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Numbers 5:3 - Purity preserves Divine presence

Numbers 5:3 - במדבר 5:3

Hebrew Text

מִזָּכָר עַד־נְקֵבָה תְּשַׁלֵּחוּ אֶל־מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה תְּשַׁלְּחוּם וְלֹא יְטַמְּאוּ אֶת־מַחֲנֵיהֶם אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי שֹׁכֵן בְּתוֹכָם׃

English Translation

both male and female shall you put out, outside the camp shall you put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst of which I dwell.

Transliteration

Mizakhar ad-nekeva teshalechu el-michutz lamachane teshalechum velo yetame'u et-machaneihem asher ani shochen betocham.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִזָּכָ֤ר עַד־נְקֵבָה֙ תְּשַׁלֵּ֔חוּ אֶל־מִח֥וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה תְּשַׁלְּח֑וּם וְלֹ֤א יְטַמְּאוּ֙ אֶת־מַ֣חֲנֵיהֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י שֹׁכֵ֥ן בְּתוֹכָֽם׃
מִזָּכָ֤ר עַד־נְקֵבָה֙ תְּשַׁלֵּ֔חוּ אֶל־מִח֥וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה תְּשַׁלְּח֑וּם וְלֹ֤א יְטַמְּאוּ֙ אֶת־מַ֣חֲנֵיהֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י שֹׁכֵ֥ן בְּתוֹכָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 5:3) appears in the context of the laws concerning the purity of the Israelite camp during their travels in the wilderness. The Torah commands the removal of individuals who are ritually impure (טמא) due to conditions such as tzara'at (צרעת), bodily discharges (זב וזבה), or contact with the dead (טמא מת). This ensures the sanctity of the camp, where the Divine Presence (שכינה) dwells.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 5:3) clarifies that this commandment applies specifically to three types of impurity: those afflicted with tzara'at, those with a zav or zavah discharge, and those who have become impure through contact with a corpse. He emphasizes that the phrase "מִזָּכָר עַד־נְקֵבָה" ("both male and female") teaches that the law applies equally to men and women who fall under these categories of impurity.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at (10:6), the Rambam codifies this law, explaining that the impurity of the camp is a unique concern because of the Mishkan's presence. He notes that the obligation to expel the impure applies only when the Shechinah dwells among Israel—such as in the wilderness or in Jerusalem during the Temple era—but not in later generations when the Temple is not standing.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Bamidbar 5:3) connects this verse to the broader theme of holiness, stating that just as impurity must be removed from the camp, so too must sin be distanced from a person's life to maintain spiritual purity. The Midrash teaches that the physical expulsion of the impure serves as a metaphor for distancing oneself from negative influences.

Symbolism of the Camp's Sanctity

  • Three Camps: The Talmud (Pesachim 67a) identifies three concentric camps—Machane Shechinah (where the Mishkan stood), Machane Leviyah (where the Levites camped), and Machane Yisrael (the general Israelite camp). The severity of impurity determined how far one was expelled.
  • Divine Presence: The phrase "אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי שֹׁכֵן בְּתוֹכָם" ("in the midst of which I dwell") underscores that impurity is incompatible with the holiness required for the Shechinah to reside among the people.

Practical Implications

While this law primarily applied in the wilderness and Temple times, the principle remains relevant in halachic discussions about maintaining purity in synagogues and study halls. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 88:1) rules, based on this verse, that one should not enter a synagogue in a state of impurity if avoidable, reflecting the enduring value of sanctified spaces.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 67a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of purity and impurity, particularly concerning those who are impure and must be sent outside the camp.
📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the purity of the camp and the sanctity of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the need to maintain purity in the dwelling place of the Divine Presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 5:3 mean?
A: Numbers 5:3 instructs the Israelites to send ritually impure individuals (both men and women) outside the camp to prevent them from defiling the camp where the Divine Presence (Shechinah) dwells. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in a sacred space.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the concept of taharah (ritual purity) and the sanctity of communal spaces where G-d's Presence resides. The Talmud (Pesachim 67a) and Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at) discuss its laws, showing how purity affects holiness in Jewish life.
Q: What types of impurity require being sent out of the camp?
A: Traditional sources (Rashi on Numbers 5:2, Mishnah Kelim 1:7-9) specify three main impurities: tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction), zav/zavah (abnormal bodily discharges), and contact with the dead. Each had different levels of exclusion based on the camp's sanctity.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or its camps, the principle remains relevant. The Mishnah (Berachot 3:5) teaches that prayer requires cleanliness, and synagogues—as modern sacred spaces—should be treated with reverence, reflecting the idea of guarding holiness.
Q: Why does the verse mention both males and females?
A: The Torah specifies both genders (זָכָר and נְקֵבָה) to clarify that impurity laws apply equally. Rashi notes this inclusivity prevents misunderstandings, as some impurities (like zav/zavah) are gender-specific, but the obligation to preserve the camp’s purity is universal.