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.

NUMBERS 5:24KJV
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Numbers 5:24 (KJV)

What does Numbers 5:24 mean?

Numbers 5:24 describes a ritual where a woman suspected of adultery is made to drink "the bitter water that causeth the curse," which is believed to bring harm if she is guilty. The verse says the water will enter her and become bitter, highlighting the seriousness of the ritual and its consequences.

In this passage, Moses is relaying God's instructions to the Israelites about how to handle accusations of unfaithfulness. The priest gives the woman a special mixture called "bitter water," and the outcome is seen as a sign from God. The verse stresses the ritual's gravity, showing that the water is not ordinary but is tied to a curse, and its effects are meant to reveal the truth in a situation where there is no clear evidence.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 5:24

  • "bitter" (מָר H4751, mar): This word means "bitter" in taste or experience. Here, it underscores that the water is not just physically unpleasant but also symbolically represents the seriousness and potential suffering tied to the curse.
  • "curse" (אָלָה H779, 'alah): This word refers to a solemn oath or curse. In this context, it highlights that the water is not simply bitter but is linked to a divine judgment, making the ritual a matter of spiritual consequence.
  • "enter" (בּוֹא H935, bo): This word means "to come in" or "enter." Its use here emphasizes that the water is expected to have an effect inside the woman, not just as a drink but as something with potential consequences.

Why Numbers 5:24 matters

  • Numbers 5:24 clarifies that the ritual was not a punishment but a test meant to reveal hidden truth in a difficult situation, especially when there was no evidence.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness with which accusations of unfaithfulness were treated in ancient Israel, showing the community's desire for justice and divine involvement.
  • Understanding the specific words for "bitter" and "curse" helps readers see that this was not just a symbolic act but was believed to have real, physical, and spiritual effects.

Where else these words appear

“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!

“curse” Hebrew H779 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
  • Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
  • Joshua 9:23 Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

“drink” Hebrew H8248 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 2:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
  • Genesis 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
  • Psalms 60:3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.