Numbers 5:20

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou hast gone aside {H7847} to another instead of thy husband {H376}, and if thou be defiled {H2930}, and some man {H376} have {H5414} lain {H7903} with thee beside {H1107} thine husband {H376}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you have in fact gone astray while under your husband's authority and become unclean, because some man other than your husband has gone to bed with you . . ."

Berean Standard Bible

But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’—

American Standard Version

But if thou have gone aside, being under thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee besides thy husband:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:20, a pivotal verse within the "Law of Jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31), precisely articulates the conditional premise of a wife's guilt in a suspected case of infidelity. It describes the state of a woman who has indeed committed adultery, having "gone aside" from her husband and become "defiled" by sexual relations with another man. This verse sets the stage for the divine judgment revealed through the prescribed ritual, underscoring the profound breach of covenant fidelity inherent in adultery and highlighting God's ultimate omniscience in exposing hidden sin to uphold the sanctity of marriage within ancient Israelite society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 5:20 is deeply embedded within the unique legal provision known as the "Law of Jealousy," detailed in [Numbers 5:11-31](/numbers/5-11-31 "Numbers 5:11-31 - The Law of Jealousy"). This section immediately follows laws concerning the removal of unclean persons from the camp and restitution for wrongs, reinforcing the overarching theme of purity and holiness essential for the Israelite community dwelling in God's presence. The verses preceding Numbers 5:20 ([Numbers 5:11-19](/numbers/5-11-19 "Numbers 5:11-19 - The Ritual of the Bitter Water")) meticulously outline the elaborate ritual for a husband suspecting his wife of infidelity without concrete proof. This ritual involves bringing the woman to the priest, presenting a jealousy offering, and undergoing an ordeal involving "bitter water" mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor. Verse 20 functions as the explicit statement of the *guilty* condition, articulating the scenario where the wife has indeed committed adultery, which the subsequent verses (e.g., [Numbers 5:21-22](/numbers/5-21-22 "Numbers 5:21-22 - The Oath and Curse")) will describe as being supernaturally confirmed by the ritual's outcome. The entire passage underscores the meticulous nature of Mosaic Law in addressing both communal purity and individual justice, even in matters as private and difficult to prove as marital fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, a woman's honor, family reputation, and social standing were inextricably linked to her purity and fidelity. Adultery was not merely a private transgression but a profound offense against the husband, the family, and the covenant community, often punishable by death (cf. [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - The Penalty for Adultery")). However, proving adultery without direct witnesses was challenging, potentially leading to unresolved suspicion, false accusations, or vigilante justice. The "Law of Jealousy" provided a divinely ordained mechanism to resolve such impasses. It served as a spiritual court of appeal, where God Himself was invoked as the ultimate judge. The ritual, involving the "bitter water" and a solemn oath, was designed to provide a supernatural verdict when human evidence was insufficient, thus protecting the innocent from baseless accusations and exposing the guilty, reinforcing the high value placed on marital faithfulness within the Israelite covenant (cf. [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")). This unique legal provision reflects a society where divine intervention was expected in matters of justice, particularly when human evidence was lacking.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 5:20 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that the Israelite community, as God's chosen people, must maintain ritual and moral purity to dwell in His presence. Adultery, as a defiling act, directly violated this standard. Another crucial theme is **Divine Justice and Omniscience**, demonstrating that God sees and knows all hidden things ([Proverbs 5:21](/proverbs/5-21 "Proverbs 5:21 - God Sees All Paths")), and He will ultimately bring truth to light, even when human evidence is absent. The "bitter water" ordeal served as a tangible manifestation of God's direct intervention in human affairs to render a just verdict. Furthermore, the passage reinforces the **Sanctity of the Covenant and Marriage**, portraying marriage not merely as a social contract but as a sacred covenant reflecting the exclusive relationship between God and Israel. Breach of marital fidelity, therefore, mirrored a breach of covenant faithfulness to God. Lastly, the theme of **Consequences for Sin** is starkly presented, showing that unconfessed and unatoned sin leads to defilement and divine judgment, a principle echoed throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gone aside (Hebrew, _sâṭâh'_):** This verb (H7847, סָטָה) literally means "to deviate from duty," "to turn aside," or "to stray." In the context of Numbers 5:20, it carries a profound moral and ethical weight, signifying a willful departure from the path of faithfulness and righteousness expected within the marital covenant. It implies a deliberate act of infidelity, a turning away from the exclusive, consecrated bond with one's husband. The term suggests a deliberate choice to transgress established boundaries.
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** The Hebrew word (H2930, טָמֵא) means "to be foul," "unclean," "impure," or "polluted." In the Mosaic Law, "defilement" could be ritual, moral, or both. Here, it refers specifically to the moral and ritual impurity resulting from sexual sin (adultery). This defilement rendered the individual ritually unclean and spiritually polluted, affecting their standing within the holy community and before God, necessitating a process of purification or atonement.
* **Beside (Hebrew, _bilʻădêy'_):** This term (H1107, בִּלְעֲדֵי) functions as a preposition meaning "except," "without," or "besides." In the phrase "beside thine husband," it emphatically highlights the illicit nature of the sexual act. It underscores that the individual with whom the woman "lay" was not her rightful spouse, thereby emphasizing the exclusive nature of the marital bond and the profound breach of that exclusivity by the act of adultery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou hast gone aside [to another] instead of thy husband":** This opening clause establishes the critical condition of guilt. The phrase "gone aside" directly implies a deviation from the marital covenant, specifically engaging in sexual relations with someone other than her husband. The prepositional phrase "instead of thy husband" emphasizes the betrayal of the exclusive marital bond, highlighting the substitution of another man for her rightful spouse, thereby violating the covenant's core principle of fidelity.
* **"and if thou be defiled":** This part of the verse states the direct consequence or state resulting from the act of "going aside." The woman is not merely suspected of an act but is declared to be in a state of "defilement"—a condition of ritual and moral impurity—due to the illicit sexual encounter. This defilement is a direct result of the sin of adultery, rendering her unclean in the eyes of God and the community, and making her subject to the consequences of the "bitter water" ordeal.
* **"and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband":** This final clause explicitly clarifies the nature of the "going aside" and "defilement." It specifies the act of sexual intercourse ("have lain with thee") with another man ("some man") who is unequivocally not her husband. This provides the concrete, physical act that constitutes the infidelity and leads to the state of defilement, leaving no ambiguity about the nature of the transgression being addressed by the "Law of Jealousy."

