Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Numbers 5:19►

New International Version
Then the priest shall put the woman under oath and say to her, “If no other man has had sexual relations with you and you have not gone astray and become impure while married to your husband, may this bitter water that brings a curse not harm you.

New Living Translation
The priest will then put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has had sex with you, and you have not gone astray and defiled yourself while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune from the effects of this bitter water that brings on the curse.

English Standard Version
Then the priest shall make her take an oath, saying, ‘If no man has lain with you, and if you have not turned aside to uncleanness while you were under your husband’s authority, be free from this water of bitterness that brings the curse.

Berean Standard Bible
And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse.

King James Bible
And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleannesswith another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:

New King James Version
And the priest shall put her under oath, and say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you have not gone astray to uncleannesswhile under your husband’sauthority, be free from this bitter water that brings a curse.

New American Standard Bible
And the priest shall have her take an oath and shall say to the woman, “If no man has had sexual relations with you and if you have not gone astray into uncleanness,as you are underthe authority of your husband, be immune to this water of bitterness that brings a curse;

NASB 1995
The priest shall have her take an oath and shall say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you and if you have not gone astray into uncleanness, being under the authority of your husband, be immune to this water of bitterness that brings a curse;

NASB 1977
‘And the priest shall have her take an oath and shall say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you and if you have not gone astray into uncleanness,being underthe authority of your husband, be immune to this water of bitterness that brings a curse;

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the priest shall have her swearan oath and shall say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you have not gone astray into defilement,being underthe authority of your husband, be free from this water of bitterness that brings curses;

Amplified Bible
Then the priest shall have her take an oath and say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you and if you have not gone astray into uncleanness [while married], then be immune to this water of bitterness that brings a curse;

Christian Standard Bible
The priest will require the woman to take an oath and will say to her, ‘If no man has slept with you, if you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, be unaffected by this bitter water that brings a curse.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priest will require the woman to take an oath and will say to her, ‘If no man has slept with you, if you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, be unaffected by this bitter water that brings a curse.

American Standard Version
And the priest shall cause her to swear, and shall say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou have not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causeth the curse.

English Revised Version
and the priest shall cause her to swear, and shall say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causeth the curse:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Then the priest will say to her, 'If no other man has had sexual intercourse with you and you haven't been unfaithful to your husband, you're not guilty. This bitter water that can bring a curse will not harm you.

Good News Translation
Then the priest shall make the woman agree to this oath spoken by the priest: "If you have not committed adultery, you will not be harmed by the curse that this water brings.

International Standard Version
"The priest is to administer this oath to the woman: 'If indeed another man didn't have sexual relations with you and you didn't become unfaithful to your husband, then may you be free from these waters that bring a curse.

NET Bible
Then the priest will put the woman under oath and say to the her, "If no other man has had sexual relations with you, and if you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband's authority, may you be free from this bitter water that brings a curse.

New Heart English Bible
The priest shall cause her to swear, and shall tell the woman, 'If no man has lain with you, and if you haven't gone aside to uncleanness, being under your husband, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say to the woman, If no man hath lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse.

World English Bible
The priest shall cause her to take an oath and shall tell the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you haven’t gone aside to uncleanness, being under your husband’s authority, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the priest has caused her to swear, and has said to the woman, If no man has lain with you, and if you have not turned aside [to] uncleanness under your husband, be free from these bitter waters which cause the curse;

Young's Literal Translation
And the priest hath caused her to swear, and hath said unto the woman, If no man hath lain with thee, and if thou hast not turned aside to uncleanness under thy husband, be free from these bitter waters which cause the curse;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priest bound her by an oath, and said to the woman, If a man lay not with thee, and thou didst not turn aside to be defiled instead of thy husband, be thou unpunished from the water of contradiction, causing the curse.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he shall adjure her, and shall say: If another man hath not slept with thee, and if thou be not defiled by forsaking thy husband's bed, these most bitter waters, on which I have heaped curses, shall not hurt thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he shall bind her by an oath, and he shall say: ‘If another man has not slept with you, and if you have not been polluted by forsaking the bed of your husband, these most bitter waters, into which I have gathered curses, shall not harm you.

New American Bible
Then the priest shall adjure the woman, saying to her, “If no other man has had intercourse with you, and you have not gone astray by defiling yourself while under the authority of your husband, be immune to this water of bitterness that brings a curse.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the priest shall make her take an oath, saying, “If no man has lain with you, if you have not turned aside to uncleanness while under your husband’s authority, be immune to this water of bitterness that brings the curse.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the priest shall charge the woman by an oath, and say to her, If no man has lain with you besides your husband, and if you have not done wrong and become unclean, be absolved from these charges by this bitter water of testing;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Priest shall put the woman under oath and shall say to her: "If a man has not had sexual intercourse with you and you have not done wrong and you have not been defiled outside of your husband, be cleared from these bitter waters of testing.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the priest shall cause her to swear, and shall say unto the woman: 'If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causeth the curse;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the priest shall adjure her, and shall say to the woman, If no one has lain with thee, and if thou hast not transgressed so as to be polluted, being under the power of thy husband, be free from this water of the conviction that causes the curse.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Adultery Test
…18After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse.19And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her,‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority,may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse.20But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’—…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

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.

