Numbers 5:13

Numbers 5:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act),

King James Version KJV

And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner;

American Standard Version ASV

and a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, and she be not taken in the act;

Bible in Basic English BBE

By taking as her lover another man, and keeps it secret so that her husband has no knowledge of it, and there is no witness against her, and she is not taken in the act;

Free Bible Version FBV

by sleeping with someone else. It may be that her husband doesn't find out and her unclean act wasn't witnessed—she wasn't caught out.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So that an other man lie with her fleshly, and it bee hid from the eyes of her husband, and kept close, and yet she be defiled, and there be no witnesse against her, neither she taken with the maner,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and a man hath lain with her [with] the seed of copulation, and it hath been hid from the eyes of her husband, and concealed, and she hath been defiled, and there is no witness against her, and she hath not been caught,

World English Bible WEB

and a man lies with her carnally, and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband and this is kept concealed, and she is defiled, there is no witness against her, and she isn’t taken in the act;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And a man shall lie with her carnally, and it shall be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner ;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Shall have slept with another man, and her husband cannot discover it, but the adultery is secret, and cannot be proved by witnesses, because she was not found in the adultery:

Translation for Translators T4T

but neither he nor anyone else knows if it is true or not, because no one saw her doing that.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 5:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/שָׁכַ֨ב אִ֣ישׁ אֹתָ/הּ֮ שִׁכְבַת זֶרַע֒ וְ/נֶעְלַם֙ מֵ/עֵינֵ֣י אִישָׁ֔/הּ וְ/נִסְתְּרָ֖ה וְ/הִ֣יא נִטְמָ֑אָה וְ/עֵד֙ אֵ֣ין בָּ֔/הּ וְ/הִ֖וא לֹ֥א נִתְפָּֽשָׂה

וְ/שָׁכַ֨ב shâkab H7901 to lie down Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֹתָ/הּ֮ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

שִׁכְבַת shᵉkâbâh H7902 semen N-fs

זֶרַע֒ zeraʻ H2233 seed N-ms

וְ/נֶעְלַם֙ ʻâlam H5956 to conceal Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

מֵ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

אִישָׁ֔/הּ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms | Suff

וְ/נִסְתְּרָ֖ה çâthar H5641 to hide Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

וְ/הִ֣יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

נִטְמָ֑אָה ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

וְ/עֵד֙ ʻêd H5707 witness Conj | N-ms

אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

בָּ֔/הּ Prep | Suff

וְ/הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

נִתְפָּֽשָׂה tâphas H8610 to capture V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:13

וְ/שָׁכַ֨ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֹתָ/הּ֮ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שִׁכְבַת shᵉkâbâh H7902 "semen" N-fs

Semen refers to the seed or layer of something, and can also describe the act of lying down for sexual relations. It is used in the Bible to describe human intimacy.

Definition: 1) act of lying, layer, coating 1a) act of lying (of sexual relations) 1b) layer

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, copulation, [idiom] lay, seed. See also: Exodus 16:13; Leviticus 15:18; Numbers 5:13.

זֶרַע֒ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.

וְ/נֶעְלַם֙ ʻâlam H5956 "to conceal" Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.

Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.

מֵ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

אִישָׁ֔/הּ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms | Suff

וְ/נִסְתְּרָ֖ה çâthar H5641 "to hide" Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.

Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.

וְ/הִ֣יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

נִטְמָ֑אָה ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.

Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

וְ/עֵד֙ ʻêd H5707 "witness" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

בָּ֔/הּ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נִתְפָּֽשָׂה tâphas H8610 "to capture" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.

Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.

