· Translation: KJV

Numbers 9:10"Say to the children of Israel, 'If any man of you or of your generations is unclean by reason of a dead body, or is on a journey far away, he shall still keep the Passover to Yahweh.

The setting

Sinai Peninsula wilderness, ~1444 BC. God addresses the reality that some Israelites will be ceremonially unclean from burying the dead or traveling far from camp during Passover.

The emotion here: compassionate concern for those who might feel excluded

The original word

tamei (טָמֵא) — ritually unclean, unable to participate in sacred ceremonies

Why it matters

This is the first recorded religious accommodation in history

Read with care

What most readers miss in Numbers 9:10

God created a second chance specifically for those who couldn't participate through no fault of their own

Common misconceptionPeople think this is just ancient ritual law, but it's actually God establishing the principle that He provides alternatives for those who want to participate but are prevented by circumstances.

Bible Genome reading

Numbers 9:10 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerGod
Eraexodus
Primary emotionworship
Literary typelaw
MarkPromise of God
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power60%
Quotability60%
Memorability70%
Crisis relevance70%
Standalone50%
Themes:divine provisioninclusive worship

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Numbers 9

Numbers 9:10 comes from the book of Numbers, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include divine provision, inclusive worship. Notable phrases: unclean by reason of a dead body. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

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