Numbers 5:19

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall charge her by an oath {H7650}, and say {H559} unto the woman {H802}, If no man {H376} have lain {H7901} with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside {H7847} to uncleanness {H2932} with another instead of thy husband {H376}, be thou free {H5352} from this bitter {H4751} water {H4325} that causeth the curse {H779}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will make her swear by saying to her, "If no man has gone to bed with you, if you have not gone astray to make yourself unclean while under your husband's authority, then be free from this water of embitterment and cursing.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall cause her to swear, and shall say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou have not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causeth the curse.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:19 introduces the solemn charge administered by the priest to a woman suspected of adultery, forming a critical part of the "law of jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31). This verse outlines the conditional declaration of innocence: if the woman has not committed infidelity by "going aside to uncleanness" with another man, she will be exempt from the curse associated with the "bitter water." It underscores the divine mechanism for discerning truth in the absence of human witnesses, emphasizing God's omniscience and the gravity of marital fidelity within the Israelite covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 5:19 is situated within a broader section of Numbers (chapters 1-10) that details the organization of the Israelite camp and the establishment of various laws governing ritual purity, community order, and religious practice. Immediately preceding the "law of jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31) are regulations concerning the removal of the unclean from the camp (Numbers 5:1-4) and laws regarding restitution for wrongs committed (Numbers 5:5-10). The inclusion of the jealousy ordeal directly after these purity and justice laws highlights the profound importance of moral and ritual purity within the community, particularly concerning the sanctity of marriage. It signifies that marital fidelity was not merely a private matter but a communal concern, requiring divine intervention when human evidence was lacking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, marital fidelity was paramount, and adultery was considered a grave offense, often punishable by death (cf. [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Death Penalty for Adultery")). However, a significant challenge arose when a husband suspected his wife of infidelity but lacked concrete proof or witnesses, which was a common requirement for capital offenses (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Two or Three Witnesses")). The "law of jealousy" provided a unique, divinely ordained judicial process—an ordeal—to resolve such impasses. This ritual was not based on human investigation but on an appeal to God's ultimate knowledge and justice. The priest's central role as the administrator of this solemn oath and the subsequent ritual underscores the religious and covenantal nature of marriage and the belief that God would supernaturally intervene to reveal the truth. Such ordeals, while appearing unusual to modern sensibilities, were a recognized form of legal arbitration in the ancient world, but this specific Israelite ritual was distinct in its direct appeal to Yahweh and its symbolic elements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charge (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb means "to swear," "to make one swear," or "to administer an oath." In this context, it signifies the solemn act of the priest putting the woman under a binding oath before God. It's not merely an accusation but a formal, divine interrogation, where the woman is compelled to respond truthfully, acknowledging the potential divine consequences of deceit.
* **Gone aside (Hebrew, _satah'_):** This verb means "to turn aside," "to deviate," or "to go astray." It implies a departure from the prescribed path of faithfulness and righteousness. In the context of marriage, it directly refers to straying from marital fidelity, specifically through sexual misconduct. It captures the essence of a breach of covenantal loyalty.
* **Uncleanness (Hebrew, _tum'ah'_):** This noun refers to ritual or moral impurity, defilement, or pollution. While it can denote various forms of impurity in the Levitical system, in Numbers 5:19, it specifically refers to the moral defilement of adultery. It highlights that marital infidelity is not just a social transgression but a state of spiritual and moral impurity before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman":** This clause establishes the solemnity and authority of the proceeding. The priest acts as God's representative, administering a binding oath that invokes divine judgment. The direct address to the woman underscores her personal accountability before God and the community.
* **"If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness [with another] instead of thy husband":** This is the core of the conditional oath, presenting the specific accusation of adultery. "Lain with thee" is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. "Gone aside to uncleanness" clarifies the nature of the "lying with" as a deviation into moral impurity, specifically with "another instead of thy husband," leaving no ambiguity about the sin of infidelity. This phrasing directly challenges the woman's conscience and calls for a divine witness to her actions.
* **"be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse":** This concluding part of the priest's charge offers the conditional promise of vindication. If the woman is innocent of the charge, the "bitter water"—which is otherwise associated with bringing a curse upon the guilty—will have no harmful effect on her. This demonstrates that the ritual is designed to reveal truth and provide a means for the innocent to be cleared, rather than automatically condemning the accused.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Conditional Statement**, clearly articulated by the "If...then..." structure, even if the "then" clause is implied rather than explicitly stated as a direct command (it's a declaration of outcome). This highlights the direct link between the woman's fidelity and the outcome of the ordeal. **Symbolism** is also crucial, with the "bitter water" acting as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the potential consequences of hidden sin. The water, mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor and the dissolved ink of the curse, embodies the truth-revealing power of God. Furthermore, the entire ritual functions as a **Divine Ordeal**, a legal mechanism where God is invoked to reveal truth in cases where human evidence is insufficient. This device underscores the Israelite belief in God's active involvement in justice and His ability to expose what is hidden.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:19, as part of the law of jealousy, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering concern for truth, justice, and the sanctity of marriage within the covenant community. It reveals a God who is not distant from human affairs but actively intervenes to uphold moral order, even when human means of discernment fail. The ritual underscores the destructive power of hidden sin and unresolved suspicion, providing a divine mechanism to either vindicate the innocent or expose the guilty, thereby maintaining purity and trust within the foundational institution of marriage. This passage reminds us that no sin is truly hidden from God, who sees and knows all.

* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is to be held in honor")
* [Proverbs 6:32-33](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32-33 - Consequences of Adultery")
* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of the bitter water is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and is not practiced by believers today, Numbers 5:19 offers profound insights into God's character and His enduring principles. It reminds us that God is a God of truth and justice, who cares deeply about the integrity of relationships, especially the covenant of marriage. It challenges us to consider the destructive nature of suspicion, deceit, and unconfessed sin, recognizing that nothing is hidden from the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. For us, the pursuit of truth and resolution in relationships is now guided by principles of grace, forgiveness, and open communication, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to live lives of integrity, knowing that our ultimate vindication or conviction rests not on ritual ordeals but on the perfect righteousness of Christ and the judgment to come. This passage encourages us to cultivate trust, practice transparency, and seek reconciliation in our relationships, always remembering that our God is one who sees and knows all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "law of jealousy" highlight God's concern for truth and justice in situations where human evidence is lacking?**
* **What does the solemnity of the priest's oath teach us about the gravity with which God views marital fidelity?**
* **In what ways can we apply the underlying principles of God's desire for purity and integrity to our relationships today, even without the specific ritual?**

### FAQ
**Is the "law of jealousy" still applicable to Christians today?**

Answer: No, the "law of jealousy" found in Numbers 5:11-31, including verse 19, was part of the ceremonial and judicial laws given to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant. These laws served specific purposes for a particular people at a particular time, often foreshadowing spiritual realities found in Christ. With the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, the ceremonial laws, including ritual purity laws and specific judicial ordeals, have been fulfilled and superseded (cf. [Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - The Old Covenant Is Obsolete")). While the underlying principles of God's hatred for sin and His desire for marital fidelity remain, the specific ritual is not practiced by Christians.

**What was the "bitter water" and how was it supposed to work?**

Answer: The "bitter water" was a concoction prepared by the priest, consisting of holy water mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor. The priest would also write the curses associated with adultery on a scroll and then wash the words into the bitter water, causing the ink to dissolve. It was not believed to be a magical potion in itself, but rather a symbolic medium through which God would supernaturally reveal the truth. For the innocent, it would have no effect, but for the guilty, it was believed to cause internal swelling and a decaying of the reproductive organs, signifying divine judgment (Numbers 5:27). The efficacy of the water was not in its chemical properties but in God's power to act through the ritual.

**Does this law imply a lack of trust in marriage or promote suspicion?**

Answer: The "law of jealousy" addresses a very specific and extreme scenario: when a husband had a *spirit of jealousy* (Numbers 5:14) that led to suspicion of his wife's infidelity, but there was no direct evidence or witnesses to prove it. It was a divine provision to resolve a deeply unsettling and potentially destructive situation within a marriage and community, preventing false accusations from festering or unproven guilt from going unaddressed. Rather than promoting general suspicion, it provided a structured, divine mechanism for resolution when human means failed, underscoring the gravity of marital vows and the importance of truth. It served as a deterrent against hidden sin and a means for God to vindicate the innocent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "law of jealousy" in Numbers 5:19, with its solemn oath and the bitter water designed to expose hidden sin and bring forth truth, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the ritual itself is abolished, the principles it highlights—God's omniscience, His demand for purity, and His role as the ultimate judge—are perfectly embodied in Him. Christ is the one before whom all hidden things are revealed, for "nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known" ([Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed")). He is the one who took upon Himself the curse of the law, redeeming us from its condemnation (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), so that those who are in Him are declared "free" not from a bitter water, but from the spiritual death and judgment that sin brings. Unlike the temporary vindication offered by the ritual, Christ offers eternal justification and a new covenant of grace where our purity is not based on our own performance but on His imputed righteousness (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is the true and perfect High Priest who intercedes for us, cleansing us not with symbolic water but with His own precious blood, enabling us to stand pure and blameless before God (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")).

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

Romans 7:2

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

Numbers 5:12

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

Matthew 26:63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.