Numbers 5:22 - and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.” The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.”
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What does "Numbers 5:22" mean?
This verse is part of a ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31, dealing with a husband's suspicion of his wife's infidelity, but without concrete proof. Let's break down the meaning:
"And this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels...": This refers to a special water mixture prepared by the priest. It contained dust from the Tabernacle floor and written curses. The woman is made to drink it. The water itself isn't inherently poisonous or magical. It's symbolic and its power is seen as being derived from God's intervention if the woman is guilty.
"...and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.”: This describes the physical effects that are supposed to occur if the woman is guilty. The exact meaning of "your body swell" and "your thigh fall away" is debated among scholars.
"Body swell" (often translated as "abdomen swell") is believed by some to be a sign of pregnancy, and a diseased one at that. Others interpret it as a general sign of physical distress.
"Thigh fall away" is even more obscure. Some interpretations include:
Miscarriage/Infertility: Suggesting that if the woman is guilty of adultery, she will miscarry or become infertile.
General Weakness/Wasting: That the thigh, representing strength, will weaken or deteriorate.
Euphemism for the reproductive organs: A more literal (but less commonly accepted) interpretation suggesting damage to the reproductive organs.
"The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.”": The woman's double "Amen" signifies her acceptance of the oath and the consequences described. It's a solemn affirmation of her innocence, as she is invoking God to bring the curses upon her if she is lying.
In Summary:
The verse describes the consequence of drinking the "water of bitterness" if a woman is guilty of adultery. It prophesizes physical ailments, specifically involving her abdomen and thigh/reproductive system, which are interpreted as signs of divine judgment. The woman's "Amen, Amen" is her agreement to the terms of the test, declaring her innocence and willingness to accept the consequences if she is lying.
Important Considerations:
Symbolic Nature: This ritual is highly symbolic and relies on the belief that God will directly intervene to reveal the truth.
Social Context: This passage reflects a patriarchal society where female sexuality and fidelity were strictly controlled. The ritual provided a way to deal with suspicions of adultery when proof was lacking.
Unequal Application: It's important to note that the ritual focuses on the woman's infidelity, with no corresponding ritual for a man suspected of adultery. This highlights the gender inequality present in the culture.
Interpretational Challenges: The meaning of some of the Hebrew terms is uncertain, leading to various interpretations of the specific physical effects described.
Modern Relevance: This passage is often studied in the context of biblical ethics, gender roles, and the interpretation of ancient rituals. Its literal application is not practiced in modern Judaism or Christianity.
Numbers 5:22 - and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.” The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.”
What does "Numbers 5:22" mean?
This verse is part of a ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31, dealing with a husband's suspicion of his wife's infidelity, but without concrete proof. Let's break down the meaning:
"And this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels...": This refers to a special water mixture prepared by the priest. It contained dust from the Tabernacle floor and written curses. The woman is made to drink it. The water itself isn't inherently poisonous or magical. It's symbolic and its power is seen as being derived from God's intervention if the woman is guilty.
"...and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.”: This describes the physical effects that are supposed to occur if the woman is guilty. The exact meaning of "your body swell" and "your thigh fall away" is debated among scholars.
"Body swell" (often translated as "abdomen swell") is believed by some to be a sign of pregnancy, and a diseased one at that. Others interpret it as a general sign of physical distress.
"Thigh fall away" is even more obscure. Some interpretations include:
Miscarriage/Infertility: Suggesting that if the woman is guilty of adultery, she will miscarry or become infertile.
General Weakness/Wasting: That the thigh, representing strength, will weaken or deteriorate.
Euphemism for the reproductive organs: A more literal (but less commonly accepted) interpretation suggesting damage to the reproductive organs.
"The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.”": The woman's double "Amen" signifies her acceptance of the oath and the consequences described. It's a solemn affirmation of her innocence, as she is invoking God to bring the curses upon her if she is lying.
In Summary:
The verse describes the consequence of drinking the "water of bitterness" if a woman is guilty of adultery. It prophesizes physical ailments, specifically involving her abdomen and thigh/reproductive system, which are interpreted as signs of divine judgment. The woman's "Amen, Amen" is her agreement to the terms of the test, declaring her innocence and willingness to accept the consequences if she is lying.
Important Considerations:
Symbolic Nature: This ritual is highly symbolic and relies on the belief that God will directly intervene to reveal the truth.
Social Context: This passage reflects a patriarchal society where female sexuality and fidelity were strictly controlled. The ritual provided a way to deal with suspicions of adultery when proof was lacking.
Unequal Application: It's important to note that the ritual focuses on the woman's infidelity, with no corresponding ritual for a man suspected of adultery. This highlights the gender inequality present in the culture.
Interpretational Challenges: The meaning of some of the Hebrew terms is uncertain, leading to various interpretations of the specific physical effects described.
Modern Relevance: This passage is often studied in the context of biblical ethics, gender roles, and the interpretation of ancient rituals. Its literal application is not practiced in modern Judaism or Christianity.