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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 5:24 He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/5-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/04_Num_05_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 5:24 - The Adultery Test" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/5-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/5-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/5-23.htm" title="Numbers 5:23">◄</a> Numbers 5:24 <a href="/numbers/5-25.htm" title="Numbers 5:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He shall make the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and this water that brings a curse and causes bitter suffering will enter her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He will make the woman drink the bitter water that brings on the curse. When the water enters her body, it will cause bitter suffering if she is guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings the curse, and the water that brings the curse shall enter into her and cause bitter pain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and may cause her bitter suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, <i>and become</i> bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he shall make the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and the water that brings the curse shall enter her <i>to become</i> bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings a curse, so that the water which brings a curse will go into her and cause bitterness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings a curse, so that the water which brings a curse will go into her and cause bitterness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Then he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings a curse, so that the water which brings a curse will go into her and <i>cause</i> bitterness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings curses, so that the water which brings a curse will go into her to cause bitterness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings a curse, and the water that brings the curse will go into her and <i>cause</i> bitterness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will require the woman to drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her to cause bitter suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will require the woman to drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause bitter suffering. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causeth the curse; and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />so that when the woman drinks this water, the curses will enter her body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then he will have the woman drink the bitter water that can bring the curse. This water will go into her [and] become bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Before he makes the woman drink the water, which may then cause her bitter pain, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The woman is to drink the bitter water that brings a curse and the water that brings a curse is to be considered contaminated. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and may cause her bitter suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He will make the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and the water that brings a curse will enter her to produce bitterness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and has caused the woman to drink the bitter waters which cause the curse, and the waters which cause the curse have entered into her for bitter things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and hath caused the woman to drink the bitter waters which cause the curse, and the waters which cause the curse have entered into her for bitter things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he caused the woman to drink the water of contradiction causing the curse; and the waters causing the curse shall come into her for contradiction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he shall give them her to drink. And when she hath drunk them up, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and he shall give it to her to drink. And when she has emptied it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and he will have the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings a curse, so that the water that brings a curse may enter into her to her bitter hurt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings the curse, and the water that brings the curse shall enter her and cause bitter pain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he shall make the woman drink the bitter water of testing; and the water of testing shall enter into her, to try her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the woman shall drink the bitter testing water and the testing waters shall enter into her to test her.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causeth the curse; and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he shall cause the woman to drink the water of the conviction that brings the curse; and the water of the conviction that brings the curse shall enter into her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/5-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=1674" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/5.htm">The Adultery Test</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>And the priest shall write these curses on a scroll and wash them off into the bitter water. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">He is to have the woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8248.htm" title="8248: wə·hiš·qāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- Cause to drink water, give to drink. A primitive root; to quaff, i.e. to irrigate or furnish a potion to.">drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4751.htm" title="4751: ham·mā·rîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Bitter, bitterness. Or marah; from marar; bitter; also bitterness, or bitterly.">the bitter</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ham·’ā·ră·rîm (Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">that brings a curse,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">and it</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ū·ḇā·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">will enter</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">her</a> <a href="/hebrew/4751.htm" title="4751: lə·mā·rîm (Prep-l:: Adj-mp) -- Bitter, bitterness. Or marah; from marar; bitter; also bitterness, or bitterly.">and cause her bitter</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ham·’ā·ră·rîm (Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">suffering.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-4.htm">Proverbs 5:4</a></span><br />in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Psalm 109:18</a></span><br />The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-14.htm">Jeremiah 8:14</a></span><br />Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-15.htm">Jeremiah 9:15</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-15.htm">Jeremiah 23:15</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-28.htm">Isaiah 30:28</a></span><br />His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/65-6.htm">Isaiah 65:6-7</a></span><br />Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps, / both for your iniquities and for those of your fathers,” says the LORD. “Because they burned incense on the mountains and scorned Me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their former deeds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-15.htm">Lamentations 3:15</a></span><br />He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-3.htm">Ezekiel 3:3</a></span><br />“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-31.htm">Ezekiel 23:31-34</a></span><br />Because you have followed the path of your sister, I will put her cup into your hand.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup deep and wide. It will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much. / You will be filled with drunkenness and grief, with a cup of devastation and desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/8-11.htm">Revelation 8:11</a></span><br />The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter like wormwood oil, and many people died from the bitter waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/10-9.htm">Revelation 10:9-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-19.htm">Revelation 16:19</a></span><br />The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-32.htm">Matthew 23:32</a></span><br />Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causes the curse: and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Zechariah 5:3,4</a></b></br> Then said he unto me, This <i>is</i> the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off <i>as</i> on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off <i>as</i> on that side according to it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></b></br> And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in <i>his</i> wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger <i>from his right</i>, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/5-23.