Numbers 5:22

KJV

And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make [thy] belly to swell, and [thy] thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this water {H4325} that causeth the curse {H779} shall go {H935} into thy bowels {H4578}, to make thy belly {H990} to swell {H6638}, and thy thigh {H3409} to rot {H5307}: And the woman {H802} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}, amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May this water that causes the curse go into your inner parts and make your abdomen swell and your private parts shrivel up!"- and the woman is to respond, "Amen! Amen!"

Berean Standard Bible

May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.’ Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’

American Standard Version

and this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, and make thy body to swell, and thy thigh to fall away. And the woman shall say, Amen, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:22 concludes the oath portion of the "Ordeal of Jealousy," a unique Mosaic Law ritual designed to supernaturally determine a woman's guilt or innocence when accused of infidelity without witnesses. This verse precisely details the severe physical consequences—a swollen abdomen and a decaying reproductive system—that would befall a woman proven guilty by this divine test, culminating in her solemn, repeated affirmation of the terms and consequences of the oath. It underscores the gravity of marital fidelity and the direct, observable nature of divine judgment in ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 5:22 is the climactic moment in the ritual of the "Ordeal of Jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31), a divinely ordained procedure for addressing a husband's suspicion of his wife's unfaithfulness in the absence of witnesses. The preceding verses meticulously detail the preparation: the husband brings his wife to the priest with a grain offering, and the priest prepares "holy water" mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor. Curses are written on a scroll, then washed into this "bitter water" (Numbers 5:18-21). The woman is then placed under a solemn oath, invoking the curse upon herself if guilty. Verse 22 articulates the specific, graphic physical manifestations of the curse, setting the stage for the woman's consumption of the water and her binding "Amen, amen" affirmation. The subsequent verses describe the outcome: if innocent, she remains unaffected and is able to conceive (Numbers 5:28); if guilty, the described afflictions manifest, marking her as cursed and barren among her people (Numbers 5:27).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, marital fidelity was an indispensable pillar, foundational to the purity and social order of the covenant community. Unlike modern legal systems, there were no forensic methods to ascertain guilt or innocence in cases of suspected infidelity without witnesses. The "Ordeal of Jealousy" provided a unique, divinely sanctioned mechanism to resolve such deeply personal and potentially destabilizing accusations, bypassing human judicial limitations and appealing directly to God's omniscience and justice. This ritual served as a powerful deterrent against secret sin, a means for God to supernaturally intervene and reveal the truth, and a safeguard for the sanctity of marriage and the moral fabric of the nation. It highlights the profound value placed on marital purity within the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Commandment Against Adultery") and God's active involvement in the lives of His people, even in seemingly private matters, demonstrating His commitment to upholding covenant integrity.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 5:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Omniscience**, demonstrating that God sees and judges hidden sin when human justice is insufficient. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that [nothing is hidden from God](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God"). The verse also highlights the **Sanctity of Covenant and Marriage**, emphasizing the grave consequences of violating the marital covenant, which was a foundational relationship within Israelite society and a reflection of God's covenant with His people. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Purity and Impurity**, as the ordeal aims to cleanse the community of hidden defilement and restore ritual purity. The physical consequences described in [Numbers 5:27](/numbers/5-27 "Numbers 5:27 - The Consequences of Guilt") illustrate the severe impact of unconfessed sin on an individual's life and standing within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** This term refers to the "bitter water" prepared by the priest, which is not merely ordinary water but is imbued with the curses written on a scroll and mixed with dust from the tabernacle. As per H4325, _mayim_ denotes water, but here it takes on a figurative and supernatural quality, becoming an instrument of divine revelation and judgment. It is the vehicle through which the curse is delivered into the woman's body.
