New International VersionSend away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”
New Living TranslationThis command applies to men and women alike. Remove them so they will not defile the camp in which I live among them.”
English Standard VersionYou shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”
Berean Standard BibleYou must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”
King James BibleBoth 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.
New King James VersionYou shall put out both male and female; you shall put them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camps in the midst of which I dwell.”
New American Standard BibleYou shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside the camp so that they do not defile their camp where I dwell in their midst.”
NASB 1995“You shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside the camp so that they will not defile their camp where I dwell in their midst.”
NASB 1977“You shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside the camp so that they will not defile their camp where I dwell in their midst.”
Legacy Standard BibleYou shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside the camp so that they will not defile their camp where I dwell in their midst.”
Amplified BibleYou shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside the camp so that they will not defile their camp where I dwell in their midst.”
Christian Standard BibleSend away both male or female; send them outside the camp, so that they will not defile their camps where I dwell among them.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleYou must send away both male or female; send them outside the camp, so that they will not defile their camps where I dwell among them.”
American Standard Versionboth 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.
English Revised Versionboth 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSend all of these unclean men and women outside the camp. They must not make this camp where I live among you unclean."
Good News TranslationSend all these ritually unclean people out, so that they will not defile the camp, where I live among my people."
International Standard VersionWhether male or female, send them outside the camp so that they won't defile their camp, because I live among them."
NET BibleYou must expel both men and women; you must put them outside the camp, so that they will not defile their camps, among which I live."
New Heart English BibleBoth you shall put male and female outside of the camp; that they not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell."
Webster's Bible TranslationBoth 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”
World English BibleYou 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.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionyou send out from male even to female; you send them to the outside of the camp and they do not defile their camps in the midst of which I dwell.”
Young's Literal Translation 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.'
Smith's Literal TranslationFrom male even to female ye shall send them forth, without the camp shall ye send them; and they shall not defile their camp where I dwell in the midst of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhether it be man or woman, cast ye them out of the camp, lest they defile it when I shall dwell with you.
Catholic Public Domain Versioncast out of the camp both male and female, lest they contaminate it while I am dwelling with you.”
New American BibleMale and female alike, you shall expel them. You shall expel them from the camp so that they do not defile their camp, where I dwell in their midst.
New Revised Standard Versionyou shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp; they must not defile their camp, where I dwell among them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBoth male and female shall you put outside the camp, that they may not defile your camps, for I dwell among you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedFrom male and unto female you shall put out them outside of the camp and they shall not defile your camps, for I dwell among you.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917both 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.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationWhether male or female, send them forth out of the camp; and they shall not defile their camps in which I dwell among them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Cleansing the Camps… 2“Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. 3You must send awaymaleandfemale alike;send themoutsidethe campso they will notdefiletheir camp,whereIdwellamong them.”4So the Israelites did this, sending such people outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses.…
Cross References Leviticus 13:46As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.
Leviticus 15:31You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them.
Deuteronomy 23:14For 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.
Leviticus 7:20-21But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. / If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.”
Leviticus 22:3-4Tell them that for the generations to come, if any of their descendants in a state of uncleanness approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD. / If a descendant of Aaron has a skin disease or a discharge, he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean. Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse or by a man who has an emission of semen,
2 Kings 7:3Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die?
2 Chronicles 26:21So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land.
Isaiah 52:11Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
Ezekiel 44:23They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.
Lamentations 1:17Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her. The LORD has decreed against Jacob that his neighbors become his foes. Jerusalem has become an unclean thing among them.
Matthew 8:2-4Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”
Mark 1:40-45Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. ...
Luke 5:12-14While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. / “Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
Luke 17:12-19As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. ...
