signifying that the object is now fit for use by the Israelites. This reflects the broader biblical theme of purification and sanctification, where God calls His people to be holy and set apart (Leviticus 11:44-45). The concept of cleanliness is not just physical but also spiritual, pointing to the need for inner purity (Psalm 51:10). But it must still be purified with the water of purification
Even after passing through the fire, the items require further purification with water. This dual process underscores the thoroughness required for true purification. The water of purification likely refers to the water mixed with the ashes of a red heifer, as described inNumbers 19, which was used for ceremonial cleansing. Water is a common biblical symbol for cleansing and renewal (Ezekiel 36:25,John 3:5), and it prefigures the cleansing work of Christ, who offers living water (John 4:10). And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water
Items unable to endure fire, such as fabrics or wooden objects, are purified solely with water. This provision shows God's understanding and accommodation of different materials, reflecting His wisdom and care. The use of water alone for purification highlights the adaptability of God's laws to various circumstances. This also points to the inclusive nature of God's grace, which purifies all who come to Him, regardless of their condition (Isaiah 1:18,Titus 3:5). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received God's instructions regarding the purification of spoils taken from the Midianites. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who were commanded to purify the spoils of war. 3. MidianitesThe people defeated by the Israelites, whose possessions were subject to purification. 4. Purification ProcessThe ritual cleansing of items taken from the Midianites, involving fire and water. 5. Water of PurificationA special water used for cleansing, symbolizing spiritual purification. Teaching Points The Necessity of PurificationJust as the Israelites were required to purify the spoils of war, believers are called to purify their lives from sin and worldly influences. Fire as a Symbol of Testing and PurificationThe use of fire in purification symbolizes the trials and tests that refine our faith and character. Water as a Symbol of Spiritual CleansingThe water of purification represents the cleansing power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Holiness in Everyday LifeThe command to purify even material possessions underscores the call to holiness in all aspects of life. God's Provision for PurificationThe provision of specific means for purification in the Old Testament points to God's ultimate provision for our purification through Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 31:23?
2.How does Numbers 31:23 emphasize the importance of purification in our lives?
3.What spiritual impurities might require "fire" or "water" for purification today?
4.How does Numbers 31:23 connect with New Testament teachings on purification?
5.In what ways can we apply purification principles from Numbers 31:23 daily?
6.How can we discern when to use "fire" versus "water" for spiritual cleansing?
7.How does Numbers 31:23 align with the concept of a loving and merciful God?
8.Why does Numbers 31:23 emphasize purification through fire and water?
9.What historical context explains the instructions in Numbers 31:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31?
11.What does 'baptism of fire' mean?
12.How could a vast encampment described in Numbers 2 feasibly survive in the Sinai Desert with limited resources?
13.Mark 9:49-50 - What historical or cultural evidence supports the puzzling concept of everyone being 'salted with fire'?
14.Why did Israelites' journey to the Promised Land take 40 years?What Does Numbers 31:23 Mean Setting the sceneIsrael’s army has returned from battle against Midian (Numbers 31:1–12). Before any spoils or soldiers may re-enter the camp, God issues detailed instructions through Moses and Eleazar. The overriding concern is holiness—so that no defilement enters the community where the Lord dwells (compareLeviticus 15:31;Deuteronomy 23:14).Numbers 31:23 is part of that purification protocol.
Why purification mattered• God’s presence in the camp demanded stringent cleanness (Exodus 19:10–11). • Contact with corpses rendered people and objects ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11–13). • Purifying the spoils protected the nation from spiritual compromise, much like Joshua later warned about devoted things from Jericho (Joshua 7:1, 11–12). • These regulations foreshadowed the need for deeper cleansing in every heart (Hebrews 9:13–14).
"Everything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire"• Metals such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead (v. 22) would survive intense heat. • Fire burns away impurity and dross (Psalm 12:6;Zechariah 13:9). • The same principle appears when God refines His people’s faith through trials (1 Peter 1:6–7). • Here, literal flames sterilize the utensils soldiers captured, making them fit for sacred use.
"And it will be clean."• After passing through fire, the item is declared ceremonially clean—ready for service. • Cleanness is not earned by the object but granted by obedience to God’s method (Leviticus 11:32–35).
"But it must still be purified with the water of purification."• Even heat-resistant items required a secondary washing with the water mixed from the red-heifer ashes (Numbers 19:9, 17). • This shows holiness is never one-dimensional. Outer cleansing must coincide with God-appointed ritual, pointing ahead to Christ’s all-sufficient cleansing (Titus 3:5). • Fire addressed external contaminants; water symbolized removal of corpse defilement (Jeremiah 2:22).
"Everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water."• Wood, leather, cloth, and similar materials would be ruined by flames, so God graciously provides an alternative. • The same purifying water achieves cleanness without destroying the object—illustrating God’s concern for both holiness and mercy (Isaiah 42:3). • In the New Testament, water imagery shifts to spiritual washing in the word (Ephesians 5:26) and baptism as an appeal for a clean conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
Living lessons today• God alone defines what is unclean and how it is removed (Isaiah 55:8–9). • Some impurities require the “fire” of testing; others are washed away through the “water” of His word and Spirit. • The Lord refines but never destroys what He intends to use—He purifies to restore usefulness (Malachi 3:2–3). • Obedience to His revealed process opens the door for fellowship and service (John 13:8).
summaryNumbers 31:23 teaches that whatever can endure fire must be purified by fire and then washed, while fragile items are cleansed by water alone. Fire removes physical impurity; water deals with ceremonial defilement. Together they picture God’s comprehensive work of purification—thorough, purposeful, and always grounded in obedience to His word. Verse 23. - Ye shall make it gothrough the fire. This was an addition to the general law of lustration in chapter 19 founded on the obvious fact that water does not cleanse metals, while fire does. The spoils of the Midianites required purification, not only as being tainted with death, but as having been heathen property.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew everythingכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatcan withstandיָבֹ֣א(yā·ḇō)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe fire—בָאֵ֗שׁ(ḇā·’êš)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784:A firemust be putתַּעֲבִ֤ירוּ(ta·‘ă·ḇî·rū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onthrough the fire,בָאֵשׁ֙(ḇā·’êš)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784:A fireand it will be clean.וְטָהֵ֔ר(wə·ṭā·hêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2891:To be clean or pureButאַ֕ךְ(’aḵ)Adverb
Strong's 389:A particle of affirmation, surelyit must still be purifiedיִתְחַטָּ֑א(yiṯ·ḥaṭ·ṭā)Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398:To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemnwith the waterבְּמֵ֥י(bə·mê)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenof purification.נִדָּ֖ה(nid·dāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5079:Rejection, impurity, personal, moralAnd everythingוְכֹ֨ל(wə·ḵōl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁ֧ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatcannotלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nowithstandיָבֹ֛א(yā·ḇō)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe fireבָּאֵ֖שׁ(bā·’êš)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784:A firemust passתַּעֲבִ֥ירוּ(ta·‘ă·ḇî·rū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onthrough the water.בַמָּֽיִם׃(ḇam·mā·yim)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semen
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OT Law: Numbers 31:23 Everything that may abide the fire you (Nu Num.) |