Study Notes — Numbers 5:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 5:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:13
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:13
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:13
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:13
Sermons on Numbers 5:13

Context — The Adultery Test

11Then the LORD said to Moses, 12“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him

13by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act),

14and if a feeling of jealousy comes over her husband and he suspects his wife who has defiled herself—or if a feeling of jealousy comes over him and he suspects her even though she has not defiled herself— 15then he is to bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring for her an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour. He is not to pour oil over it or put frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, an offering of memorial as a reminder of iniquity.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 18:20	You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.
2	Leviticus 20:10	If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.
3	Proverbs 7:18–19	Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses! For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
4	Proverbs 30:20	This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

Numbers 5:13 Summary

Numbers 5:13 is talking about a situation where a wife has been unfaithful to her husband, but no one knows about it. This verse highlights the importance of honesty and faithfulness in marriage, as seen in (Ephesians 5:33) and (Proverbs 31:10-12). It also reminds us that even if our sins are hidden from others, they are not hidden from God, who sees everything (Psalm 139:1-6). As we reflect on this verse, let's consider how we can prioritize trust, communication, and faithfulness in our own relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Numbers 5:13, and why is it important?

The context of Numbers 5:13 is about a wife who has been unfaithful to her husband, and it is crucial because it highlights the importance of faithfulness in marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:33 and Proverbs 31:10-12.

How does the Bible define impurity in this verse?

In Numbers 5:13, impurity refers to the wife's unfaithfulness, which is considered a sin against her husband and against God, as seen in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 5:27-28.

Why is it significant that there is no witness against the wife in Numbers 5:13?

The lack of witnesses in Numbers 5:13 emphasizes that the wife's sin is hidden, but not unnoticed by God, who sees all things, as stated in Psalm 139:1-6 and Hebrews 4:13.

How does this verse relate to the concept of jealousy in marriage?

Numbers 5:13 introduces the concept of a husband's jealousy, which is explored further in the following verses, highlighting the importance of trust and communication in marriage, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Proverbs 24:23-25.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can protect my own marriage from the dangers of infidelity and jealousy?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and communication with my spouse, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13-14?
What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize faithfulness and purity in my own relationships, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and 1 Peter 1:15-16?
In what ways can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in navigating complex relationship issues, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:13

And a man lie with her carnally,.... That is, is suspected that he has so done, not that it is a clear case, for it follows; and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close; so that it

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:13

And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner; No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:13

She utterly denying it, , and none being able and willing to discover it; for if it was witnessed, she was to die for it, .

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:13

Numbers 5:13 And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and [there be] no witness against her, neither she be taken [with the manner];Ver. 13. And it be hid from the eyes] As Proverbs 30:20. Such a privy whore was Livia, the wife of Augustus Caesar, who, though otherwise very observant of her husband, yet lived in adultery with Eudemus her physician: qui specie artis frequens secretis, saith Taeitus; who, under a show of curing her, corrupted her. So do the Jesuits many dames at this day; being, as one saith of them, Connubi sanctifugae, clam meretricitegae. The friars are said to send men whose wives are barren, in pilgrimage to St. Joyce the patroness of fruitfulness, and meanwhile to lie with their wives.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:13

13. and be kept close &c.] and she be undetected, though she has defiled herself. since she was not taken in the act] On the evidence of two witnesses at least (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15) the woman and the man would be put to death , Deuteronomy 22:22); cf. John 8:4 f. 14b. The merest suspicion on the husband’s part might render her liable to the ordeal.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:13

THE ORDEAL FOR A WIFE, Numbers 5:11-31.It has been said that the only bliss of paradise that has survived the fall is conjugal love. But even this blessing has not survived without alloys.

Sermons on Numbers 5:13

	Sermon	Description
	The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right
	003 Joseph Was a Righteous Man by David Servant	This sermon delves into the genealogy of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his credentials as the Messiah through his lineage from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David. It highlights th
	Moral Purity by Ralph Shallis	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of sex and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that sex was originally created by God as a good and beautiful thing, but du
	The Limits of God's Grace by David Servant	David Servant preaches on the true biblical concept of grace, using the story of Jesus' encounter with the woman caught in adultery to illustrate that grace is not a license to sin
	A Confessing Sinner, and a Forgiving God by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of acknowledging our sinful nature and the impossibility of achieving perfection in ourselves. He emphasizes that true perfection is foun

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