Numbers 5:24

KJV

And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, [and become] bitter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall cause the woman {H802} to drink {H8248} the bitter {H4751} water {H4325} that causeth the curse {H779}: and the water {H4325} that causeth the curse {H779} shall enter {H935} into her, and become bitter {H4751}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and make the woman drink the water of embitterment and cursing - the water of cursing will enter her and become bitter.

Berean Standard Bible

He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering.

American Standard Version

and he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causeth the curse; and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:24 is a crucial verse within the intricate "Ordeal of the Bitter Water," a divinely ordained ritual in ancient Israel designed to resolve cases of suspected marital infidelity when no human witnesses could confirm or deny the accusation. This verse specifically details the moment the woman accused of unfaithfulness is compelled to drink the specially prepared, potent water. This act initiates the divine test, where the water, by God's sovereign decree, would either manifest a physical curse if she were guilty, thereby exposing her sin, or remain inert, thus vindicating her innocence. The ritual underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, the sanctity of the marital covenant within the community, and His unique ability to reveal hidden truths that lie beyond human perception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 5:24 is situated within the "Ordeal of the Bitter Water" (also known as the `sotah` ritual), meticulously described in [Numbers 5:11-31](/numbers/5-11-31 "Numbers 5:11-31 - The Law of Jealousy"). This passage immediately follows laws concerning purification from uncleanness and restitution for wrongs, highlighting the overarching theme of holiness and purity essential for the Israelite community dwelling around the Tabernacle. The ritual itself is a highly formalized legal procedure, unique in its reliance on divine intervention rather than human testimony or evidence. The preceding verses (e.g., [Numbers 5:15-23](/numbers/5-15-23 "Numbers 5:15-23 - The Priest's Preparation")) detail the priest's elaborate preparations, including bringing the woman before the Lord, preparing the "water of bitterness" with dust from the Tabernacle floor, and administering a solemn oath of self-imprecation. The verses immediately following [Numbers 5:24](/numbers/5-24 "Numbers 5:24 - The Bitter Water Ordeal") describe the physical consequences for a guilty woman (e.g., [Numbers 5:27](/numbers/5-27 "Numbers 5:27 - Consequences for the Guilty Woman")) and the vindication for an innocent one, concluding with a summary of the law in [Numbers 5:29-31](/numbers/5-29-31 "Numbers 5:29-31 - Summary of the Law of Jealousy"), reinforcing its importance for maintaining moral and ritual purity within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, as in many ancient Near Eastern cultures, marital fidelity was a cornerstone of social order and religious purity. 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 - Law on Adultery")). However, without witnesses, proving infidelity was impossible, leading to unresolved suspicions that could destabilize families and communities. The "Ordeal of the Bitter Water" provided a divinely sanctioned mechanism to resolve such cases, bypassing human judicial limitations. It functioned as a unique form of divine arbitration, serving both as a deterrent against secret sin and a means of divine vindication for the falsely accused. Unlike pagan ordeals that often relied on magical incantations or physical harm, this Israelite ritual was a solemn appeal to God's omniscience and justice, performed at the Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God's presence. This context underscores the sacred nature of the covenant and the seriousness of its breach, reflecting God's direct involvement in the moral and social fabric of His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** The Ordeal of the Bitter Water, and [Numbers 5:24](/numbers/5-24 "Numbers 5:24 - The Bitter Water Ordeal") in particular, contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. A primary theme is **Divine Justice and Omniscience**, demonstrating God's ability to see and judge hidden sin, even when human evidence is absent. This highlights His commitment to upholding righteousness within His covenant people. Another key theme is the **Sanctity of the Covenant**, specifically the marriage covenant, which is presented as foundational to the purity and order of the community. The ritual underscores the severe consequences of violating this sacred bond. Furthermore, the passage reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity** within the camp of Israel, emphasizing that God's presence demands a morally and ritually clean people. The ordeal serves as a means of purging impurity and restoring order. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Divine Revelation**, where God actively intervenes to reveal truth and administer judgment, distinguishing this unique ritual from human legal processes and emphasizing God's direct governance over His people, as seen in other divine judgments throughout [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bitter (Hebrew, _mar'_):** This word (H4751) extends beyond a mere taste sensation, though it certainly implies an unpleasant taste. Its deeper meaning often conveys distress, sorrow, affliction, or calamity. In this context, the water's "bitterness" for the guilty woman signifies the painful, calamitous consequences of her sin, a divine judgment that brings physical and social suffering. For the innocent, it remains mere water, but for the guilty, it becomes an instrument of divine revelation and punishment, signifying a state of being "chafed" or "discontented" by the outcome.
* **Curse (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** This term (H779) is a primitive root meaning "to execrate" or "bitterly curse." In the context of the ordeal, it refers to the solemn imprecation or conditional oath the woman agrees to, where the water acts as the vehicle for the divine judgment to take effect if she is guilty. It is not a magical curse but a solemn declaration of divine consequences for breaking the covenant, invoked by God Himself through the ritual, signifying a state of being "bitterly cursed."
* **Drink (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** The verb (H8248) means "to quaff" or, causatively, "to irrigate or furnish a potion to." Here, the priest "causes" the woman "to drink," emphasizing the mandatory nature of the ordeal and the priest's role as the mediator of this divine judgment. It highlights the direct and unavoidable engagement with the ritual's consequences, whether for vindication or condemnation, signifying that she is "made to drink."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse:"** This initial clause establishes the priest's active and authoritative role in administering the ordeal. The water, specially prepared with dust from the Tabernacle floor and the scraped-off words of the curse, is not merely ordinary water but a symbolic medium imbued with the potential for divine judgment. The phrase "that causeth the curse" clarifies that the water is the instrument through which the previously invoked curse (the oath of self-imprecation) will be activated by God if the woman is guilty, making the water a vehicle of divine consequence.
* **"and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her,"** This emphasizes the internal consumption of the water, indicating that the divine judgment, if applicable, would work from within the woman's body. It underscores the intimate and inescapable nature of God's scrutiny, reaching into the hidden parts of the body and soul, where the truth of her fidelity (or lack thereof) resides. This internal action highlights the profound personal impact of the divine verdict.
* **"[and become] bitter."** This final phrase, often supplied for clarity in English translations, signifies the outcome for the guilty woman. The water, though perhaps tasteless or benign to the innocent, would become "bitter" in its effects for the guilty, leading to physical symptoms (such as a swollen abdomen and wasting thigh, as described in [Numbers 5:27](/numbers/5-27 "Numbers 5:27 - Consequences for the Guilty Woman")) that publicly confirm her sin. This "bitterness" is not merely a taste but a manifestation of divine judgment and the painful, calamitous consequences of unfaithfulness, bringing her to a state of "bitterness" or "distress."

