Numbers 5:20
Numbers 5:20 in Multiple Translations
But 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’—
But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband:
But if thou have gone aside, being under thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee besides thy husband:
But if you have been with another in place of your husband and have made yourself unclean with a lover:
But if you have been unfaithful while married to your husband and have become unclean and have had sex with someone else…’”
But if thou hast turned from thine husband, and so art defiled, and some man hath lyen with thee beside thine husband,
and thou, if thou hast turned aside under thy husband, and if thou hast been defiled, and any man doth give his copulation to thee besides thy husband —
But if you have gone astray, being under your husband’s authority, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband—”
But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou art defiled, and some man hath lain with thee besides thy husband:
But if thou hast gone aside from thy husband, and art defiled, and hast lain with another man:
But if you have had sex with another man, Yahweh will curse you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:20
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 5:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַ֗תְּ
כִּ֥י
שָׂטִ֛ית
תַּ֥חַת
אִישֵׁ֖/ךְ
וְ/כִ֣י
נִטְמֵ֑את
וַ/יִּתֵּ֨ן
אִ֥ישׁ
בָּ/ךְ֙
אֶת
שְׁכָבְתּ֔/וֹ
מִֽ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֖י
אִישֵֽׁ/ךְ
וְ/אַ֗תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׂטִ֛ית
sâṭâh
H7847
to turn aside
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
אִישֵׁ֖/ךְ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms | Suff
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
נִטְמֵ֑את
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Niphal-Perf-2fs
וַ/יִּתֵּ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בָּ/ךְ֙
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁכָבְתּ֔/וֹ
shᵉkôbeth
H7903
copulation
N-fs | Suff
מִֽ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֖י
bilʻădêy
H1107
beside
Prep | Prep
אִישֵֽׁ/ךְ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:20
וְ/אַ֗תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׂטִ֛ית
sâṭâh
H7847
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
To turn aside or deviate from duty, this word describes someone who chooses to go against what is expected of them, like the Israelites who turned away from God's commands.
Definition: 1) to turn aside, go aside, turn, decline 1a) (Qal) to turn aside
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: decline, go aside, turn. See also: Numbers 5:12; Numbers 5:29; Proverbs 4:15.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
אִישֵׁ֖/ךְ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִטְמֵ֑את
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Niphal-Perf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בָּ/ךְ֙
""
Prep | Suff
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.
שְׁכָבְתּ֔/וֹ
shᵉkôbeth
H7903
"copulation"
N-fs | Suff
Copulation refers to the act of lying with someone, often in a sexual context. It is used in the Bible to describe human relationships and intimacy.
Definition: copulation
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] lie. See also: Leviticus 18:20; Leviticus 20:15; Numbers 5:20.
מִֽ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֖י
bilʻădêy
H1107
"beside"
Prep | Prep
This word means except or without, like in a phrase saying something is not included. The Bible uses it to show exclusion or exception, like in a rule or a law that does not apply to everyone.
Definition: apart from, except, without, besides
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, not (in), save, without. See also: Genesis 14:24; Psalms 18:32; Isaiah 36:10.
אִישֵֽׁ/ךְ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — Numbers 5:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Adultery Test
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’—
21and the priest shall have the woman swear under the oath of the curse—‘then may the LORD make you an attested curse among your people by making your thigh shrivel and your belly swell. 22May 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.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 5:12 | “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him |
Numbers 5:20 Summary
[Numbers 5:20 is a part of a biblical passage that discusses the importance of faithfulness in marriage. It warns against unfaithfulness and its consequences, reminding us that our actions have repercussions. As seen in the book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 22-33, marriage is a sacred institution that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church, and faithfulness is a key component of this relationship. By understanding the gravity of unfaithfulness, as highlighted in this verse, we can better appreciate the value of commitment and trust in our relationships, as also encouraged in Matthew 19:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Numbers 5:20 and how does it relate to the concept of marital faithfulness?
This verse is part of a larger passage that deals with the ritual for a wife suspected of adultery, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage as seen in Ephesians 5:22-33 and the punishment for unfaithfulness as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:22.
How does the ritual described in Numbers 5:20 reflect the seriousness of adultery in the eyes of God?
The ritual, including the use of bitter water and the oath of the curse, highlights the gravity of adultery and the need for accountability, as also seen in Proverbs 6:32 where it says that he who commits adultery lacks sense.
Is the concept of marital faithfulness still relevant today, and how does Numbers 5:20 inform our understanding of this issue?
Yes, marital faithfulness remains a crucial aspect of relationships, and Numbers 5:20 reminds us that faithfulness is not just a human expectation but also a divine one, as reinforced by Matthew 19:9 where Jesus teaches about the permanence of marriage.
How does the warning in Numbers 5:20 against defilement and adultery apply to believers today?
The warning serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of living a life of purity and faithfulness, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, and to avoid the destructive consequences of sin, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on marital fidelity and the consequences of unfaithfulness?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of faithfulness in my own relationships, whether marital or otherwise?
- How does the concept of accountability in Numbers 5:20 encourage me to examine my own actions and motivations?
- What role does trust and commitment play in my relationships, and how can I strengthen these aspects based on the teachings of Numbers 5:20?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:20
But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband,.... Gone aside from the paths of modesty and chastity, and betook herself to another man's bed instead of her husband's: and if thou be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:20
And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:20
11–31. The Ordeal of Jealousy. Though in its present form a late priestly composition this section is evidently based upon very ancient material. Its contents find no parallel in the other Pentateuchal codes; but the custom of trial by ordeal was a very ancient feature in Israelite life, as it was in the life of many other nations, and it still has a wide prevalence, especially in Africa. The forms of ordeal differ greatly—drinking a potion (as here), being thrown into water (as in the case of suspected witches in the middle ages in Europe), walking upon heated metal, or holding it in the hand, or very frequently invoking upon oneself a curse which will come true in the event of guilt. The latter, as well as the potion, forms part of the ordeal in the present passage1 [Note: References to ordeals in other nations are given in Gray’s Numbers, pp. 44 f.] . Another Biblical instance of an ordeal appears in the story of Korah (Numbers 16:16-18), and the practice perhaps underlies Psalms 109:18, Proverbs 6:27 f. The essential element in all cases is that the accused is subjected to a test, the visible results of which will be a conclusive divine sentence of innocence or guilt. In the present instance a woman is suspected of adultery which cannot be legally proved, and her husband’s jealousy is roused. He brings her to the priest with an accompanying offering of flour.
The priest places her ‘before Jehovah,’ and after dictating a curse upon herself which the woman endorses by responding ‘Amen, Amen,’ he causes her to drink a potion, consisting of holy water with two added ingredients—dust from the floor of the Tabernacle, and the written words of the curse which have been washed off into the water. If she is guilty of the charge, the potion will have a harmful effect upon her body which will prevent her being delivered of a child, but if she is innocent it will do her no harm and she will conceive seed.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:20
THE ORDEAL FOR A WIFE, Numbers 5:11-31.It has been said that the only bliss of paradise that has survived the fall is conjugal love. But even this blessing has not survived without alloys.