Numbers 5:29
Numbers 5:29 in Multiple Translations
This is the law of jealousy when a wife goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority,
This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled;
This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goeth aside, and is defiled;
This is the law for testing a wife who goes with another in place of her husband and becomes unclean;
This is the rule to follow in cases of jealousy when a wife has an affair and makes herself unclean while married to her husband,
This is the law of ielousie, when a wife turneth from her husband and is defiled,
'This [is] the law of jealousies, when a wife turneth aside under her husband, and hath been defiled,
“‘This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goes astray, and is defiled,
This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth astray to another instead of her husband, and is defiled;
This is the law of jealousy. If a woman hath gone aside from her husband, and be defiled,
‘That is the ritual that must be performed when a woman who is married has been unfaithful to her husband,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:29
BAB
Word Study
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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 5:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֹ֥את
תּוֹרַ֖ת
הַ/קְּנָאֹ֑ת
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
תִּשְׂטֶ֥ה
אִשָּׁ֛ה
תַּ֥חַת
אִישָׁ֖/הּ
וְ/נִטְמָֽאָה
זֹ֥את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
תּוֹרַ֖ת
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
הַ/קְּנָאֹ֑ת
qinʼâh
H7068
jealousy
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּשְׂטֶ֥ה
sâṭâh
H7847
to turn aside
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
אִישָׁ֖/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms | Suff
וְ/נִטְמָֽאָה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Niphal-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:29
זֹ֥את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
תּוֹרַ֖ת
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/קְּנָאֹ֑ת
qinʼâh
H7068
"jealousy"
Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תִּשְׂטֶ֥ה
sâṭâh
H7847
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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.
אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
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.
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.
אִישָׁ֖/הּ
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/נִטְמָֽאָה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Niphal-3fs
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 5:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Adultery Test
27When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering; her belly will swell, her thigh will shrivel, and she will become accursed among her people.
28But if the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, she will be unaffected and able to conceive children.
29This is the law of jealousy when a wife goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority,
30or when a feeling of jealousy comes over a husband and he suspects his wife. He is to have the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest is to apply to her this entire law. 31The husband will be free from guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 5:19 | And 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. |
| 2 | Numbers 5:12 | “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Leviticus 11:46 | This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground. |
| 5 | Leviticus 7:11 | Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: |
| 6 | Leviticus 13:59 | This is the law concerning a mildew contamination in wool or linen fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 5:7–8 | For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land. |
| 8 | Leviticus 14:54–57 | This is the law for any infectious skin disease, for a scaly outbreak, for mildew in clothing or in a house, and for a swelling, rash, or spot, to determine when something is clean or unclean. This is the law regarding skin diseases and mildew. ” |
| 9 | Leviticus 15:32–33 | This is the law of him who has a discharge, of the man who has an emission of semen whereby he is unclean, of a woman in her menstrual period, of any male or female who has a discharge, and of a man who lies with an unclean woman.’” |
Numbers 5:29 Summary
This verse is talking about a situation where a wife has been unfaithful to her husband, and it's describing a law that helps to reveal the truth and bring justice. The law is meant to protect the marriage relationship and emphasize the importance of faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6. In simple terms, this verse is reminding us that our actions have consequences, and that faithfulness and loyalty are essential for building strong, healthy relationships, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Ephesians 5:22-33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the law of jealousy mentioned in Numbers 5:29?
The law of jealousy is a divine institution in the Old Testament that deals with situations where a husband suspects his wife of infidelity, as seen in Numbers 5:12-31, and is meant to provide a way for God to reveal the truth and bring justice, as noted in Deuteronomy 19:15-21.
Why is it important for the wife to be under her husband's authority in Numbers 5:29?
The wife being under her husband's authority in Numbers 5:29 emphasizes the importance of marriage as a covenant relationship, as described in Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7, where the husband has a responsibility to care for and protect his wife, and the wife has a responsibility to respect and submit to her husband.
How does this law relate to the concept of marriage and faithfulness?
This law highlights the seriousness of faithlessness in marriage, as seen in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 5:27-28, and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in the marriage relationship, as described in Proverbs 5:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.
Is this law still applicable today?
While the specific law of jealousy is not directly applicable today, the principles of faithfulness, loyalty, and the importance of marriage as a covenant relationship are still relevant, as taught in Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7, and are essential for building strong, healthy marriages.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of faithfulness in my own relationships, whether romantic or otherwise?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of loyalty and commitment in my relationships, as described in Ruth 1:16-17 and Matthew 19:4-6?
- What are some potential consequences of faithlessness, as seen in Numbers 5:27 and Proverbs 6:32-35, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- How can I balance the need for trust and forgiveness in my relationships, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:29
This [is] the law of jealousies,.... Which was appointed by God to deter wives from adultery, and preserve the people of Israel, the worshippers of him, from having a spurious brood among them; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:29
This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled; This is the law of jealousies. Adultery discovered and proved was punished with death.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 5:29
Verse 29. This is the law of jealousies] And this is the most singular law in the whole Pentateuch: a law that seems to have been copied by almost all the nations of the earth, whether civilized or barbarian, as we find that similar modes of trial for suspected offences were used when complete evidence was wanting to convict; and where it was expected that the object of their worship would interfere for the sake of justice, in order that the guilty should be brought to punishment, and the innocent be cleared. For general information on this head see at the end of this chapter. See Clarke on Numbers 5:31.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:29
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 5:29
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.
Sermons on Numbers 5:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exchanged Life by Hudson Taylor | Charles Simeon preaches on the significance of anamnesis, which involves awakening the mind to guilt before God and realizing the hindrance sin creates in our communion with Him. T |
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On Head Coverings by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of maintaining decorum and order in sacred assemblies, emphasizing the significance of following traditions and practices that are rooted |
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(Through the Bible) Leviticus 1-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the meal offering as a form of worship to God. The meal offering consists of fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense, symbolizing the work |
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The Power of the Blood by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers of falling into sin and the consequences of choosing worldly pleasures over the reproach of Christ. He uses the example of Moses |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel |
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The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #6 by Milton Green | This sermon focuses on the concept of being a new creation in Christ, akin to a second Adam, and being conformed to the image of Jesus. It delves into the idea of bearing fruit in |
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The True Vine by Steve Hulshizer | Steve Hulshizer preaches about the fallen nature of man since Adam's rebellion, leading to a lineage tainted by sin and incapable of producing anything pleasing to God. Despite God |