And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner;

NUMBERS 5:13KJV
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Numbers 5:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 5:13 mean?

Numbers 5:13 describes a situation where a married woman has sexual relations with another man in secret, so that her husband does not know, there are no witnesses, and she is not caught in the act. This verse sets up the conditions for a case of suspected adultery that cannot be proven by direct evidence.

In this part of the book of Numbers, God is giving Moses instructions for dealing with accusations of unfaithfulness within marriage. The focus here is on what should happen if a husband suspects his wife of adultery but there is no proof—no one saw it happen, and she was not caught. The verse outlines the hidden nature of the alleged act, which leads into the following verses about the ritual for determining guilt or innocence.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 5:13

  • "lie" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word means to lie down, often as a euphemism for sexual relations. Its use here makes clear the nature of the accusation.
  • "carnally" (שִׁכְבַת, shikhvat; זֶרַע, zera): These words together refer to sexual intercourse, specifically involving the emission of semen. This detail emphasizes that the act in question is not just being alone together but actual sexual contact.
  • "hid" (נִסְתְּרָה, nisterah): This word means to be hidden or concealed. It highlights the secrecy of the act, which is central to why the case is difficult to resolve.
  • "witness" (עֵד, ed): This word means a person who can testify to what happened. The verse stresses that there is no such person in this situation.

Why Numbers 5:13 matters

  • Numbers 5:13 clarifies that the ritual described in the following verses is specifically for cases where there is suspicion but no proof or witnesses, not for situations where adultery is confirmed.
  • The verse shows the seriousness with which hidden actions and marital faithfulness were treated in ancient Israel, even when evidence was lacking.
  • Understanding the details in this verse helps explain why a special procedure was needed—because normal legal processes could not resolve such hidden cases.

Where else these words appear

“carnally” Hebrew H7902 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 16:13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
  • Leviticus 15:16 And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Leviticus 15:32 This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith;

“hid” Hebrew H5956 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • 1 Samuel 12:3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
  • Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

“taken” Hebrew H8610 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 2 Kings 16:9 And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
  • Jeremiah 50:16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.