#### Literary Devices
The passage, and specifically [Numbers 5:24](/numbers/5-24 "Numbers 5:24 - The Bitter Water Ordeal"), employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is central, with the "bitter water" serving as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the painful consequences of sin. The water, ordinary in composition yet extraordinary in its divinely ordained effect, symbolizes God's ability to transform the mundane into an instrument of His truth and justice. The inclusion of dust from the Tabernacle floor mixed into the water further strengthens this symbolism, linking the earthly ritual directly to God's sacred presence and authority. There is also a clear element of **Divine Ordeal**, a literary and theological concept where God directly intervenes to reveal truth and administer justice when human means are insufficient. This ritual functions as a divine court, with God as the ultimate judge, bypassing human limitations. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the water's benign nature for the innocent and its "bitter", physically destructive effect for the guilty showcases profound **Irony** and **Contrast**, highlighting the absolute difference in outcomes based on the woman's true state before an omniscient God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:24, as an integral part of the Ordeal of the Bitter Water, profoundly underscores God's absolute commitment to justice and His omniscience, especially in matters hidden from human sight. It reveals a God who actively intervenes to uphold the sanctity of marriage, a foundational covenant within His community, and to expose sin that threatens the purity and order of His people. The severity of the ritual highlights the grave consequences of unfaithfulness, demonstrating that sin, particularly covenantal breach, carries inevitable and often painful divine repercussions. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that there is nothing hidden from God, and His perfect justice will always prevail, bringing truth to light and administering righteous judgment, ultimately affirming His holy character and His demand for integrity within His covenant relationship with Israel.