Acts 10:28He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
Treasury of Scripture Both male and female shall you put out, without the camp shall you put them; that they defile not their camps, in the middle whereof I dwell. without 1 Kings 7:3 Andit was covered with cedar above upon the beams, thatlay on forty five pillars, fifteenin a row. 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the uncleanthing; and I will receive you, defile not Numbers 19:22 And whatsoever the uncleanperson toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that touchethit shall be unclean until even. Haggai 2:13,14 Then said Haggai, Ifone that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean… in the midst Leviticus 26:11,12 And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you… Deuteronomy 23:14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee. Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea,for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwellamong them. Jump to Previous AlikeCampCampsDefileDwellFemaleMaleMidstOutsidePuttingResting-PlaceTabernacleTent-CircleUncleanWhereofJump to Next AlikeCampCampsDefileDwellFemaleMaleMidstOutsidePuttingResting-PlaceTabernacleTent-CircleUncleanWhereofNumbers 5 1.The unclean are removed out of camp5.Restitution is to be made in trespass11.The trial of jealouslyYou must send away male and female alike;This directive emphasizes the impartiality of God's law, applying equally to both genders. In the context of ancient Israel, this command reflects the communal responsibility to maintain purity and holiness. The inclusion of both male and female underscores the comprehensive nature of the law, ensuring that no one is exempt from the requirements of ritual cleanliness. This principle of equality before the law is echoed in Galatians 3:28, where Paul speaks of the equal standing of all believers in Christ. send them outside the camp
The camp of Israel was not just a physical dwelling place but a representation of the community's spiritual state. Being sent outside the camp symbolized separation from the holy presence of God and the community. This act of exclusion was necessary to maintain the sanctity of the camp, which was considered holy ground. The concept of being outside the camp is later seen in the New Testament, where Jesus suffered outside the city gates (Hebrews 13:12-13), symbolizing His bearing of sin and separation for humanity's sake. so they will not defile their camp,
The concern for defilement highlights the importance of purity in the presence of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, defilement was not just a physical state but a spiritual one that could affect the entire community. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), and maintaining purity was essential to fulfilling this calling. This principle of avoiding defilement is seen throughout the Levitical laws and is a precursor to the New Testament teaching on holiness and sanctification (1 Peter 1:15-16). where I dwell among them.”
The presence of God among the Israelites was a defining feature of their identity as His chosen people. The tabernacle, located at the center of the camp, was the physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people. This divine presence required a standard of holiness and purity, as God is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45). The concept of God dwelling among His people finds its ultimate fulfillment in the incarnation of Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16), signifying God's continual presence with His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people of God who were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They were receiving laws and instructions from God through Moses. 2. The CampThe encampment of the Israelites in the wilderness, which was to be kept holy as it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. 3. LeperA person afflicted with leprosy, a skin disease that rendered them ceremonially unclean according to the Law of Moses. 4. Those with a DischargeIndividuals experiencing bodily discharges, which also made them ceremonially unclean. 5. Those Defiled by a Dead BodyPeople who had come into contact with a corpse, rendering them unclean under the Mosaic Law. Teaching Points Holiness and PurityGod’s command to remove the unclean from the camp underscores His holiness and the need for His people to maintain purity in their community. Separation for SanctificationThe physical separation of the unclean serves as a metaphor for spiritual separation from sin and impurity in the life of a believer. Community ResponsibilityThe Israelites were collectively responsible for maintaining the holiness of the camp, reminding us of the importance of accountability within the church. Symbolism of CleansingThe cleansing rituals point to the ultimate cleansing from sin provided through Jesus Christ, who purifies us and makes us holy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 5:3?
2.How does Numbers 5:3 emphasize the importance of purity within the community?
3.What does "send away" in Numbers 5:3 teach about handling sin today?
4.How can we apply the principle of separation from impurity in our lives?
5.What connections exist between Numbers 5:3 and New Testament teachings on holiness?
6.How does Numbers 5:3 guide us in maintaining spiritual cleanliness in our church?
7.Why does Numbers 5:3 emphasize removing the unclean from the camp?
8.How does Numbers 5:3 reflect God's holiness and purity standards?