Deuteronomy 22:22
If a man is found lying with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.

John 8:3-11
The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them / and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. / In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” ...

Proverbs 6:32
He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

Matthew 5:27-28
You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ / But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

Leviticus 18:20
You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.

Deuteronomy 5:18
You shall not commit adultery.

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Hosea 4:14
I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin.

Jeremiah 3:1
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 16:38
And I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery and those who shed blood; so I will bring upon you the wrath of your bloodshed and jealousy.

Treasury of Scripture

And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say to the woman, If no man have lain with you, and if you have not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of your husband, be you free from this bitter water that causes the curse:

Jump to Previous

Astray Authority Bitter Bitterness Cause Causeth Charge Curse Free Husband Instead Lain Oath Swear Uncleanness Water

Jump to Next

Astray Authority Bitter Bitterness Cause Causeth Charge Curse Free Husband Instead Lain Oath Swear Uncleanness Water

Numbers 5

1.The unclean are removed out of camp
5.Restitution is to be made in trespass
11.The trial of jealously

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her
In ancient Israel, oaths were solemn declarations made before God, often involving a curse if the oath was broken. This reflects the seriousness of the situation and the belief that God is the ultimate judge of truth. The priest's role in administering the oath underscores the religious and communal nature of the proceedings, as the priest acts as an intermediary between God and the people.

‘If no other man has slept with you
This phrase addresses the specific accusation of adultery, which was a grave offense in Israelite society, threatening the sanctity of marriage and family lineage. The emphasis on "no other man" highlights the exclusivity expected in marriage. Adultery was not only a personal sin but also a violation of the covenant community's moral standards.

and you have not gone astray and become defiled
"Going astray" implies a willful departure from the path of righteousness, while "defiled" suggests a state of impurity that affects one's relationship with God and the community. This language reflects the broader biblical theme of faithfulness to God and His commandments, with physical adultery often serving as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness.

while under your husband’s authority
This reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the husband was the head of the household. The phrase underscores the cultural and legal expectations of a wife's fidelity within the marriage covenant. It also highlights the husband's role in initiating the ritual, as his suspicions trigger the process.

may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse
The "bitter water" refers to a ritualistic drink used in the test for adultery, believed to reveal guilt or innocence. The curse associated with the water underscores the seriousness of the oath and the belief in divine justice. This ritual reflects the ancient understanding of God's direct involvement in human affairs, where physical manifestations were seen as evidence of spiritual truths. The concept of a curse also ties into the broader biblical theme of blessings and curses as consequences of obedience or disobedience to God's law.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Priest
A religious leader responsible for administering the oath and the ritual of the bitter water. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the law is upheld.

2.The Woman
The subject of the ritual, suspected of infidelity. She is brought before the priest to determine her innocence or guilt through a divinely ordained process.

3.The Husband
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the one who suspects his wife of infidelity and brings her to the priest. His role is crucial as the accuser in this situation.

4.The Bitter Water
A concoction used in the ritual to determine the woman's faithfulness. It symbolizes divine judgment and is believed to reveal the truth through its effects.

5.The Tabernacle
The place where this ritual takes place, representing God's presence among His people and the seriousness of the oath taken there.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant, and faithfulness is paramount. This passage underscores the importance of trust and fidelity within the marital relationship.

The Role of Divine Justice
The ritual of the bitter water serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate judge. Human justice systems are fallible, but God's judgment is perfect and righteous.

The Power of Oaths
Taking an oath before God is a serious matter. This passage teaches us to be truthful and sincere in our commitments, recognizing the weight of our words before God.

The Importance of Community and Mediation
The involvement of the priest and the community in resolving marital disputes highlights the role of spiritual leaders and the faith community in supporting and guiding individuals through difficult times.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In situations of doubt and suspicion, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to reveal truth and administer justice.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 5:19?

2.How does Numbers 5:19 emphasize the importance of marital faithfulness in our lives?

3.What role does the priest play in Numbers 5:19, and why is it significant?

4.How can we apply the principle of accountability from Numbers 5:19 today?

5.In what ways does Numbers 5:19 connect with the Ten Commandments on adultery?

6.How does Numbers 5:19 encourage us to maintain integrity in our relationships?

7.What is the significance of the oath in Numbers 5:19 for ancient Israelite society?

