Numbers 5:12

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, If any {H376} man's {H376} wife {H802} go aside {H7847}, and commit {H4603} a trespass {H4604} against him,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'If a man's wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him;

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:12 introduces the solemn "law of jealousy," a unique legal and ritual framework in ancient Israel designed to address a husband's deep suspicion of his wife's infidelity when no direct evidence or witnesses are available. This verse sets the stage for a divinely ordained process, underscoring the paramount importance of marital fidelity within the covenant community and God's ultimate role as the revealer of truth in matters hidden from human sight. It highlights the serious nature of unfaithfulness, not merely as a personal offense but as a "trespass" against the husband and a potential defilement within the sacred community, demonstrating God's profound concern for the purity and integrity of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 5:12 initiates a distinct legal section (Numbers 5:11-31) known as the "ordeal of the bitter water" or the "law of jealousy." This passage immediately follows laws concerning ritual purity (Numbers 5:1-4), restitution for trespasses (Numbers 5:5-10), and the priestly portions. The placement of this law within the broader context of purity and holiness regulations emphasizes that marital fidelity was considered a matter of ritual and communal purity, not just a private domestic affair. It follows the establishment of the Tabernacle and the organization of the Israelite camp, reinforcing the idea that God's holy presence among His people demanded a high standard of moral and ritual purity in all aspects of life, including the foundational unit of the family. This section, along with other purity laws in Numbers, underscores the Israelites' preparation for entering the Promised Land, requiring them to be a holy people set apart for a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, marital fidelity was foundational to social order, inheritance, and the integrity of the family lineage. Adultery was considered a grave offense, often punishable by death as stipulated in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Penalty for Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Penalty for Adultery"). However, direct evidence of infidelity was often difficult to obtain, leaving husbands vulnerable to gnawing suspicion or false accusations. The "law of jealousy" provided a divinely sanctioned mechanism to resolve such cases, offering a supernatural means of adjudication when human evidence was lacking. This ritual served not only as a deterrent to actual infidelity but also as a safeguard against unsubstantiated accusations, protecting both the husband's honor and the wife's reputation, as the process involved a solemn appeal to God for intervention and revelation of truth. It reflects a societal structure where the husband held significant authority, but also where God provided a unique means for justice even in complex interpersonal disputes, demonstrating His commitment to truth and equity within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 5:12 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's presence among His people necessitates a high standard of moral and ritual cleanliness, extending even to the most intimate relationships. It highlights **Divine Justice and Truth**, portraying God as the ultimate arbiter who sees hidden things and ensures that truth prevails, whether through vindication or condemnation. The law also underscores the **Sanctity of Marriage** as a foundational institution within the covenant community, reflecting God's own covenant faithfulness to Israel (compare with prophetic imagery in [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1-3 - God's Unfailing Love for Unfaithful Israel")). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, not just between God and Israel, but also within the human relationships that comprise the covenant people, where a "trespass" against a spouse is also a breach of the community's sacred trust.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go aside (Hebrew, _sâṭâh'_):** From the primitive root H7847 (sâṭâh), meaning "to deviate from duty," "decline," "go aside," or "turn." In this context, it functions as a euphemism for engaging in illicit sexual conduct or infidelity. The word implies a departure from a prescribed path or standard, highlighting the breach of the marital covenant and the deviation from the expected fidelity within the sacred bond of marriage. It underscores the active choice to stray from faithfulness, a moral and relational departure from the covenant path.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** From the noun H4604 (maʻal), which denotes "treachery," "sin," "falsehood," "transgression," or "trespass." This term is often used for acts of unfaithfulness, betrayal, or sacrilege, particularly in the context of violating a sacred covenant or a divine command (e.g., [Leviticus 5:15](/leviticus/5-15 "Leviticus 5:15 - Trespass against the Lord")). Its application here to marital infidelity elevates the offense beyond a mere personal slight. It signifies that marital unfaithfulness is not just a private matter but a profound violation of a sacred trust, a covenantal breach that carries spiritual implications and potentially defiles the community, impacting its relationship with a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the ensuing law. It signifies that this is not a human invention but a direct commandment from God, delivered through Moses, for the entire Israelite community. It emphasizes the communal relevance and divine sanction of the marital laws, indicating that the sanctity of marriage is a matter of divine concern for all of God's people.
* **"If any man's wife go aside,"**: This introduces the hypothetical scenario that triggers the "law of jealousy." The phrase "go aside" (as analyzed above) serves as a delicate but clear euphemism for the wife's suspected infidelity. The focus is on the *suspicion* of unfaithfulness, not necessarily proven guilt, which is precisely why the ordeal is necessary. It highlights the deeply unsettling nature of unverified suspicion within a foundational relationship.
* **"and commit a trespass against him,"**: This clause defines the nature of the suspected offense. The act of "going aside" is explicitly identified as a "trespass" against the husband. This underscores the profound personal injury and violation of trust experienced by the husband, but also, given the meaning of _maʻal_, hints at the broader covenantal and spiritual implications of such an act within the community and before God. It signifies a breach of the sacred marital bond and a defilement that impacts the spiritual well-being of the individual and the community.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:12 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, particularly in the phrase "go aside," which delicately refers to the act of adultery without explicit vulgarity. This reflects a cultural sensitivity while still clearly conveying the grave nature of the suspected offense, allowing for the discussion of a sensitive topic within a sacred text. The verse also functions as an example of **Casuistic Law**, characterized by its "if... then..." structure (though the "then" clause is implied and detailed in subsequent verses). This legal style is common in ancient Near Eastern law codes and reflects a pragmatic approach to specific legal scenarios, providing clear guidelines for specific situations. Finally, the opening command, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them," serves as a **Divine Command Formula**, emphasizing the direct revelation from God and establishing the absolute authority and sacredness of the law that follows. This formula elevates the marital institution and its fidelity to a matter of divine concern, underscoring that these are not merely human conventions but divine mandates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:12, as the introduction to the law of jealousy, deeply underscores God's profound concern for the sanctity of marriage, the integrity of the family unit, and the pursuit of truth and justice within His covenant people. It reveals a God who is not distant from the complexities of human relationships but provides a means, even a supernatural one, to address the pain of suspicion and the potential defilement of unfaithfulness. The law highlights that marital fidelity is not merely a social convention but a covenantal obligation, a "trespass" against which has spiritual ramifications. It points to God as the ultimate Judge who "sees in secret" and can reveal what is hidden from human eyes, ensuring that justice, whether vindication or condemnation, ultimately prevails. This divine intervention underscores God's active involvement in maintaining the moral and spiritual purity of His chosen nation.

