And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:

NUMBERS 5:18KJV
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Numbers 5:18 (KJV)

What does Numbers 5:18 mean?

Numbers 5:18 describes a ritual where a priest brings a woman accused of adultery before the LORD, uncovers her head, gives her a special grain offering to hold, and prepares to give her "bitter water" that is believed to bring a curse if she is guilty. This is part of an ancient process for resolving accusations of unfaithfulness in marriage.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for a ceremony meant to address jealousy and suspicion between a husband and wife. The priest acts as a mediator, performing specific actions: uncovering the woman's head (a sign of public shame or vulnerability), placing the "jealousy offering" in her hands, and holding the "bitter water" that is central to the ritual. This scene sets up the next steps in the ceremony, which are detailed in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 5:18

  • "Uncover" (פָּרַע, para‘): This word means to let loose or uncover, especially the head. In this ritual, uncovering the woman's head likely symbolized removing her normal protection or dignity, making the accusation public.
  • "Jealousy" (קִנְאָה, qin’ah): This word refers to zeal or jealousy. The "jealousy offering" is a grain offering specifically tied to the suspicion of adultery, marking the unique purpose of this ritual.
  • "Bitter" (מָר, mar): This word means bitter. The "bitter water" is not just unpleasant to taste; it is symbolic of the potential curse that could come upon the woman if she is guilty.
  • "Curse" (אָלָה, ’alah): This word means a curse or oath. The water is called "the water that brings a curse," highlighting the seriousness and the supernatural aspect of the ritual.

Why Numbers 5:18 matters

  • Numbers 5:18 shows the public and solemn nature of the ritual, emphasizing that accusations of unfaithfulness were handled with careful, visible procedures rather than secret judgment.
  • The verse highlights the role of the priest as a mediator, not a judge, following a set process rather than acting on personal suspicion or hearsay.
  • Understanding the specific actions—like uncovering the head and the use of "bitter water"—helps clarify how ancient Israelite society addressed marital suspicion and sought to resolve it in a way that involved both the community and a sense of divine justice.

Where else these words appear

“uncover” Hebrew H6544 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

“memorial” Hebrew H2146 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

“bitter” Hebrew H4751 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
  • 2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
  • Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

“jealousy” Hebrew H7068 · used in 41 verses

  • Numbers 5:14 And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:
  • Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
  • Ezekiel 5:13 Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken it in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.