Old Testament

Numbers 5:24

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a ritual is described 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
CBTClear Bible Translation

He will make the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and the water will enter her body and turn bitter inside her.

KJVKing James Version

And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a ritual is described for a woman suspected of infidelity. The priest makes her drink a special bitter water that is believed to reveal the truth about her fidelity. If she is guilty, the water will cause her physical suffering, symbolizing the curse of her actions. This practice reflects the seriousness of marital fidelity in ancient Israel and the belief that God would intervene to reveal the truth. The bitter water serves as a test of her innocence or guilt, emphasizing the importance of honesty and the consequences of betrayal. The ritual underscores the communal and spiritual dimensions of marriage, where unfaithfulness is not just a personal failing but a breach of trust that affects the entire community. This passage illustrates the gravity of accusations and the lengths to which the community would go to uphold moral standards, relying on divine judgment to clarify the situation.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, anxiety, fear

How to apply Numbers 5:24 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of honesty in relationships. It encourages us to communicate openly with our partners and to address any suspicions or doubts directly. Trust is foundational in any relationship, and maintaining it requires transparency and integrity.

Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Numbers 5:24 mean?

Numbers 5:24 describes a ritual for a woman suspected of infidelity, where she drinks bitter water that is believed to reveal her guilt or innocence. If she is guilty, the water will cause her physical suffering, symbolizing the consequences of her actions.

What is the significance of the bitter water in Numbers 5:24?

The bitter water in Numbers 5:24 serves as a test to determine a woman's fidelity. It symbolizes the seriousness of marital trust and the belief that God would intervene to reveal the truth about her actions.

How does Numbers 5:24 relate to marital fidelity?

Numbers 5:24 highlights the importance of marital fidelity by illustrating the lengths to which the community would go to address suspicions of infidelity. It underscores that unfaithfulness is not just a personal issue but affects the entire community.

What themes are present in Numbers 5:24?

Key themes in Numbers 5:24 include marital fidelity, divine judgment, truth and justice, community standards, and the significance of rituals and practices in addressing moral issues.

The Book of Numbers
Book Summary

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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