* [Malachi 2:14](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14 - God as Witness to Marriage Covenant"): God is a witness to the marriage covenant, emphasizing its sacred and binding nature and His awareness of its breaches.
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's Omniscience"): All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account, reinforcing God's ability to discern hidden truths and the secrets of the heart.
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"): The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, illustrating the ultimate consequence of sin and God's provision for redemption.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of the bitter water is part of the Old Covenant law and is not practiced today, the underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant for believers. This passage powerfully reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even when human evidence is lacking or obscured. It challenges us to live with integrity, knowing that God sees all, even the hidden motives and actions of our hearts. The gravity of the "bitter water" for the guilty serves as a stark reminder of the painful, often self-inflicted, consequences of sin, particularly those that violate sacred trusts and covenants. It calls us to a deeper reverence for God's holiness and a greater appreciation for the grace that covers our shortcomings. In a world where truth is often relative and justice elusive, this passage encourages us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His perfect timing to bring all things to light. It also prompts us to consider how we uphold covenantal faithfulness in our own lives, whether in marriage, friendships, or our commitment to God, understanding that true integrity is lived before the all-seeing eyes of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "Ordeal of the Bitter Water" deepen your understanding of God's omniscience and His commitment to justice, particularly in matters hidden from human view?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to hide sin or compromise integrity, and how does this passage encourage you to pursue radical honesty and transparency before God?**
* **How can the principle of divine justice, as seen in this passage, inform your trust in God when you face situations where truth seems obscured, justice delayed, or wrongs appear to go unpunished?**

### FAQ
**Was the "bitter water" a magical potion, or did it have a natural effect?**

Answer: The "bitter water" was not a magical potion in the sense of possessing inherent magical properties or producing a natural, chemical reaction. Instead, it was an ordinary mixture of water and dust from the Tabernacle floor, with the scraped-off words of a curse. Its effect was entirely supernatural, not magical. The outcome—whether physical affliction for the guilty or no effect for the innocent—was a direct result of divine intervention, a miracle performed by God Himself to reveal hidden truth. It was a test administered by God, not a natural consequence of the water's composition. The ritual's power lay solely in God's active participation and His commitment to upholding justice within His covenant people, serving as a unique form of divine judgment and vindication (cf. [Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23-25 "Exodus 15:23-25 - Marah, the Bitter Waters Made Sweet") where God supernaturally changes bitter water, or [Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Secrets") where God reveals hidden things).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "Ordeal of the Bitter Water" in [Numbers 5:24](/numbers/5-24 "Numbers 5:24 - The Bitter Water Ordeal") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways, moving from a ritualistic exposure of sin to a redemptive transformation. While the Old Covenant ritual exposed sin through a physical ordeal, the New Covenant reveals sin's true nature and offers ultimate cleansing and vindication through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "bitter water" symbolizes the curse and the painful consequences of sin, a curse that Christ Himself bore on the cross (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")), becoming a curse for us. He became sin for us, drinking the "cup" of God's wrath and judgment (cf. [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), so that we might not have to face the bitter consequences of our own unfaithfulness. Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate revealer of all truth, discerning the secrets of the heart not through a ritualistic test, but through His divine omniscience (cf. [John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man") and [John 4:17-19](/john/4-17-19 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Reveals the Samaritan Woman's Past")). He offers not a bitter curse, but living water (cf. [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) that brings eternal life and cleansing from all unrighteousness, making us pure before God. Thus, the Ordeal of the Bitter Water, with its focus on sin, judgment, and divine revelation, ultimately points to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfills God's justice and offers merciful redemption, transforming the bitter taste of sin into the sweet grace of forgiveness and new life in Him (cf. [Revelation 22:1](/rev/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of the Water of Life")).

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

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.