Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.

NUMBERS 5:30KJV
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Numbers 5:30 (KJV)

What does Numbers 5:30 mean?

Numbers 5:30 explains that if a husband feels overcome by jealousy regarding his wife, he is to bring her before the LORD, and the priest will carry out the law described earlier in the chapter. This verse summarizes the procedure for dealing with suspected marital unfaithfulness as part of Israel’s legal system.

In this passage, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about what to do when a husband suspects his wife of being unfaithful but has no proof. The “spirit of jealousy” refers to a strong feeling or suspicion that moves the husband to act. The priest’s role is to follow the detailed ritual law, ensuring that the process is handled fairly and according to God’s command.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 5:30

  • The word “spirit” (רוּחַ, ruach) here means a motivating force or feeling, not a supernatural being. It highlights that jealousy can be a powerful emotion that drives action.
  • “Jealousy” (קִנְאָה, qin’ah) in this context refers to suspicion or zeal, not just envy. It shows the seriousness with which marital faithfulness was viewed.
  • “Set” (עָמַד, amad) means to stand or present, emphasizing that the woman is brought publicly before the LORD and the priest, not just accused in private.
  • “Law” (תּוֹרָה, torah) means instruction or legal procedure, pointing to the specific steps God gave for handling these situations, not just a general rule.

Why Numbers 5:30 matters

  • Numbers 5:30 clarifies that the process for dealing with jealousy and suspected unfaithfulness was not left to private judgment but was handled through a public, legal, and religious procedure.
  • This verse highlights the seriousness of accusations within marriage and the need for a fair process, protecting both the husband and the wife from rash actions or baseless suspicion.
  • By summarizing the ritual, Numbers 5:30 connects the detailed instructions earlier in the chapter to the broader principle of justice and order in Israel’s community life.

Where else these words appear

“jealous” Hebrew H7065 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 26:14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
  • 2 Samuel 21:2 And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them;(now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
  • Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

“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.