Old Testament
Numbers 5:27
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Once she drinks the water, if she has been unfaithful and sinned against her husband, the curse-bringing water will enter her and turn bitter — her abdomen will swell and her thigh will waste away. She will become an example of cursing among her people.
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And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.
What Numbers 5:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the process of a woman suspected of infidelity is described. If she drinks the bitter water prepared by the priest, it serves as a test of her fidelity. If she is guilty, the water will cause physical symptoms, indicating her unfaithfulness. This ritual reflects the seriousness of marital fidelity in ancient Israel and the belief that God would reveal the truth through this test. The consequences of her actions would not only affect her physically but also socially, as she would be seen as a curse among her people. This passage highlights the importance of trust and the severe repercussions of betrayal in relationships, emphasizing that actions have consequences that extend beyond the individual to the community.
How to apply Numbers 5:27 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of honesty and fidelity in our relationships. It encourages us to reflect on our commitments and the impact of our actions on others. Maintaining trust is essential for healthy relationships, and we should strive to uphold our promises and integrity.
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 5:27 mean?
Numbers 5:27 describes a ritual for a woman suspected of infidelity. If she drinks the bitter water prepared by the priest and is guilty, it will cause physical symptoms, indicating her unfaithfulness and resulting in social stigma.
What is the significance of the bitter water in Numbers 5:27?
The bitter water in Numbers 5:27 serves as a test of fidelity for a woman suspected of being unfaithful. It symbolizes divine judgment, where God reveals the truth about her actions through physical consequences.
What are the consequences mentioned in Numbers 5:27?
In Numbers 5:27, if the woman is guilty of infidelity, the water will cause her abdomen to swell and her thigh to waste away, marking her as a curse among her people. This illustrates the severe repercussions of betrayal.
How does Numbers 5:27 relate to marital fidelity?
Numbers 5:27 emphasizes the importance of marital fidelity by outlining a ritual that reveals unfaithfulness. It highlights that betrayal not only affects the individual but also has broader social implications.
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