Numbers 5:22

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.

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}.

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!"

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.’

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

Numbers 5:22 is a pivotal verse within a unique Old Testament ritual known as the "Ordeal of Jealousy" or "Trial of Bitterness." This passage describes the severe physical consequences that would befall a woman if she were found guilty of infidelity through this divinely ordained test, and her solemn affirmation of the terms.

Context

The "Ordeal of Jealousy" (Numbers 5:11-31) was a specific procedure designed by God to address a husband's suspicion of his wife's unfaithfulness when there were no witnesses or direct evidence. In a society without modern forensic methods, this ritual provided a means for God to supernaturally intervene and reveal the truth of a hidden sin. The priest would prepare "holy water" mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor, and curses would be written on a scroll, then washed into this bitter water.

The woman would then drink this water after a solemn oath. Verse 22 specifically details the horrific physical afflictions—a swollen belly and rotting thigh—that would manifest if she were indeed guilty. This served as a powerful deterrent and a clear demonstration of God's judgment. It contrasts sharply with the outcome for an innocent woman, as described in Numbers 5:28, who would be unaffected and able to conceive children.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Judgment: This ritual underscores God's direct involvement in exposing hidden sin and administering justice. It serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is hidden from God's sight, and He is the ultimate judge of all hearts (Hebrews 4:13).
  • Purity and Fidelity: The ordeal emphasizes the high value God places on marital faithfulness and purity within the covenant relationship. It highlights the seriousness of breaking such sacred vows.
  • Consequences of Sin: The verse vividly illustrates that sin, particularly secret sin, can have tangible and severe repercussions, even manifesting physically through divine intervention.
  • Solemn Affirmation: The woman's repeated "Amen, amen" signifies her acceptance of the terms of the oath and the consequences, whether for blessing or curse. It highlights the gravity of the situation and her submission to the divine process.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "water that causeth the curse" comes from the Hebrew mey ha'marim ha'm'arerim, which literally translates to "waters of bitterness that bring the curse." This emphasizes both the unpleasant nature of the drink and its potent, supernatural effect as an instrument of divine judgment.
  • "Amen, amen" is the Hebrew word amen repeated for emphasis. Amen means "so be it," "truly," or "let it be affirmed." Its repetition here highlights the woman's solemn agreement and acknowledgment of the divine judgment, whether she is guilty or innocent. It is a powerful affirmation of truth and consequence, akin to saying "truly, truly" or "verily, verily."

Practical Application

While this specific ritual is part of the Old Testament Mosaic Law and is not practiced today, Numbers 5:22 conveys enduring principles about God's character and human responsibility:

  • It reminds us of God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment. All hidden things will eventually be brought to light before God.
  • It underscores the seriousness of vows and covenants, particularly within marriage. God values faithfulness and purity.
  • The "Amen, amen" serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of our words and our agreement with God's truth and will. It encourages us to approach spiritual matters with sincerity, integrity, and a willingness to accept God's sovereign hand in all circumstances.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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