Numbers 5:18
Numbers 5:18 in Multiple Translations
After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse.
And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:
And the priest shall set the woman before Jehovah, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal-offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal-offering of jealousy: and the priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that causeth the curse.
And he will make the woman come before the Lord with her hair loose, and will put the meal offering, the offering of a bitter spirit, in her hands; and the priest will take in his hand the bitter water causing the curse;
Once the priest has had the woman stand before the Lord, he shall let her hair loose and have her hold the reminder grain offering—the grain offering used in cases of jealousy. The priest shall hold the bitter water that curses.
After, the Priest shall set the woman before the Lord, and vncouer the womans head, and put the offring of the memorial in her hands: it is the ielousie offering, and the Priest shall haue bitter and cursed water in his hand,
and the priest hath caused the woman to stand before Jehovah, and hath uncovered the woman's head, and hath given into her hands the present of the memorial, it [is] a present of jealousy, and in the hand of the priest are the bitter waters which cause the curse.
The priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse.
And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy-offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:
And when the woman shall stand before the Lord, he shall uncover her head, and shall, put on her hands the sacrifice of remembrance, and the oblation of jealousy: and he himself shall hold the most bitter waters, whereon he hath heaped curses with execration.
He must untie/unfasten the woman’s hair. Then he must put in her hands the grain that her jealous husband is offering to determine whether she has committed adultery or not. The priest must hold the bowl that contains bitter water that will cause ◄the woman to be cursed/bad things to happen to the woman► if she is guilty.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 5:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֶעֱמִ֨יד
הַ/כֹּהֵ֥ן
אֶֽת
הָ/אִשָּׁה֮
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָה֒
וּ/פָרַע֙
אֶת
רֹ֣אשׁ
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
וְ/נָתַ֣ן
עַל
כַּפֶּ֗י/הָ
אֵ֚ת
מִנְחַ֣ת
הַ/זִּכָּר֔וֹן
מִנְחַ֥ת
קְנָאֹ֖ת
הִ֑וא
וּ/בְ/יַ֤ד
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
יִהְי֔וּ
מֵ֥י
הַ/מָּרִ֖ים
הַ/מְאָֽרֲרִֽים
וְ/הֶעֱמִ֨יד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֥ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אִשָּׁה֮
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָה֒
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וּ/פָרַע֙
pâraʻ
H6544
to lead
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
וְ/נָתַ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כַּפֶּ֗י/הָ
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִנְחַ֣ת
minchâh
H4503
offering
N-fs
הַ/זִּכָּר֔וֹן
zikrôwn
H2146
memorial
Art | N-ms
מִנְחַ֥ת
minchâh
H4503
offering
N-fs
קְנָאֹ֖ת
qinʼâh
H7068
jealousy
N-fp
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וּ/בְ/יַ֤ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | Prep | N-cs
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
יִהְי֔וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מֵ֥י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
הַ/מָּרִ֖ים
mar
H4751
bitter
Art | Adj
הַ/מְאָֽרֲרִֽים
ʼârar
H779
to curse
Art | V-Piel
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:18
וְ/הֶעֱמִ֨יד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֥ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אִשָּׁה֮
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָה֒
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וּ/פָרַע֙
pâraʻ
H6544
"to lead"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To neglect or let something go is the meaning of this word, which can also imply exposing or dismissing something. In the Bible, it is used to describe turning away from God or neglecting responsibilities.
Definition: to lead, act as leader
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. See also: Exodus 5:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 1:25.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וְ/נָתַ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כַּפֶּ֗י/הָ
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִנְחַ֣ת
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
הַ/זִּכָּר֔וֹן
zikrôwn
H2146
"memorial"
Art | N-ms
A memorial or reminder, this word refers to something that helps people remember important events or people. It can be a written record or a special day. The word is used in the Bible to describe memorials to God.
Definition: memorial, reminder, remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: memorial, record. See also: Exodus 12:14; Numbers 17:5; Isaiah 57:8.
מִנְחַ֥ת
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
קְנָאֹ֖ת
qinʼâh
H7068
"jealousy"
N-fp
This word refers to strong feelings of jealousy or envy, often related to romantic or spiritual passion. It can describe human emotions or God's zeal for His people, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ardour, zeal, jealousy 1a) ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband) 1a1) sexual passion 1b) ardour of zeal (of religious zeal) 1b1) of men for God 1b2) of men for the house of God 1b3) of God for his people 1c) ardour of anger 1c1) of men against adversaries 1c2) of God against men 1d) envy (of man) 1e) jealousy (resulting in the wrath of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal. See also: Numbers 5:14; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 69:10.
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/בְ/יַ֤ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
יִהְי֔וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מֵ֥י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
הַ/מָּרִ֖ים
mar
H4751
"bitter"
Art | Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
הַ/מְאָֽרֲרִֽים
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
Art | V-Piel
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
Study Notes — Numbers 5:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 5:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
- Sermons on Numbers 5:18
Context — The Adultery Test
16The priest is to bring the wife forward and have her stand before the LORD.
17Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water.
18After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse.
