Numbers 5:26
Numbers 5:26 in Multiple Translations
Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar; after that he is to have the woman drink the water.
And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.
and the priest shall take a handful of the meal-offering, as the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water.
And he will take some of it in his hand, burning it on the altar as a sign, and then he will give the woman the bitter water.
Then the priest shall take a handful of the grain offering as a reminder portion and burn it on the altar, and make the woman drink the water.
And the Priest shall take an handfull of the offring for a memorial thereof, and burne it vpon the altar, and afterwarde make the woman drinke the water.
and the priest hath taken a handful of the present, its memorial, and hath made perfume on the altar, and afterwards doth cause the woman to drink the water:
The priest shall take a handful of the meal offering, as its memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water.
And the priest shall take a handful of the offering, even the memorial of it, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.
To take a handful of the sacrifice of that which is offered, and burn it upon the altar: and so give the most bitter waters to the woman to drink.
and burn part of it as a sacrifice. Then the woman must drink the bitter water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:26
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 5:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/קָמַ֨ץ
הַ/כֹּהֵ֤ן
מִן
הַ/מִּנְחָה֙
אֶת
אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔/הּ
וְ/הִקְטִ֖יר
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ/ה
וְ/אַחַ֛ר
יַשְׁקֶ֥ה
אֶת
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
אֶת
הַ/מָּֽיִם
וְ/קָמַ֨ץ
qâmats
H7061
to grasp
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֤ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/מִּנְחָה֙
minchâh
H4503
offering
Art | N-fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔/הּ
ʼazkârâh
H234
memorial
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הִקְטִ֖יר
qâṭar
H6999
to offer
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ/ה
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַחַ֛ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Adv
יַשְׁקֶ֥ה
shâqâh
H8248
to water
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:26
וְ/קָמַ֨ץ
qâmats
H7061
"to grasp"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The word qâmats means to grasp or take a handful of something, like a person grasping a fistful of dirt or a priest taking a handful of grain as an offering. It is used in the Bible to describe a physical action, often in rituals or ceremonies, and is translated as taking an handful.
Definition: (Qal) to grasp, enclose with the hand, take a handful
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: take an handful. See also: Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 5:12; Numbers 5:26.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֤ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/מִּנְחָה֙
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔/הּ
ʼazkârâh
H234
"memorial"
N-fs | Suff
A memorial or reminder, specifically a food offering burned to remember something, as described in Leviticus.
Definition: memorial-offering, the portion of the meal (food) offering which is burned
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: memorial. See also: Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 5:12; Numbers 5:26.
וְ/הִקְטִ֖יר
qâṭar
H6999
"to offer"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ/ה
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וְ/אַחַ֛ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Adv
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
יַשְׁקֶ֥ה
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
הַ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Numbers 5:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Adultery Test
24He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and may cause her bitter suffering.
25The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar.
26Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar; after that he is to have the woman drink the water.
27When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering; her belly will swell, her thigh will shrivel, and she will become accursed among her people. 28But if the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, she will be unaffected and able to conceive children.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 2:2 | and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
| 2 | Leviticus 2:9 | The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
| 3 | Leviticus 5:12 | He is to bring it to the priest, who shall take a handful from it as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar atop the offerings made by fire to the LORD; it is a sin offering. |
| 4 | Leviticus 6:15 | The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
Numbers 5:26 Summary
In Numbers 5:26, the priest takes a handful of the grain offering and burns it on the altar, then has the woman drink the water to determine her guilt or innocence. This ritual shows that God is concerned with faithfulness and honesty in relationships, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 5:27-28. It reminds us to present our situations before the Lord and seek His guidance and judgment. By trusting in God's justice and righteousness, we can live with integrity and honesty, just like He desires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the priest taking a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion in Numbers 5:26?
The priest taking a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burning it on the altar symbolizes the presentation of the woman's situation before the Lord, seeking His judgment and guidance, as seen in Leviticus 2:2 and Leviticus 5:12.
Why did the priest have the woman drink the water after the grain offering ritual?
The priest had the woman drink the water as a means of determining her guilt or innocence, as the water was believed to bring a curse upon those who were unfaithful, as stated in Numbers 5:24 and Numbers 5:27.
Is this ritual still applicable today?
This specific ritual is not applicable today, as it was part of the Mosaic law and the temple sacrifices, which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:1-18 and Romans 10:4.
What can we learn from this ritual about God's character?
This ritual shows that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who desires faithfulness and honesty in relationships, as seen in Malachi 2:14-15 and Matthew 5:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of presenting my situations before the Lord, like the grain offering, in my daily life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's judgment and guidance, and how can I do that?
- How can I trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when I don't understand the circumstances around me?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of faithfulness and honesty in my relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:26
And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, [even] the memorial thereof,.... For good or evil, according as her works were, as Aben Ezra observes; a memorial for good, if innocent, and a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:26
Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:26
The memorial thereof, of which see .
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:26
26. an handful of the meal-offering] In accordance with the general regulation laid down in Leviticus 2:2. as the memorial-offering thereof] The technical term ’azkârâh is confined to P . It is used of the frankincense burned for the Presence-bread (Leviticus 24:7), the meal of the poor man’s sin-offering (Leviticus 5:11 f.), and the meal-offering (here, Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 2:9; Leviticus 2:16; Leviticus 6:15). The burning of the incense or meal in each case was to bring the worshipper before God’s memory. Cf. Exodus 28:29. and afterward &c.] Strictly interpreted this is a second draught which the woman is made to take. But a second draught is very improbable. There has apparently been some accidental disarrangement of the text. Notice that Numbers 5:27 b repeats the substance of Num 5:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:26
26. The memorial thereof — The Hebrew for memorial differs from that in Numbers 5:15. Furst thinks that it is because the frankincense and oil are not used, it being a memorial of iniquity.