Numbers 5:19-20

19 '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 ¹gone astray into uncleanness, being under the authority of your husband, be immune to this water of bitterness that brings a curse;

20 if you, however, have ²gone astray, being under the authority of your husband, and if you have defiled yourself and a man other than your husband has had intercourse with you"

Numbers 5:19-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 5

This chapter contains a repetition of some former laws, concerning putting unclean persons out of the camp, Nu 5:1-4; making restitution in case of trespass against another, Nu 5:5-8; and of giving the offering of all holy things and all hallowed things to the priests, Nu 5:9,10; and a new law concerning jealousy, in a man, of his wife, Nu 5:11-14; when she was to be brought to the priest, and various rites and ceremonies to be used, Nu 5:15-23; who was to give her bitter water as a trial of her chastity, which, if guilty, would have a strange effect upon her, and make her accursed, but if not, would not affect her, and she would be free and happy, Nu 5:24-31.

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 5:12
• 2. Numbers 5:12

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "free from"