Old Testament
Numbers 5:21
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At this point the priest will put the woman under a sworn curse, saying to her, "May the LORD make you an example of cursing among your people. May the LORD cause your thigh to waste away and your abdomen to swell.
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Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell;
What Numbers 5:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 5:21, the priest administers a serious oath to a woman suspected of infidelity. This ritual involves invoking a curse from God, symbolizing the consequences of unfaithfulness. The priest declares that if she is guilty, her body will suffer physical afflictions, specifically her thigh wasting away and her abdomen swelling. This act serves as a public declaration of her potential guilt and the severe repercussions of her actions. The curse is meant to instill fear and promote fidelity within the community. It reflects the seriousness of marital vows and the importance of faithfulness in relationships. The physical symptoms described are symbolic of divine judgment, emphasizing that God is aware of human actions and will respond accordingly. This passage illustrates the gravity of sin and the communal aspect of accountability in ancient Israelite society, where personal actions could have broader implications for the community.
How to apply Numbers 5:21 to your life
This passage reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in our relationships. It encourages us to reflect on our commitments and the potential consequences of our actions. Upholding integrity and honesty fosters trust and strengthens bonds with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 5:21 mean in context?
Numbers 5:21 describes a ritual for a woman suspected of adultery, where a priest invokes a curse if she is guilty. This reflects the seriousness of marital fidelity in ancient Israel, emphasizing that unfaithfulness could lead to severe consequences, both physically and socially. The passage illustrates how personal actions can impact the community and highlights the importance of integrity in relationships.
Why does the priest use a curse in this ritual?
The priest uses a curse in this ritual to underscore the gravity of the accusation against the woman. By invoking a curse, the priest is calling upon God to demonstrate divine judgment if she is guilty. This serves to instill fear and promote fidelity within the community, reinforcing the idea that God is aware of human actions and will respond to unfaithfulness.
What are the physical symptoms mentioned in Numbers 5:21?
The physical symptoms mentioned in Numbers 5:21 are the woman's thigh wasting away and her abdomen swelling. These symptoms are symbolic of divine judgment, indicating that if she is guilty of infidelity, her body will suffer as a consequence. This serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the potential repercussions of one's actions.
How does this verse relate to modern relationships?
This verse highlights the importance of faithfulness and integrity in relationships. It encourages individuals to reflect on their commitments and the potential consequences of betrayal. Upholding honesty and trust fosters stronger bonds and accountability, which are essential for healthy relationships today.
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