King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:14 Mean?

Numbers 5:14 in the King James Version says “And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealous...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 5:14 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

12

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,

13

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;

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:

15

Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

16

And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spirit of jealousy introduces the subjective element—the husband suspects, whether rightly or wrongly. The law addresses both scenarios: when the wife is actually defiled and when she is innocent but suspected. This demonstrates divine wisdom in legislation that protects both the sanctity of marriage and the dignity of the falsely accused. The procedure that follows will vindicate the innocent and expose the guilty, showing that God's justice is perfect even when human judgment fails.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jealousy in the biblical sense includes both legitimate concern for covenant faithfulness and the potential for unfounded suspicion. The law treats both possibilities seriously, providing a means for resolution without granting the husband arbitrary power over his wife.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law balance the husband's rightful concern for marital faithfulness with protection against false accusation?
  2. What does God's provision for addressing both real and imagined unfaithfulness teach about His justice?
  3. In what ways should Christian communities handle accusations of sin that cannot be easily verified?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
עָבַ֨ר1 of 20

“come”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָ֧יו2 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֽוּחַ3 of 20

“And the spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

קִנְאָה֙4 of 20

“of jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

וְקִנֵּ֣א5 of 20

“upon him and he be jealous”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

אֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ7 of 20

“of his wife”

H802

a woman

וְהִ֣וא8 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נִטְמָֽאָה׃9 of 20

“and she be defiled”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אֽוֹ10 of 20
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עָבַ֨ר11 of 20

“come”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָ֤יו12 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֽוּחַ13 of 20

“And the spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

קִנְאָה֙14 of 20

“of jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

וְקִנֵּ֣א15 of 20

“upon him and he be jealous”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

אֶת16 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ17 of 20

“of his wife”

H802

a woman

וְהִ֖יא18 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹ֥א19 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִטְמָֽאָה׃20 of 20

“and she be defiled”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 5:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 8:6Proverbs 6:341 Corinthians 10:22Numbers 5:30Zephaniah 3:8

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