Numbers 5:15 - then the man shall bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring her offering for her: one tenth of an ephah of barley meal. He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 5:15" mean?
This verse is part of a ritual described in Numbers chapter 5, specifically dealing with suspected adultery. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then the man shall bring his wife to the priest...": This initiates the process when a husband suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks definitive proof. He is required to bring her before a priest to undergo a trial of sorts.
"...and shall bring her offering for her: one tenth of an ephah of barley meal.": The husband must bring a specific offering, which is about 2 liters of barley flour. This is a relatively coarse and inexpensive grain, reflecting the uncertain nature of the situation. Unlike other meal offerings, this one is distinctly different.
"He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it...": Regular meal offerings would be prepared with oil and frankincense. The omission of these ingredients is significant. Oil symbolizes joy, blessing, and the presence of God. Frankincense represents prayer and a pleasing aroma to God. Removing them suggests that this offering is not about seeking favor or expressing gratitude but about confronting a serious suspicion. It's a stark and somber offering.
"...for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory.": This explains the unique nature of the offering.
"Meal offering of jealousy": It is directly related to the husband's jealousy and suspicion.
"Meal offering of memorial": The offering serves as a reminder, or a memorial, to the potential transgression.
"Bringing iniquity to memory": This is the crucial point. The offering is intended to bring the possible sin of adultery to God's attention, so that it will not be overlooked and can be dealt with justly. It highlights the seriousness of the matter and God's role in discerning the truth.
In essence, the verse describes a specific, unusual offering brought by a husband who suspects his wife of adultery but has no solid proof. The lack of oil and frankincense, combined with the description of the offering as one "of jealousy" and "bringing iniquity to memory," indicates that it is not a typical offering of praise or atonement. Instead, it is a somber request for God to reveal the truth and to bring any hidden sin to light.
The verses following this one describe the further ritual the priest performs, involving holy water, dust from the tabernacle floor, and a curse. The wife would drink this mixture, and if she were guilty, the curse would take effect and cause a physical ailment. If she were innocent, she would be unharmed and become pregnant.
Important Considerations:
Context: It's important to understand this verse within the larger context of the entire chapter and the legal and social norms of ancient Israel.
Interpretation: There are varying interpretations of this ritual. Some see it as a divinely ordained means of determining guilt or innocence in the absence of witnesses. Others view it as a symbolic act meant to pressure the woman into confessing or, if innocent, to provide assurance and restore trust within the marriage.
Modern Relevance: This passage raises ethical questions about justice, fairness, and the treatment of women. Modern readers must consider the historical and cultural context while grappling with the moral implications of such a ritual.
Numbers 5:15 - then the man shall bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring her offering for her: one tenth of an ephah of barley meal. He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory.
What does "Numbers 5:15" mean?
This verse is part of a ritual described in Numbers chapter 5, specifically dealing with suspected adultery. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then the man shall bring his wife to the priest...": This initiates the process when a husband suspects his wife of infidelity but lacks definitive proof. He is required to bring her before a priest to undergo a trial of sorts.
"...and shall bring her offering for her: one tenth of an ephah of barley meal.": The husband must bring a specific offering, which is about 2 liters of barley flour. This is a relatively coarse and inexpensive grain, reflecting the uncertain nature of the situation. Unlike other meal offerings, this one is distinctly different.
"He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it...": Regular meal offerings would be prepared with oil and frankincense. The omission of these ingredients is significant. Oil symbolizes joy, blessing, and the presence of God. Frankincense represents prayer and a pleasing aroma to God. Removing them suggests that this offering is not about seeking favor or expressing gratitude but about confronting a serious suspicion. It's a stark and somber offering.
"...for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory.": This explains the unique nature of the offering.
"Meal offering of jealousy": It is directly related to the husband's jealousy and suspicion.
"Meal offering of memorial": The offering serves as a reminder, or a memorial, to the potential transgression.
"Bringing iniquity to memory": This is the crucial point. The offering is intended to bring the possible sin of adultery to God's attention, so that it will not be overlooked and can be dealt with justly. It highlights the seriousness of the matter and God's role in discerning the truth.
In essence, the verse describes a specific, unusual offering brought by a husband who suspects his wife of adultery but has no solid proof. The lack of oil and frankincense, combined with the description of the offering as one "of jealousy" and "bringing iniquity to memory," indicates that it is not a typical offering of praise or atonement. Instead, it is a somber request for God to reveal the truth and to bring any hidden sin to light.
The verses following this one describe the further ritual the priest performs, involving holy water, dust from the tabernacle floor, and a curse. The wife would drink this mixture, and if she were guilty, the curse would take effect and cause a physical ailment. If she were innocent, she would be unharmed and become pregnant.
Important Considerations:
Context: It's important to understand this verse within the larger context of the entire chapter and the legal and social norms of ancient Israel.
Interpretation: There are varying interpretations of this ritual. Some see it as a divinely ordained means of determining guilt or innocence in the absence of witnesses. Others view it as a symbolic act meant to pressure the woman into confessing or, if innocent, to provide assurance and restore trust within the marriage.
Modern Relevance: This passage raises ethical questions about justice, fairness, and the treatment of women. Modern readers must consider the historical and cultural context while grappling with the moral implications of such a ritual.