Definition: And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify [both] yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 31:19. It's a pretty serious instruction given to the Israelites during a time of conflict with the Canaanites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about repentance and purification after violence. It’s saying that if someone commits a violent act – whether killing or touching a dead body – they must repent (change their mind) and purify themselves before moving on. Let's unpack it word by word: “And do ye abide without the camp seven days…” - This means “stay away” or "be separate" for seven days. It’s a period of time where they are not considered part of the community. "...whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain..." – This is the core of the command. It says that anyone who has caused death (killing or touching a dead body) must repent. It’s a very strong statement. "...purify [both] yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day." - This is the key part: “Purify yourselves” : This means to turn away from sin and wrongdoing. It's about changing your heart and mind. “Your captives” : This refers to those who were captured during the conflict with the Canaanites, and they are now considered a separate group. “On the third day, and on the seventh day…” – This establishes a specific timeframe for this purification process. So, what does it all mean practically? It’s essentially a warning to actively address wrongdoing after violence has occurred. It's about acknowledging your mistakes, taking responsibility, and making amends – not just through words but through a change of heart. The seven-day period is meant to provide time for reflection and atonement. Important Context (Briefly): This verse was part of a larger pattern in the Old Testament where God set a deadline for rebuilding the Tabernacle after the conflict with the Canaanites. It emphasizes that violence has consequences, and it’s crucial to deal with wrongdoing to maintain peace and righteousness. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on commonly accepted interpretations of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the broader context of the Old Testament?