Keraia
Numbers 5

Numbers 5:13

The Adultery Test · Numbers 5:11–31
Read Numbers 5

Translations

Modern
…by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act),
Traditional
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;
Literal
…and a man lying with her lies, sowing, and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband, and it is concealed, and she has defiled herself, and there is no witness against her, and she was not caught,
Latin
…dormierit cum altero viro, et hoc maritus deprehendere non quiverit, sed latet adulterium, et testibus argui non potest, quia non est inventa in stupro:

Original

Hebrew
English
…by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act),

Notes

Numbers 5:11–31

This detailed test for adultery, a "trial by ordeal," is the only one in the Old Testament. Yet, trial by ordeal was common in the ancient Near East. God had a special interest in protecting marriage. It was the foundation of Hebrew society.

The ordeal was intended to promote marital faithfulness. We do not know how often such ordeals actually happened. This procedure relied on God to intervene so that justice occurred when evidence was lacking (see 1 Corinthians 5:5).

Numbers 5:1–31

These laws speak about cleanliness, repayment, and staying faithful in marriage.

Numbers 5:1–10:10

These legal matters were meant to protect the purity of the Israelites, their priests, and the tabernacle. Purity here refers to being clean and set apart for worship.

These rules helped the people remember who they were. Israel was a theocracy (a nation ruled directly by God). God was their true king.

Moses served as God’s main spokesman. Through him, God gave laws and instructions to the people.

Glossary

Adultery Biblical Concept of Law Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Courts and Trials Criminal Law and Punishment Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Family Life and Relations Miscarriage Numbers, Book of Oath Ordeal of Jealousy Water that Brings a Curse, Water of Bitterness, Water of Jealousy

Topics

Adultery: Penalties For Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Jealousy: Law Concerning, when Husband is Jealous for his Wife Self-Incrimination: General Scriptures Concerning Women: when Jealously Charged with Infidelity, Their Guilt or Innocence Was to be Determined by an Ordeal