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:20 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its legal and theological impact. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** structure, which begins with "But if thou hast gone aside..." and continues with "and if thou be defiled..." This construction clearly sets up the precise premise upon which the subsequent divine judgment of the ritual will be based, defining the specific circumstances under which the "bitter water" would have a negative effect. The pervasive use of **Legal Language** is evident throughout the verse, with precise terminology like "gone aside" (implying transgression) and "defiled" (carrying specific ritual and moral implications within the Mosaic covenant). This precision underscores the seriousness of the offense and the formal, judicial nature of the divine process. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Antithesis** implied between the expected fidelity of a wife to her husband and the act of "going aside," highlighting the stark contrast between covenant faithfulness and its profound breach. The verse, through its stark declaration, also contributes to the broader **Symbolism** of purity and impurity that pervades the book of Numbers, where physical and ritual cleanliness often represent spiritual and moral standing before a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:20 profoundly emphasizes the sanctity of marriage as a covenant established by God and the severe consequences of its breach. It reveals God's deep concern for truth, justice, and the purity of His people, even in matters hidden from human sight. The passage underscores the timeless principle that all hidden sins are ultimately known to God, who is the ultimate arbiter of truth. While the specific ritual is no longer practiced, the underlying theological truths—God's omniscience, the importance of marital fidelity, and the reality of consequences for sin—remain timeless. It reminds us that our actions, even those performed in secret, have spiritual ramifications and are subject to divine scrutiny, calling believers to a life of integrity and transparency before a holy God.

* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "The Sanctity of Marriage")
* [Proverbs 5:21](/proverbs/5-21 "God Sees All Paths")
* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 5:20, though rooted in an ancient and specific ritual, calls us to profound reflection on the nature of truth, integrity, and covenant faithfulness in our own lives today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God sees all things, not merely our outward actions but the hidden intents and desires of our hearts ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")). This divine omniscience should not primarily evoke fear, but rather a profound call to live with radical honesty and integrity, knowing that genuine purity comes from a heart aligned with God's will. For those in marital covenants, this verse underscores the sacred trust and exclusive commitment that marriage demands, urging faithfulness not just in action but in thought and desire, remembering Christ's teaching on lust ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust as Adultery of the Heart")). For all believers, it highlights the importance of living transparently before God, understanding that true freedom and blessing come from walking in His light, rather than attempting to conceal sin. The passage encourages us to cultivate a conscience sensitive to God's standards and to seek His grace for purity in all areas of life, recognizing that God desires truth in the inward parts ([Psalm 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - Truth in the Inward Parts")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's omniscience, as powerfully implied in this passage, shape your understanding of personal integrity and hidden sin in your own life?**
* **In what ways does this ancient law still speak to the enduring value and sanctity of marriage in contemporary society, and how can believers uphold this standard?**
* **What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate greater faithfulness and transparency in their relationships, both with God and with others, in light of God's all-seeing eye?**

### FAQ
**Was the "Law of Jealousy" fair to women, or was it inherently biased against them?**

Answer: The "Law of Jealousy" ([Numbers 5:11-31](/numbers/5-11-31 "Numbers 5:11-31 - The Law of Jealousy")) is often viewed through a modern lens, leading to questions of fairness, particularly concerning its application to women. However, from an ancient Israelite perspective, it served as a unique divine provision that, in some ways, offered a form of protection for women. In a society where a husband's mere suspicion could lead to severe social ostracism, divorce, or even extra-legal punishment for his wife, this ritual provided a formal, public, and divinely sanctioned means to either clear her name or confirm her guilt. Without this ritual, a woman falsely accused might have had no recourse to prove her innocence, leaving her reputation permanently tarnished. The ordeal placed the judgment in God's hands, not solely the husband's or the community's, thereby introducing a higher court of appeal. While the physical consequences for guilt were severe (social disgrace and barrenness, as implied in [Numbers 5:21-22](/numbers/5-21-22 "Numbers 5:21-22 - The Oath and Curse")), the innocent woman was explicitly promised to be "free and shall conceive seed" ([Numbers 5:28](/numbers/5-28 "Numbers 5:28 - Outcome for the Innocent")). Thus, it was an attempt to provide a divine mechanism for justice in cases where human evidence was lacking, offering a potential path to vindication for the accused, and preventing arbitrary accusations from destroying a woman's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Law of Jealousy, including the stark declaration of Numbers 5:20, ultimately points to Christ by highlighting humanity's inherent defilement and the profound need for divine intervention to expose and cleanse sin. Just as the "bitter water" was meant to reveal hidden impurity and bring about judgment for the guilty, Christ is the ultimate truth-revealer, exposing the true state of the human heart, for He "knew what was in man" ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). While the Law of Jealousy could only expose sin and its consequences, it could not truly purify the defiled or offer lasting forgiveness. Jesus, however, provides the ultimate and perfect purification. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering forgiveness and cleansing that no ritual or animal sacrifice could ever provide ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the Law's emphasis on marital fidelity, and the consequences of its breach, foreshadows Christ's unwavering faithfulness to His Church, His beloved bride, whom He "loved and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). In Him, the defilement of sin is not merely revealed but is fully atoned for, allowing believers to stand pure and blameless before God, not by their own merit or adherence to ritual, but by His grace and sacrificial love, having been "reconciled... in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him" ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")).

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 5:12

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