Numbers 5:27
Numbers 5:27 in Multiple Translations
When 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.
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.
And when he hath made her drink the water, then it shall come to pass, if she be defiled, and have committed a trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her and become bitter, and her body shall swell, and her thigh shall fall away: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.
And it will be that if the woman has become unclean, sinning against her husband, when she has taken the bitter water it will go into her body, causing disease of the stomach and wasting of the legs, and she will be a curse among her people.
After he has made her drink the water, if she has made herself unclean and has been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that curses will cause her bitter pain. Her belly will swell up and her thighs will shrink. She will become a cursed woman among her people.
When yee haue made her drinke the water, (if she bee defiled and haue trespassed against her husband) then shall the cursed water, turned into bitternesse, enter into her, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot, and the woman shall be accursed among her people.
yea, he hath caused her to drink the water, and it hath come to pass, if she hath been defiled, and doth commit a trespass against her husband, that the waters which cause the curse have gone into her for bitter things, and her belly hath swelled, and her thigh hath fallen, and the woman hath become an execration in the midst of her people.
When he has made her drink the water, then it shall happen, if she is defiled and has committed a trespass against her husband, that the water that causes the curse will enter into her and become bitter, and her body will swell, and her thigh will fall away; and the woman will be a curse among her people.
And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that , if she is defiled, and hath 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 perish: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.
And when she hath drunk them, if she be defiled, and having despised her husband be guilty of adultery, the malediction shall go through her, and her belly swelling, her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse, and an example to all the people.
If the woman has committed adultery, the water will cause her to suffer greatly. Her stomach will swell up and her womb will shrink, and she will be unable to give birth to children. And then her ◄relatives/fellow Israelis► will curse her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:27
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 5:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִשְׁקָ֣/הּ
אֶת
הַ/מַּ֗יִם
וְ/הָיְתָ֣ה
אִֽם
נִטְמְאָה֮
וַ/תִּמְעֹ֣ל
מַ֣עַל
בְּ/אִישָׁ/הּ֒
וּ/בָ֨אוּ
בָ֜/הּ
הַ/מַּ֤יִם
הַ/מְאָֽרֲרִים֙
לְ/מָרִ֔ים
וְ/צָבְתָ֣ה
בִטְנָ֔/הּ
וְ/נָפְלָ֖ה
יְרֵכָ֑/הּ
וְ/הָיְתָ֧ה
הָ/אִשָּׁ֛ה
לְ/אָלָ֖ה
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
עַמָּֽ/הּ
וְ/הִשְׁקָ֣/הּ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
וְ/הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
נִטְמְאָה֮
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
וַ/תִּמְעֹ֣ל
mâʻal
H4603
be unfaithful
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מַ֣עַל
maʻal
H4604
unfaithfulness
N-ms
בְּ/אִישָׁ/הּ֒
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בָ֨אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בָ֜/הּ
Prep | Suff
הַ/מַּ֤יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
הַ/מְאָֽרֲרִים֙
ʼârar
H779
to curse
Art | V-Piel
לְ/מָרִ֔ים
mar
H4751
bitter
Prep | Adj
וְ/צָבְתָ֣ה
tsâbâh
H6638
to swell
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בִטְנָ֔/הּ
beṭen
H990
belly
N-fs | Suff
וְ/נָפְלָ֖ה
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
יְרֵכָ֑/הּ
yârêk
H3409
thigh
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הָיְתָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
הָ/אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
לְ/אָלָ֖ה
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
Prep | N-fs
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
עַמָּֽ/הּ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:27
וְ/הִשְׁקָ֣/הּ
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
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.
הַ/מַּ֗יִם
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.
וְ/הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
נִטְמְאָה֮
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.
וַ/תִּמְעֹ֣ל
mâʻal
H4603
"be unfaithful"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be unfaithful or act treacherously, covering up or acting secretly against someone. It's used to describe actions against people or God, such as committing a trespass or transgressing. The Bible translates it as 'transgress' or 'trespass'.