* **Swell (Hebrew, _tsâbâh'_):** From H6638, _tsâbâh_ means "to amass, i.e., grow turgid; specifically, to array an army against; fight swell." In this context, it describes the physical manifestation of the curse on the woman's belly, causing it to become distended or bloated. This swelling is a direct, divinely inflicted symptom, publicly revealing her hidden guilt and potentially indicating internal disease or a miscarriage, thereby affecting her reproductive capacity.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** Derived from H543, _ʼâmên_ means "sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly; Amen, so be it, truth." The repetition of "Amen, amen" by the woman is a profound and binding affirmation. It signifies her solemn agreement to the terms of the oath and her full submission to the divine process and its consequences, whether for vindication or condemnation. It underscores the gravity of the situation and her acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels":** This clause describes the physical act of the woman consuming the "bitter water" prepared by the priest. The water, infused with the written curses, is ingested, symbolizing the internal absorption of the oath's terms and the potential for divine judgment to manifest from within her body. It establishes the direct link between the ritualistic action and its supernatural consequences.
* **"to make [thy] belly to swell, and [thy] thigh to rot":** This specifies the horrific physical manifestations of the curse if the woman is found guilty. The "swelling belly" (referring to the abdomen, possibly indicating internal disease or miscarriage) and the "rotting thigh" (a euphemism for the reproductive organs, suggesting decay, prolapse, or sterility as per H3409 and H5307) are divinely inflicted symptoms. These afflictions directly target her reproductive capacity and overall well-being, serving as a clear, undeniable sign of her guilt and a divinely imposed barrenness.
* **"And the woman shall say, Amen, amen":** This final clause emphasizes the woman's active participation and solemn agreement to the terms of the ordeal. Her repeated "Amen" signifies her full and conscious acceptance of the oath's binding nature and the divine judgment that will follow, whether for vindication or condemnation. It underscores the gravity of the situation and her submission to God's sovereign will and justice, making her complicit in the outcome.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. **Imagery** is stark and visceral, with phrases like "belly to swell" and "thigh to rot" painting a vivid and disturbing picture of the severe physical consequences. This graphic description serves to underscore the gravity of infidelity and the intensity of divine judgment. **Symbolism** is central, as the "water that causeth the curse" is not merely a drink but a potent symbolic vehicle for divine truth and judgment, made effective by its mixture with dust from the tabernacle floor, representing God's holy presence and the earth from which humanity was formed. The afflictions themselves are symbolic, targeting the reproductive organs to signify the defilement of marital purity and the loss of the ability to bear legitimate offspring. The **Repetition** of "Amen, amen" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the woman's solemn affirmation and the binding nature of the oath, elevating the moment with profound gravity and finality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:22 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice, purity, and the sanctity of covenant relationships, particularly marriage. It demonstrates that God is omniscient, seeing even hidden sins, and is actively involved in upholding moral order within His covenant community. The ordeal underscores the profound consequences of sin, especially secret sin, and God's willingness to supernaturally intervene to expose truth when human means are insufficient. It highlights the seriousness with which God views vows and fidelity, asserting that breaking such sacred commitments incurs divine judgment and visible consequences, ensuring that the community's moral fabric is maintained.

* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God")
* [Proverbs 5:3-11](/proverbs/5-3-11 "Proverbs 5:3-11 - The Bitter End of Adultery")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What Is Sown")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of the "Ordeal of Jealousy" is part of the Old Testament Mosaic Law and is not practiced today, Numbers 5:22 conveys timeless principles about God's character and human responsibility that remain profoundly relevant. It reminds us that God is a God of truth and justice, before whom nothing is hidden. Our actions, even those concealed from human eyes, are fully known to Him, and there will ultimately be a reckoning. This verse calls us to a life of integrity, purity, and faithfulness in all our relationships, especially within the sacred covenant of marriage, understanding that God values fidelity and sees our hearts. Furthermore, the woman's solemn "Amen, amen" serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of our words and the seriousness with which we should approach our commitments, particularly our affirmations of faith and obedience to God's will. It challenges us to live with sincerity, acknowledging God's sovereign hand in all circumstances and trusting in His ultimate justice and redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's omniscience, as demonstrated in this passage, impact your understanding of personal accountability for hidden sins?**
* **In what ways does this passage reinforce the sanctity and importance of marital fidelity in God's eyes for believers today?**
* **What does the woman's repeated "Amen, amen" teach us about the gravity of our affirmations and commitments before God and to others?**

### FAQ
**Why did God institute such a seemingly harsh ritual as the "Ordeal of Jealousy"?**

Answer: God instituted the "Ordeal of Jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31) to address a specific societal problem in ancient Israel: a husband's suspicion of his wife's infidelity when there were no witnesses or direct evidence. In a legal system without modern forensic capabilities, this ritual provided a divinely sanctioned means to resolve such deeply personal and potentially destabilizing accusations. It served multiple purposes: to protect the innocent from false accusations, to expose hidden sin, to deter unfaithfulness by demonstrating severe divine consequences, and to uphold the sanctity of marriage and the moral order of the community. It was an appeal to God's direct intervention and omniscience, ensuring that ultimate justice was rendered in matters that human courts could not fully discern.

**Is the "Ordeal of Jealousy" still relevant for believers today, given that it's an Old Testament ritual?**

Answer: While the specific ritual of the "Ordeal of Jealousy" is not practiced today by Christians, as it was part of the Mosaic Law given to ancient Israel, the underlying theological principles remain highly relevant. It teaches us about God's character—His omniscience, His justice, and His commitment to purity and truth. It underscores the seriousness of sin, especially hidden sin, and the importance of marital fidelity. Believers today are called to live lives of integrity, knowing that [nothing is hidden from God's sight](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God"). The New Testament emphasizes internal purity and the sanctity of marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church (e.g., [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Marriage as a Picture of Christ and the Church"), [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage Is Honorable")).

**What is the significance of the woman saying "Amen, amen" at the end of the verse?**

Answer: The woman's repeated "Amen, amen" is a profound and binding affirmation. The Hebrew word _amen_ means "so be it," "truly," or "let it be affirmed." Its repetition signifies a solemn, emphatic agreement to the terms of the oath and the consequences that will follow, whether for blessing or curse. It highlights her full submission to the divine process and her acknowledgment of God's authority and justice in the matter. It is a powerful declaration of truth and consequence, akin to saying "truly, truly" or "verily, verily" in other biblical contexts, and underscores the gravity of the situation and her acceptance of the divine verdict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 5:22, with its depiction of a curse-inducing water revealing hidden sin and bringing physical judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While this Old Testament ritual addressed the consequences of a wife's potential infidelity, it ultimately points to Christ as the one who fully exposes sin and, more importantly, bears its curse. The "water that causeth the curse" foreshadows the ultimate "cup" that Jesus drank—the cup of God's wrath against sin (e.g., [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He, the innocent Lamb of God, took upon Himself the "curse" of sin, enduring the ultimate physical and spiritual consequences that humanity deserved, so that those who believe in Him might be set free from condemnation (e.g., [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Furthermore, the ordeal's purpose was to bring hidden sin to light. Christ, as the light of the world, perfectly reveals all things (e.g., [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light Has Come into the World")). He is the ultimate judge who discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart, far more perfectly than any bitter water (e.g., [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God Is Living and Active")). In the New Covenant, our cleansing comes not from a ritualistic drink but from the atoning blood of Christ, which purifies us from all sin and makes us righteous before God (e.g., [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). The "Amen, amen" of the woman in Numbers 5:22, signifying submission to divine truth, finds its ultimate echo in our "Amen" to Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, accepting His perfect sacrifice, and submitting to His righteous reign, which brings not a curse but everlasting life and true spiritual fruitfulness (e.g., [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises Are 'Yes' 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

Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Proverbs 1:31

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Job 31:21

If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:

Job 31:22

[Then] let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.

Ezekiel 3:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat [it]; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.