Numbers 5:27 - 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.
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What does "Numbers 5:27" mean?
This verse is part of a ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31 to determine a woman's guilt or innocence if her husband suspects her of adultery but lacks proof. Let's break down the verse and the surrounding context:
Context: The chapter deals with the "law of jealousy." If a husband is suspicious of his wife's infidelity but has no witnesses or concrete evidence, he can bring her to the priest.
"When he has made her drink the water...": The "water" is a special concoction prepared by the priest. It contains holy water mixed with dust from the floor of the Tabernacle and ink used to write the curse on a scroll.
"...if she is defiled, and has committed a trespass against her husband...": This refers to the scenario where the woman is guilty of adultery.
"...the water that causes the curse will enter into her and become bitter...": This is where the supernatural element comes in. The water itself is not inherently poisonous. The belief is that if the woman is guilty, the water will act as a divine agent of punishment.
"...and her body will swell, and her thigh will fall away...": This describes the physical consequences if the woman is guilty. The exact interpretation of "thigh falling away" is debated. Some interpret it as a euphemism for a reproductive organ, suggesting infertility or a miscarriage. Others believe it refers to a general wasting away of the body.
"...and the woman will be a curse among her people.": This means she will be ostracized and shamed within her community. Her sin will be publicly exposed, leading to social disgrace.
Key takeaways:
Trial by ordeal: This ritual is an example of a trial by ordeal, where a person's guilt or innocence is determined by subjecting them to a dangerous or unpleasant test, with the belief that divine intervention will reveal the truth.
Presumption of innocence: It's important to note that this ritual is only invoked when there is no proof of adultery. It provides a way to resolve suspicions when evidence is lacking.
Gender inequality: This passage reflects the patriarchal society of the time, where a woman's fidelity was considered crucial for maintaining family honor and lineage. The husband's jealousy is enough to initiate the process, while there is no comparable ritual for a wife suspecting her husband.
Symbolism: The ritual is highly symbolic, relying on the belief that God will intervene to reveal the truth.
Different Interpretations:
Literal vs. Figurative: Some interpret the physical consequences described literally, while others see them as symbolic representations of the shame and social consequences of adultery.
Historical Context: Understanding the historical and cultural context is crucial for interpreting this passage. The views on women, marriage, and honor were very different in ancient Israel compared to modern Western societies.
In conclusion, Numbers 5:27 describes the consequences of a failed trial by ordeal for a woman suspected of adultery. It reflects the social norms, beliefs, and legal practices of ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of female fidelity and the role of divine intervention in resolving accusations.
Numbers 5:27 - 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.
What does "Numbers 5:27" mean?
This verse is part of a ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31 to determine a woman's guilt or innocence if her husband suspects her of adultery but lacks proof. Let's break down the verse and the surrounding context:
Context: The chapter deals with the "law of jealousy." If a husband is suspicious of his wife's infidelity but has no witnesses or concrete evidence, he can bring her to the priest.
"When he has made her drink the water...": The "water" is a special concoction prepared by the priest. It contains holy water mixed with dust from the floor of the Tabernacle and ink used to write the curse on a scroll.
"...if she is defiled, and has committed a trespass against her husband...": This refers to the scenario where the woman is guilty of adultery.
"...the water that causes the curse will enter into her and become bitter...": This is where the supernatural element comes in. The water itself is not inherently poisonous. The belief is that if the woman is guilty, the water will act as a divine agent of punishment.
"...and her body will swell, and her thigh will fall away...": This describes the physical consequences if the woman is guilty. The exact interpretation of "thigh falling away" is debated. Some interpret it as a euphemism for a reproductive organ, suggesting infertility or a miscarriage. Others believe it refers to a general wasting away of the body.
"...and the woman will be a curse among her people.": This means she will be ostracized and shamed within her community. Her sin will be publicly exposed, leading to social disgrace.
Key takeaways:
Trial by ordeal: This ritual is an example of a trial by ordeal, where a person's guilt or innocence is determined by subjecting them to a dangerous or unpleasant test, with the belief that divine intervention will reveal the truth.
Presumption of innocence: It's important to note that this ritual is only invoked when there is no proof of adultery. It provides a way to resolve suspicions when evidence is lacking.
Gender inequality: This passage reflects the patriarchal society of the time, where a woman's fidelity was considered crucial for maintaining family honor and lineage. The husband's jealousy is enough to initiate the process, while there is no comparable ritual for a wife suspecting her husband.
Symbolism: The ritual is highly symbolic, relying on the belief that God will intervene to reveal the truth.
Different Interpretations:
Literal vs. Figurative: Some interpret the physical consequences described literally, while others see them as symbolic representations of the shame and social consequences of adultery.
Historical Context: Understanding the historical and cultural context is crucial for interpreting this passage. The views on women, marriage, and honor were very different in ancient Israel compared to modern Western societies.
In conclusion, Numbers 5:27 describes the consequences of a failed trial by ordeal for a woman suspected of adultery. It reflects the social norms, beliefs, and legal practices of ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of female fidelity and the role of divine intervention in resolving accusations.