Definition: 1) to act unfaithfully, act treacherously, transgress, commit a trespass 1a) (Qal) to act unfaithfully or treacherously 1a1) against man 1a2) against God 1a3) against devoted thing 1a4) against husband
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: transgress, (commit, do a) trespass(-ing). See also: Leviticus 5:15; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 16:10.
מַ֣עַל
maʻal
H4604
"unfaithfulness"
N-ms
This word refers to unfaithfulness or treachery, describing a sinful or trespassing act against someone or God. It's about being false or disloyal, and the Bible translates it as 'falsehood', 'transgression', or 'trespass'.
Definition: 1) unfaithful or treacherous act, trespass 1a) against man 1b) against God
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: falsehood, grievously, sore, transgression, trespass, [idiom] very. See also: Leviticus 5:15; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Daniel 9:7.
בְּ/אִישָׁ/הּ֒
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
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.
וּ/בָ֨אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בָ֜/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מַּ֤יִם
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.
הַ/מְאָֽרֲרִים֙
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
Art | V-Piel
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
לְ/מָרִ֔ים
mar
H4751
"bitter"
Prep | Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
וְ/צָבְתָ֣ה
tsâbâh
H6638
"to swell"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to swell or grow, and can also refer to preparing for battle or arraying an army. It's used in the Bible to describe physical swelling, such as an adulteress' belly. The KJV translates it as 'fight' or 'swell'.
Definition: 1) to swell, swell up 1a) (Qal) to swell (of adulteress' belly) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to swell (of adulteress' belly)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fight swell. See also: Numbers 5:22; Numbers 5:27.
בִטְנָ֔/הּ
beṭen
H990
"belly"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
וְ/נָפְלָ֖ה
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
יְרֵכָ֑/הּ
yârêk
H3409
"thigh"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the thigh or the side of something, and can also symbolize strength or power. It is used to describe where a sword is worn, and also represents the loins as the seat of procreative power.
Definition: 1) thigh, side, loin, base 1a) thigh 1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn) 1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power) 1b) side (flank) (of object) 1c) base
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] body, loins, shaft, side, thigh. See also: Genesis 24:2; Numbers 3:35; Psalms 45:4.
וְ/הָיְתָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֛ה
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.
לְ/אָלָ֖ה
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
עַמָּֽ/הּ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 5:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Adultery Test
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. 29This is the law of jealousy when a wife goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 42:18 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Just as My anger and wrath were poured out on the residents of Jerusalem, so will My wrath be poured out on you if you go to Egypt. You will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and disgrace, and you will never see this place again.’ |
| 2 | Zechariah 8:13 | As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 29:18 | I will pursue them with sword and famine and plague. I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth—a curse, a desolation, and an object of scorn and reproach among all the nations to which I banish them. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 24:9 | I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 44:12 | And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have resolved to go to the land of Egypt to reside there; they will meet their end. They will all fall by the sword or be consumed by famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine; and they will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and reproach. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 29:22 | Because of them, all the exiles of Judah who are in Babylon will use this curse: ‘May the LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire!’ |
| 7 | Isaiah 65:15 | You will leave behind your name as a curse for My chosen ones, and the Lord GOD will slay you; but to His servants He will give another name. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 28:37 | You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 2:16 | To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? |
| 10 | Proverbs 5:4–11 | in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol. She does not consider the path of life; she does not know that her ways are unstable. So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, lest you concede your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel; lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent, |
Numbers 5:27 Summary
The verse Numbers 5:27 describes a test to see if a wife has been unfaithful to her husband. If she has, the bitter water will cause her physical suffering, as a way of revealing the truth. This verse shows us how seriously God takes faithfulness and honesty in our relationships, especially in marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33). It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that God desires us to be truthful and faithful in all areas of life (Colossians 3:9-10).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the bitter water in Numbers 5:27?
The bitter water is a test to determine if a wife has been unfaithful to her husband, as described in Numbers 5:27, and its purpose is to reveal the truth and bring judgment if necessary, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:19-20.
Is the curse in Numbers 5:27 a form of punishment or a means of revealing truth?
