Old Testament
Numbers 5:22
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 5:22, the verse describes a ritual for a woman suspected of infidelity.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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