9.What historical context influenced the command in Numbers 5:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 5?
11.What does the Bible say about being defiled?
12.Does Numbers 5 depict God commanding abortion?
13.How can Leviticus 16:8-10 justify transferring a community's sins onto a literal goat to be set free?
14.How can the 'bitter water' of Numbers 5:11-31 scientifically detect infidelity?What Does Numbers 5:3 Mean You must send away- The directive is not optional; it carries the weight of divine command, echoing the earlier order inNumbers 5:2 to “command the Israelites to expel from the camp everyone with a skin disease…”. - Holiness requires separation. AsLeviticus 11:44 reminds us, “Be holy, because I am holy.” The people’s obedience preserves the covenant relationship. - This removal is an act of worship as much as sacrifice or song—an acknowledgment that sin and impurity cannot coexist with God’s presence (Joshua 7:13).
male and female alike- God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). Both sexes bear equal responsibility before Him. - The whole community shares in both privilege and accountability.Galatians 3:28 affirms this principle when it declares that “there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - By naming both genders, the text underscores that no one may claim exemption from God’s standards.
send them outside the camp- Physical distance dramatizes spiritual reality: impurity separates from fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2). - The camp symbolizes God’s dwelling and the unity of Israel (Exodus 33:7-11). To step outside is to lose immediate access to worship, guidance, and community support. - Yet even here grace is present: once cleansing is complete, the person may return (Leviticus 14:8). The temporary exclusion preserves the larger body.
so they will not defile their camp- Defilement is contagious.Haggai 2:13 illustrates how impurity spreads more readily than holiness. - God protects His people from the corrupting effects of sin and sickness (1 Corinthians 5:6: “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough”). - The community’s purity safeguards its mission as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
where I dwell among them- God’s presence is the central fact of Israel’s identity. The tabernacle is His earthly throne (Exodus 25:8). - Holiness is not a mere principle; it is personal, rooted in God’s character. Impurity offends Him because He lives in their midst (Zephaniah 3:17). - This foreshadows the believer’s body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). The standard remains: God dwells only where holiness is honored.
summaryNumbers 5:3 teaches that Israel must actively remove impurity—without favoritism, with clear boundaries—because God Himself lives among them. The command protects both the holiness of God and the well-being of the community, pointing forward to the believer’s call to pursue purity so that God’s presence may continue to bless and guide. Verse 3. - That they defile not their camps,in the midst whereof I dwell. Cleanliness, decency, and the anxious removal even of unwitting pollutions were things due to God himself, and part of the awful reverence to be paid to his presence in the midst of Israel. It is of course easy to depreciate the value of such outward cleanness, as compared with inward; but when we consider the frightful prevalence of filthiness in Christian countries (1) of person and dress, (2) of talk, (3) of habit in respect of things not so much sinful as uncleanly, . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew You must send awayתְּשַׁלֵּ֔חוּ(tə·šal·lê·ḥū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outmaleמִזָּכָ֤ר(miz·zā·ḵār)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145:Remembered, a maleandעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilefemale alike;נְקֵבָה֙(nə·qê·ḇāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5347:A femalesend themתְּשַׁלְּח֑וּם(tə·šal·lə·ḥūm)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outoutsideמִח֥וּץ(mi·ḥūṣ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2351:Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoorsthe camp,לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה(lam·ma·ḥă·neh)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264:An encampment, an armyso that they will notוְלֹ֤א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nodefileיְטַמְּאוּ֙(yə·ṭam·mə·’ū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2930:To be or become uncleantheir campמַ֣חֲנֵיהֶ֔ם(ma·ḥă·nê·hem)Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4264:An encampment, an armywhereאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatIאֲנִ֖י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Idwellשֹׁכֵ֥ן(šō·ḵên)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwellamong them.”בְּתוֹכָֽם׃(bə·ṯō·w·ḵām)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centre
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OT Law: Numbers 5:3 Both you shall put male and female (Nu Num.) |
