Old Testament
Numbers 5:22
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May this water that brings a curse enter your body, making your abdomen swell and your thigh waste away." The woman must respond, "Amen, amen."
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And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.
What Numbers 5:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 5:22, the verse describes a ritual for a woman suspected of infidelity. The priest administers a curse through a special water that symbolizes judgment. If the woman is guilty, the water is believed to cause physical harm, specifically swelling and decay. Her response, 'Amen, amen,' signifies her acceptance of the process and its consequences. This ritual reflects the seriousness of marital fidelity in ancient Israel and the community's role in upholding moral standards. It emphasizes the belief that God is involved in justice and truth, revealing the consequences of sin. The physical effects mentioned serve as a dramatic representation of divine judgment, highlighting the gravity of the situation. This passage illustrates the intersection of faith, morality, and community accountability in biblical law, showing how personal actions can have communal implications.
How to apply Numbers 5:22 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of honesty and fidelity in relationships. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and the potential consequences they may have on themselves and others. Upholding integrity fosters trust and strengthens community bonds.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Numbers 5:22
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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 5:22 mean?
Numbers 5:22 describes a ritual for a woman suspected of infidelity, where a priest uses water that symbolizes a curse. If the woman is guilty, the water is believed to cause physical harm, representing divine judgment.
What is the significance of the woman's response in Numbers 5:22?
The woman's response, 'Amen, amen,' signifies her acceptance of the ritual and its potential consequences. It reflects her acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation and the communal implications of her actions.
What themes are present in Numbers 5:22?
Key themes in Numbers 5:22 include divine judgment, marital fidelity, community accountability, and the consequences of sin. The passage highlights the importance of honesty in relationships and the role of the community in upholding moral standards.
How does Numbers 5:22 relate to modern relationships?
Numbers 5:22 serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and fidelity in relationships today. It encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and their community.
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