Old Testament
Numbers 5:24
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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.
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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.
What Numbers 5:24 means
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.
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
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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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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Numbers 5:24
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Key themes
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 5:24 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.
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