* [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")
* [Proverbs 5:15-20](/proverbs/5-15-20 "Proverbs 5:15-20 - Faithfulness in Marriage")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Honor Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of the bitter water is no longer practiced under the New Covenant, the underlying principles of Numbers 5:12 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage reminds us of the immense value God places on marital fidelity and the destructive, defiling nature of unfaithfulness. It calls us to cultivate relationships built on trust, transparency, and unwavering commitment, recognizing that our marriages are meant to reflect the covenant faithfulness of God Himself. In a world often marked by suspicion and broken promises, this text encourages us to seek truth, to uphold integrity, and to remember that God sees all things, even those hidden from human eyes. It challenges us to address marital challenges with wisdom, seeking reconciliation and justice through prayer, wise counsel, and adherence to biblical principles of love, forgiveness, and accountability, rather than allowing suspicion to fester or accusations to remain unresolved. Furthermore, it reminds us that our spiritual "fidelity" to God is paramount, and any "going aside" into idolatry or worldly compromise constitutes a spiritual trespass against our divine covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "trespass" aspect of infidelity, as described in this verse, elevate marital unfaithfulness beyond a mere personal slight to a spiritual offense against God and the covenant community?**
* **In what ways can believers today apply the principle of seeking divine truth and justice in situations of relational suspicion or conflict, even without the specific ritual described here?**
* **What does this passage teach us about God's concern for the sanctity and purity of relationships within His covenant community, and how does that apply to the Church today?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the "law of jealousy" introduced in Numbers 5:12?**

Answer: The "law of jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31) was a divinely ordained legal and ritual procedure designed to resolve cases of suspected marital infidelity when there was no direct evidence or witnesses. Its primary purpose was to provide a supernatural means of determining guilt or innocence, thereby protecting the husband from lingering suspicion and the wife from false accusation. It served to uphold the sanctity of marriage, ensure justice, and prevent defilement within the Israelite community, appealing to God as the ultimate judge who could reveal hidden truths. This unique provision underscored God's commitment to maintaining purity and order among His people, even in the most private and challenging of circumstances.

**Why is the term "trespass" (maʻal) used for marital infidelity in this verse?**

Answer: The use of the Hebrew term _maʻal_ ("trespass" or "unfaithfulness") for marital infidelity in Numbers 5:12 is highly significant because _maʻal_ typically refers to a serious breach of trust or a violation of a sacred covenant, often against God or sacred things (e.g., [Leviticus 5:15](/leviticus/5-15 "Leviticus 5:15 - Trespass against the Lord")). Its application here elevates marital unfaithfulness beyond a mere personal offense between spouses. It signifies that infidelity is a profound violation of the sacred covenant of marriage, which God Himself instituted, and thus carries deep spiritual implications, potentially defiling the individual and the community. It underscores the gravity with which God views the sanctity of the marital bond and the far-reaching consequences of its violation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the specific ritual of the "law of jealousy" is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and is not practiced today, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment in Christ. The law's purpose was to expose hidden sin and uphold the purity of the covenant community, and in this, it foreshadows Christ's ultimate work. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, ultimately addresses the "trespass" of humanity's unfaithfulness against God. Just as the law sought to expose hidden sin, Christ's light reveals the true condition of the human heart, exposing our spiritual "going aside" through idolatry and rebellion (see [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")). He is the ultimate Vindicator and Judge, who will perfectly discern truth from falsehood (as prophesied in [Isaiah 11:3-4](/isaiah/11-3-4 "Isaiah 11:3-4 - The Righteous Judge")). Furthermore, the New Testament portrays the Church as the pure bride of Christ, called to unwavering fidelity to her heavenly Groom (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Any spiritual "going aside" or "trespass" against Christ, such as seeking satisfaction in worldly idols or pursuing self-righteousness, is a form of spiritual adultery. Yet, unlike the Old Covenant ritual which could result in condemnation, Christ offers boundless grace and forgiveness for the unfaithful, calling us to repentance and restoration, demonstrating His boundless love even for those who have strayed (as seen in His compassion for the woman caught in adultery in [John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - The Woman Caught in Adultery")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross fully paid the penalty for all our trespasses, making true reconciliation and purity possible for all who believe (see [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness in Christ")), thereby fulfilling the law's deep desire for a people made truly clean and faithful.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 5:19

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 from this bitter water that causeth the curse:

Numbers 5:20

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:

Proverbs 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

Proverbs 2:17

Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.