Numbers 5:20 - But if you have gone astray, being under your husband, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband:”
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What does "Numbers 5:20" mean?
This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 5:11-31 that outlines a ritual for a woman suspected of adultery by her husband, but without concrete proof. Let's break down the meaning of verse 20:
"But if you have gone astray, being under your husband...": This phrase sets up a hypothetical situation. "Gone astray" refers to sexual infidelity. "Being under your husband" emphasizes the woman's marital status and her responsibility to be faithful within that bond.
"...and if you are defiled...": This clarifies the type of going astray: sexual defilement. It means that the woman has had sexual relations with someone other than her husband.
"...and some man has lain with you besides your husband:": This is the explicit statement of the act of adultery. It confirms that the "defilement" mentioned earlier refers to sexual intercourse with a man who is not her husband.
In essence, verse 20 is saying: "If you, being a married woman, have been unfaithful to your husband by having sexual relations with another man..."
It's important to understand this verse within the context of the entire ritual described in Numbers 5. This ritual involves a complex procedure with the priest, a mixture of holy water and dust, and an oath taken by the woman. The purpose of the ritual was to determine guilt or innocence in the absence of witnesses.
Key takeaways:
Focus on Adultery: The verse directly addresses the issue of adultery.
Hypothetical Situation: It presents a "what if" scenario, setting the stage for the rest of the ritual's instructions.
Emphasis on Marital Fidelity: It underscores the expectation of fidelity within marriage.
Important Considerations:
Cultural Context: This passage reflects the social and cultural norms of ancient Israel. It's crucial to interpret it within its historical context.
Patriarchal Society: The ritual is heavily focused on the husband's suspicion and the woman's potential guilt, reflecting the patriarchal nature of the society.
Controversial Ritual: The ritual itself is controversial and has been subject to much debate and interpretation. Modern interpretations vary widely.
It's crucial to avoid reading this verse in isolation and to consider its historical and cultural background. It's also important to recognize the potential for misinterpretation and to approach the text with sensitivity and awareness of its complexities.
Numbers 5:20 - But if you have gone astray, being under your husband, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband:”
What does "Numbers 5:20" mean?
This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 5:11-31 that outlines a ritual for a woman suspected of adultery by her husband, but without concrete proof. Let's break down the meaning of verse 20:
"But if you have gone astray, being under your husband...": This phrase sets up a hypothetical situation. "Gone astray" refers to sexual infidelity. "Being under your husband" emphasizes the woman's marital status and her responsibility to be faithful within that bond.
"...and if you are defiled...": This clarifies the type of going astray: sexual defilement. It means that the woman has had sexual relations with someone other than her husband.
"...and some man has lain with you besides your husband:": This is the explicit statement of the act of adultery. It confirms that the "defilement" mentioned earlier refers to sexual intercourse with a man who is not her husband.
In essence, verse 20 is saying: "If you, being a married woman, have been unfaithful to your husband by having sexual relations with another man..."
It's important to understand this verse within the context of the entire ritual described in Numbers 5. This ritual involves a complex procedure with the priest, a mixture of holy water and dust, and an oath taken by the woman. The purpose of the ritual was to determine guilt or innocence in the absence of witnesses.
Key takeaways:
Focus on Adultery: The verse directly addresses the issue of adultery.
Hypothetical Situation: It presents a "what if" scenario, setting the stage for the rest of the ritual's instructions.
Emphasis on Marital Fidelity: It underscores the expectation of fidelity within marriage.
Important Considerations:
Cultural Context: This passage reflects the social and cultural norms of ancient Israel. It's crucial to interpret it within its historical context.
Patriarchal Society: The ritual is heavily focused on the husband's suspicion and the woman's potential guilt, reflecting the patriarchal nature of the society.
Controversial Ritual: The ritual itself is controversial and has been subject to much debate and interpretation. Modern interpretations vary widely.
It's crucial to avoid reading this verse in isolation and to consider its historical and cultural background. It's also important to recognize the potential for misinterpretation and to approach the text with sensitivity and awareness of its complexities.