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/numbers/5-23.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/numbers/5-22.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/5-16.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/numbers/5-22.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/numbers/5-22.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/5-22.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/numbers/5-22.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/numbers/4-47.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/exodus/15-14.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/numbers/5-23.htm">Water</a> <a href="/numbers/5-23.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/5-26.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-32.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/numbers/5-26.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/5-30.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/numbers/5-27.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/numbers/5-27.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/numbers/8-2.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/5-27.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/5-26.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/numbers/5-27.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-22.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/numbers/14-33.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/numbers/5-26.htm">Water</a> <a href="/numbers/20-13.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/5-1.htm">The unclean are removed out of camp</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/5-5.htm">Restitution is to be made in trespass</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/5-11.htm">The trial of jealously</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse</b><br>This phrase refers to the ritual described in <a href="/numbers/5.htm">Numbers 5</a>, known as the "ordeal of jealousy." In ancient Israel, this was a test for a woman suspected of adultery. The priest would prepare a mixture of holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, which the woman would drink. The "bitter water" symbolizes the potential consequences of sin and the seriousness with which God views marital fidelity. The concept of a curse in the Old Testament often involves divine judgment or consequences for disobedience, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. This ritual underscores the importance of purity and faithfulness in marriage, reflecting God's covenant relationship with Israel.<p><b>and it will enter her</b><br>The act of drinking the water signifies the internalization of the test. In biblical terms, what enters a person often symbolizes spiritual or moral influence, as seen in Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a> about what defiles a person. The physical act of drinking represents the spiritual reality of God's judgment entering the woman's life. This phrase highlights the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, discerning truth and administering justice.<p><b>and may cause her bitter suffering</b><br>The potential for "bitter suffering" serves as a deterrent against infidelity and a reminder of the consequences of sin. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, communal and familial harmony was paramount, and this ritual aimed to protect these values. The suffering mentioned here is both physical and social, as a guilty verdict would lead to shame and ostracism. This phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of sin leading to suffering, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> with the fall of humanity. The ordeal can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He takes upon Himself the curse and suffering due to sin, offering believers forgiveness and reconciliation with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priest.htm">The Priest</a></b><br>In <a href="/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24</a>, the priest plays a central role in administering the ritual of the bitter water. He acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the law is upheld.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman</a></b><br>The woman in this passage is suspected of adultery. She undergoes a ritual to determine her guilt or innocence, highlighting the seriousness of marital fidelity in Israelite society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bitter_water.htm">The Bitter Water</a></b><br>This is a concoction used in the ritual to test the woman's faithfulness. It symbolizes the potential curse that could come upon her if she is guilty.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The setting for this event is the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacred rituals and judgments are carried out.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_curse.htm">The Curse</a></b><br>The curse is a divine judgment that would manifest physically if the woman is guilty, serving as a deterrent against infidelity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priest.htm">The Role of the Priest</a></b><br>The priest acts as a mediator, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability in the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_marital_fidelity.htm">The Seriousness of Marital Fidelity</a></b><br>This passage underscores the value God places on faithfulness in marriage, encouraging believers to uphold their marital vows.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice_and_mercy.htm">Divine Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While the ritual seems harsh, it reflects God's justice. However, it also points to the need for mercy and grace, as seen in the New Testament.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_symbols.htm">The Power of Symbols</a></b><br>The bitter water serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of sin, reminding believers of the spiritual realities behind physical actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_numbers_5_trial_by_ordeal.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that this trial by ordeal was actually used (Numbers 5)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_'bitter_water'_detect_infidelity.htm">How can the “bitter water” of Numbers 5:11–31 scientifically detect infidelity? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_balaam's_blessing_show_free_will.htm">If Balaam's initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_a_double_standard_in_numbers_5.htm">Does Numbers 5 imply a double standard for men and women regarding marital faithfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He shall cause the woman</span> to drink. This is said by anticipation, because she did not really drink it until after the offering (verse 26). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/5-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He is to have the woman</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">drink</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִשְׁקָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiš·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8248.htm">Strong's 8248: </a> </span><span class="str2">To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the bitter</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמָּרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bitter, bitterness, bitterly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">water</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that brings a curse,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְאָֽרֲרִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·’ā·ră·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> </span><span class="str2">To execrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and it</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּ֥יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will enter</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבָ֥אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her</span><br /><span class="heb">בָ֛הּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and cause her bitter</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמָרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bitter, bitterness, bitterly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">suffering.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·’ā·ră·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> </span><span class="str2">To execrate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/5-24.htm">Numbers 5:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/5-24.htm">OT Law: Numbers 5:24 He shall make the woman drink (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/5-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 5:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 5:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/5-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 5:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 5:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>