Definition: And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 19:21. It’s a pretty specific instruction about cleanliness and ritual practices in ancient Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Wash your clothes and be unclean until even.” Let's unpack that a bit: “Sprinkle the water of separation” : This refers to a special ritual involving a large amount of water – likely used for purification. It’s like rinsing or washing something thoroughly. “Wash your clothes” : This is the core action. The people were required to wash their clothes after this ritual. “Touch the water of separation” : This means they had to be physically in contact with the water – perhaps by being in a specific area or even washing their hands and bodies. “Until even” : This is the crucial part. It indicates that the uncleanliness is permanent . It’s not just for a short period; it's an ongoing requirement. What was the purpose of this rule? The verse likely relates to purity and holiness in the eyes of God. The ritual involved washing was seen as a symbolic act of removing impurity and making people clean enough to worship Him. It was a way to demonstrate their devotion and spiritual standing. Historical Context: This is from ancient Near Eastern religious practices, particularly related to temple rituals and purification ceremonies. It highlights the importance of cleanliness and ritual cleansing in the lives of the Israelites as they prepared for God’s presence. Important Note: It's a complex rule with some interpretation over time, but this explanation gives you a good general understanding of its meaning within the context of ancient Jewish law. --- Do you want to dive deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical background? Discuss the symbolism behind it?