8.How does Numbers 5:19 reflect the treatment of women in biblical times?

9.What theological implications arise from the ritual described in Numbers 5:19?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 5?

11.Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that this trial by ordeal was actually used (Numbers 5)?

12.What is the ritual for suspected adultery in Numbers?

13.Does Numbers 5 describe a ritual related to abortion?

14.Should oaths be taken? (Numbers 30:2 vs. Matthew 5:34)

What Does Numbers 5:19 Mean

And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her

• The priest’s first act is to administer an oath, underscoring that this is not a private marital squabble but a matter brought before the LORD (Numbers 5:16).

• Swearing before God signals absolute seriousness; an oath invokes divine witness and judgment (Deuteronomy 6:13;Matthew 5:33–37).

• Because God’s eyes “roam to and fro over all the earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9), He alone can verify hidden things. The rite therefore places the entire question of guilt or innocence in His hands.

‘If no other man has slept with you

• The central issue is sexual purity inside marriage. The commandment “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) is in view.

• Scripture consistently treats marital intimacy as exclusive (Proverbs 5:15–18;1 Corinthians 7:2–4).

• By highlighting “no other man,” the priest calls on the woman to affirm covenant faithfulness comparable to God’s unfailing faithfulness toward His people (Hosea 2:19–20).

and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority,

• “Gone astray” pictures wandering from a set path (Deuteronomy 32:5). In marriage, that path is one-flesh loyalty (Genesis 2:24;Ephesians 5:22–33).

• “Defiled” stresses moral and ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 18:20). Adultery contaminates not only individuals but the covenant community (Joshua 7:1, 11-13).

• The phrase “under your husband’s authority” reminds Israel that marriage is a divinely ordered structure, echoingGenesis 3:16 and1 Peter 3:1. Faithfulness within that structure protects both spouses and honors God.

may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse.

• If innocent, the woman will drink the mixture with no ill effect; God Himself guarantees her vindication (Psalm 26:2;Proverbs 17:3).

• Conversely, guilt invites a supernatural curse (Numbers 5:27). The ordeal removes human guesswork, letting God “bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

• Far from demeaning women, the rite protects them from false accusation by providing a divine verdict when human evidence is lacking (Deuteronomy 19:15;Isaiah 54:17).

• The “bitter water” points forward to Christ, who drank the ultimate cup of judgment on our behalf (Matthew 26:39;Galatians 3:13), satisfying God’s justice so believers can stand acquitted.

summary

Numbers 5:19 shows a priest placing a suspected wife under oath, affirming her innocence if she has remained sexually faithful. The passage teaches that God Himself judges hidden sin, safeguards marital purity, and vindicates the blameless. It underscores covenant seriousness, the sanctity of marriage, and the Lord’s perfect justice—truths still vital for every believer today.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. -If no man. The oath presupposed her innocence. Withanother instead of thy husband. Hebrew, "under thy husband, i.e., as a wife subject to a husband (Ezekiel 23:5;Hosea 4:12). "Υπανδροςοῦσα, Septuagint. It was only as afemme couverte that she could committhis sin.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And [he]
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן(hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest

is to require the woman to take an oath
וְהִשְׁבִּ֨יעַ(wə·hiš·bî·a‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7650:To seven oneself, swear

and say
וְאָמַ֤ר(wə·’ā·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

her,
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙(hā·’iš·šāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, female

‘If
אִם־(’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

no other
לֹ֨א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

man
אִישׁ֙(’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male person

has slept with you
שָׁכַ֥ב(šā·ḵaḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie down

and
וְאִם־(wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you have not
לֹ֥א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

gone astray
שָׂטִ֛ית(śā·ṭîṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 7847:To deviate from duty

and become defiled
טֻמְאָ֖ה(ṭum·’āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2932:Religious impurity

while under
תַּ֣חַת(ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478:The bottom, below, in lieu of

your husband’s authority,
אִישֵׁ֑ךְ(’î·šêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male person

may you be immune
הִנָּקִ֕י(hin·nā·qî)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 5352:To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated

to this
הָאֵֽלֶּה׃(hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, those

bitter
הַמָּרִ֥ים(ham·mā·rîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 4751:Bitter, bitterness, bitterly

water
מִמֵּ֛י(mim·mê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semen

that brings a curse.
הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים(ham·’ā·ră·rîm)
Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 779:To execrate

Links

Numbers 5:19 NIV
Numbers 5:19 NLT
Numbers 5:19 ESV
Numbers 5:19 NASB
Numbers 5:19 KJV

Numbers 5:19 BibleApps.com
Numbers 5:19 Biblia Paralela
Numbers 5:19 Chinese Bible
Numbers 5:19 French Bible
Numbers 5:19 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Numbers 5:19 The priest shall cause her to swear (Nu Num.)