19And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse. 20But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 5:4 | in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. |
| 2 | Numbers 5:22 | May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.’ Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’ |
| 3 | Revelation 10:9–10 | And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 29:18 | Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit, |
| 5 | Isaiah 38:17 | Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. |
| 6 | Numbers 5:24–26 | He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering. The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar. Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar; after that he is to have the woman drink the water. |
| 7 | Numbers 5:17 | Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 7:26 | And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared. |
| 9 | Numbers 5:15 | then he is to bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring for her an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour. He is not to pour oil over it or put frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, an offering of memorial as a reminder of iniquity. |
| 10 | Leviticus 13:45 | A diseased person must wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ |
Numbers 5:18 Summary
In Numbers 5:18, the priest has the woman stand before the Lord, letting down her hair and giving her a special grain offering, as a way of acknowledging her situation and seeking God's judgment. This ritual is a powerful reminder of God's desire for honesty and transparency in our relationships, as seen in other verses like Psalm 51:6 and Proverbs 10:9. By trusting in God's holiness and judgment, as symbolized by the bitter water, we can seek to live with integrity and faithfulness, just as the Bible teaches in verses like Matthew 5:27-28 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply these principles to our own lives and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of letting down the woman's hair in Numbers 5:18?
Letting down the woman's hair in Numbers 5:18 is a sign of her vulnerability and humility before the Lord, as well as a symbol of her willingness to be exposed and judged by God, as seen in other biblical contexts such as Isaiah 47:2 and 1 Corinthians 11:5-6.
What is the grain offering of memorial mentioned in Numbers 5:18?
The grain offering of memorial in Numbers 5:18 is a special offering made to the Lord as a reminder of the woman's situation and the Lord's judgment, similar to other memorial offerings found in Leviticus 2:1-2 and Leviticus 5:11-13.
Why does the priest hold the bitter water that brings a curse in Numbers 5:18?
The priest holds the bitter water that brings a curse in Numbers 5:18 as a reminder of the consequences of the woman's potential sin, as well as a symbol of God's judgment and holiness, as seen in other biblical contexts such as Deuteronomy 29:18-21 and Hebrews 10:26-31.
How does this ritual relate to the concept of covenant faithfulness in the Bible?
The ritual in Numbers 5:18 relates to the concept of covenant faithfulness in the Bible by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in marriage, as seen in other biblical contexts such as Malachi 2:14-15 and Ephesians 5:22-33, and highlighting the consequences of unfaithfulness.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for honesty and transparency in our relationships?
- How can I apply the principle of humility and vulnerability, as seen in the woman's letting down of her hair, to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I trust in God's judgment and holiness, as symbolized by the bitter water, to guide me in my own decisions and actions?
- How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of covenant faithfulness and loyalty, and what implications does this have for my own relationships and commitments?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:18
And the priest shall set the woman before the Lord,.... In the east of the tabernacle, with her face to the west, where was the holy of holies, so Ben Gersom; but not immediately for they had her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:18
And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
Before the Lord; before the tabernacle, with her face towards the ark. Uncover the woman’ s head; partly, that she might be made sensible how manifest she and all her ways were to God, and that she might be more visible to the congregation, that her shame might be greater if she were guilty; partly, in token of her sorrow either for her sin, or at least for any cause of suspicion which she had given; partly, as a sign that she was after a sort deprived of the help and protection of her husband, which the covering of the woman’ s head signified, ,10, and that she was neither virgin nor loyal with, for the heads of both these used to be covered. In her hands, that she herself might offer it, and therefore call God to be witness of her innocency. Bitter; so called either from the bitter taste which the dust gave it, or from the bitter effects of it upon her if she were guilty. Compare . That causeth the curse; not by any natural power, but by a supernatural efficacy ordained and wrought by God for her punishment, and for the terror and caution of others.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
Numbers 5:18 And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman’ s head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which [is] the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: Ver. 18. Uncover the woman’ s head.] Because she stood now upon her justification, and thereupon laid aside, for present, this sign of subjection to the man. The offering of memorial.] Brought by her husband, who was now sick of one of those three diseases, that they say are hardly cured, jealousy, frenzy, and heresy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
Verse 18. Uncover the woman's head] To take off a woman's veil, and expose her to the sight of men, would be considered a very great degradation in the East. To this St. Paul appears to allude, 1 Corinthians 11:5-6; 1 Corinthians 11:10.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:18
18. The hair is let loose as a sign of mourning for her shame. the water of bitterness] the water which causes physical pain.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:18
18. The woman before the Lord — In Numbers 5:16 the offering was “before the Lord” when brought to the altar.
Sermons on Numbers 5:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gifts of the Spirit - Part 2 (Rora 2003) by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of knowing the subject and purpose of one's speech. He then delves into the topic of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, emphasizin |
|
(February 1987) 01 - Arise and Measure the Temple by Ray Lowe | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a revolution that is taking place in the country, which will be followed by a revival. He shares a story about a preacher in 1964 who exper |
|
Nothing but Sweetness by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual nature of God's Word, which is both sweet and bitter. While it brings delight and nourishment to believers, sharing it with those who reject it can l |
|
Bitterness by Harold E. Schmul | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his dissatisfaction with a fellow believer whom he considers a compromiser and a danger to their movement. He then discusses the d |
|
Hebrews 12:14-17 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, peace, and holiness in Christianity, quoting Jesus and Paul to highlight the significance of following peace with all men and pur |
|
|
Cleansed by the Blood by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians giving themselves fully to God's plan. He urges believers to forget about themselves and love not their own liv |
|
Can I Be Coverted Today by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchangeable declaration that God can save sinners and bless those who minister the word for their salvation. The preacher refers to Jam |