The curse in Numbers 5:27 is a means of revealing truth, as it causes physical suffering in the woman if she has been unfaithful, similar to how God uses various means to reveal truth and bring conviction, such as in Romans 2:4-5.
Can the consequences described in Numbers 5:27 be reversed or forgiven?
While the Bible does not specifically address the reversibility of the consequences in Numbers 5:27, it does teach that God is a forgiving God, as seen in Psalm 86:5, and that He desires restoration and healing for those who repent, as in 1 John 1:9.
How does Numbers 5:27 relate to the concept of covenant faithfulness in marriage?
Numbers 5:27 highlights the importance of faithfulness in marriage, as it is a covenant between a husband, wife, and God, as seen in Ephesians 5:22-33 and Matthew 19:4-6, and unfaithfulness is a serious offense against this covenant.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on faithfulness and covenant commitment in marriage?
- How does the concept of the bitter water in Numbers 5:27 relate to the idea of consequences for our actions, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of faithfulness and covenant commitment in my own relationships, whether in marriage or other areas of life?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of truth and honesty in our relationships, and how can we prioritize these values in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:27
And when he hath made her to drink the water,.... For, as before observed, and here by Jarchi again, if she says I will not drink it, after the roll is blotted out, they oblige her, and make her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:27
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:27
Numbers 5:27 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.Ver. 27. And her belly shall swell.] This was a usual miracle among the Jews; and showed that their religion was of God.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:27
11–31. The Ordeal of Jealousy. Though in its present form a late priestly composition this section is evidently based upon very ancient material. Its contents find no parallel in the other Pentateuchal codes; but the custom of trial by ordeal was a very ancient feature in Israelite life, as it was in the life of many other nations, and it still has a wide prevalence, especially in Africa. The forms of ordeal differ greatly—drinking a potion (as here), being thrown into water (as in the case of suspected witches in the middle ages in Europe), walking upon heated metal, or holding it in the hand, or very frequently invoking upon oneself a curse which will come true in the event of guilt. The latter, as well as the potion, forms part of the ordeal in the present passage1 [Note: References to ordeals in other nations are given in Gray’s Numbers, pp. 44 f.] . Another Biblical instance of an ordeal appears in the story of Korah (Numbers 16:16-18), and the practice perhaps underlies Psalms 109:18, Proverbs 6:27 f. The essential element in all cases is that the accused is subjected to a test, the visible results of which will be a conclusive divine sentence of innocence or guilt. In the present instance a woman is suspected of adultery which cannot be legally proved, and her husband’s jealousy is roused. He brings her to the priest with an accompanying offering of flour.
The priest places her ‘before Jehovah,’ and after dictating a curse upon herself which the woman endorses by responding ‘Amen, Amen,’ he causes her to drink a potion, consisting of holy water with two added ingredients—dust from the floor of the Tabernacle, and the written words of the curse which have been washed off into the water. If she is guilty of the charge, the potion will have a harmful effect upon her body which will prevent her being delivered of a child, but if she is innocent it will do her no harm and she will conceive seed.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:27
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 5:27
| Sermon | Description | |
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Gideon #1: The Presence of the Lord by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the burden he has for the people of God and their need for blessings. He references Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to bless Abraham and m |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.8:14 - 10:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is faithful to fulfill both his promises of judgment and blessings. He encourages believers not to fear, as God has proven his fait |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.5:5 - 8:13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four spirits of heaven mentioned in Revelation 7. These spirits are sent forth by God to execute tasks of judgment. The preacher emphasiz |
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(Youth Conference 2006) Thirst for the Spirit's Power by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for God or His work. He shares personal experiences of being called upon to speak when someone else didn |
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(Church Leadership) 13. Jesus Is the Author of Faith by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God. He shares a story of two individuals, one who believed in God's power and another who did not. Des |
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Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights |
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Hilarius Pictaviensis by John Gill | John Gill discusses the teachings of Hilarius Pictaviensis regarding predestination, emphasizing that God has a determinate number of elect individuals chosen for eternal glory. Hi |