Numbers 5:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:

Complete Jewish Bible:

The cohen will bring her forward and place her before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible:

The priest is to bring the wife forward and have her stand before the LORD.

American Standard Version:

And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before Jehovah:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the priest^{H3548} shall bring her near^{H7126}, and set^{H5975} her before^{H6440} the LORD^{H3068}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 5:16

1. **Themes**: The verse in question is part of the instructions for the ritual of the bitter water, or the "sotah" (suspected adulteress) ceremony, which is meant to determine the guilt or innocence of a woman suspected of adultery by her husband. The themes include jealousy, marital fidelity, divine judgment, and ritual purity. The ceremony is a test of the woman's innocence, with the understanding that God will intervene to confirm whether or not she has been unfaithful.

2. **Historical Context**: Numbers 5:16 is set within the context of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The book of Numbers outlines the laws and rituals given to the Israelites during this time, including the establishment of the priesthood and the codification of various religious and social laws. The ritual described in this passage reflects the patriarchal and religious structures of ancient Israelite society, where the sanctity of marriage was closely tied to religious purity and the favor of the Lord. The ceremony was to be conducted by a priest, highlighting the religious authority in maintaining social order and morality. It is important to note that this ritual is part of a larger legal framework found in the Torah, which includes various laws and procedures for maintaining justice and social harmony in the community. The historical context also suggests that the ritual was designed to deter infidelity and to resolve situations where a husband's jealousy could not be assuaged by normal means, thus preserving the integrity of the family unit, which was central to Israelite society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3548
   There are 653 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֹּהֵן
   Transliteration: kôhên
   Pronunciation: ko-hane'
   Description: active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7126
   There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרַב
   Transliteration: qârab
   Pronunciation: kaw-rab'
   Description: a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose; (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5975
   There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמַד
   Transliteration: ʻâmad
   Pronunciation: aw-mad'
   Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); 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.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [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.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.