King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:18 Mean?

Numbers 5:18 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in he...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 5:18 · KJV

Context

16

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

17

And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:

18

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:

19

And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse: with another: or, being in the power of thy husband: Heb. under thy husband

20

But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The uncovering of the woman's head and the placing of the memorial offering in her hands creates a posture of vulnerability and exposure before God. The uncovered head removes customary coverings that provide dignity and privacy, symbolizing that nothing can be hidden from God's sight. The memorial offering in her hands constantly reminds her that this is a sacred matter, not merely a civil procedure. She must physically hold the evidence of the accusation while standing before the Lord.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Women in ancient Israel typically covered their heads, especially in public and certainly in sacred contexts. The removal of this covering marked the gravity of the situation and the woman's exposed position before divine judgment. The memorial offering, made of barley meal without oil or frankincense, was austere compared to typical grain offerings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the removal of customary coverings teach about standing naked before God in judgment?
  2. How should the inevitability of exposure before God affect our response to accusation?
  3. In what ways does holding the memorial offering symbolize bearing responsibility for our actions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְהֶֽעֱמִ֨יד1 of 25

“shall set”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַכֹּהֵן֙2 of 25

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶֽת3 of 25
H853

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה4 of 25

“the woman”

H802

a woman

לִפְנֵ֣י5 of 25

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָה֒6 of 25

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּפָרַע֙7 of 25

“and uncover”

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

אֶת8 of 25
H853

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

רֹ֣אשׁ9 of 25

“head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה10 of 25

“the woman”

H802

a woman

וְנָתַ֣ן11 of 25

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל12 of 25
H5921

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

כַּפֶּ֗יהָ13 of 25

“in her hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אֵ֚ת14 of 25
H853

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

מִנְחַ֥ת15 of 25

“offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַזִּכָּר֔וֹן16 of 25

“of memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

מִנְחַ֥ת17 of 25

“offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

קְנָאֹ֖ת18 of 25

“which is the jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

הִ֑וא19 of 25
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

וּבְיַ֤ד20 of 25

“shall have in his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַכֹּהֵן֙21 of 25

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יִֽהְי֔וּ22 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֵ֥י23 of 25

“water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

הַמָּרִ֖ים24 of 25

“the bitter”

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

הַמְאָֽרֲרִֽים׃25 of 25

“that causeth the curse”

H779

to execrate

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 5:18 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 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11:6Jeremiah 2:191 Samuel 15:32Numbers 5:22Revelation 10:9-10Ecclesiastes 7:26

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