King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:22 Mean?

Numbers 5:22 in the King James Version says “And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And th...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.”

Numbers 5:22 · KJV

Context

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:

21

Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell; rot: Heb. fall

22

And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

23

And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:

24

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.

Read Numbers 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The curse specifically targets the woman's reproductive capacity—the thigh to rot and belly to swell. Since the suspected sin involved sexual betrayal, the consequence affects the same area of life. This is an example of measure-for-measure justice. The final 'Amen, Amen' from the woman constitutes her consent to the terms of the oath, accepting that if guilty, this curse should fall upon her. The double Amen emphasizes the solemnity and finality of her agreement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The thigh and belly language likely refers to the reproductive organs and womb using euphemistic terms. Barrenness was considered a great misfortune in ancient Israel, often viewed as divine disfavor. The curse would make the adulteress publicly recognizable through physical consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the measure-for-measure nature of this curse teach about God's justice?
  2. How should the seriousness of consenting to divine judgment with 'Amen' affect our approach to oaths and vows?
  3. In what ways does physical consequence for sin illustrate the broader principle that sin brings death?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּ֠בָאוּ1 of 13

“shall go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמַּ֨יִם2 of 13

“And this water”

H4325

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

הַמְאָֽרְרִ֤ים3 of 13

“that causeth the curse”

H779

to execrate

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙4 of 13
H428

these or those

בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ5 of 13

“into thy bowels”

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

לַצְבּ֥וֹת6 of 13

“to swell”

H6638

to amass, i.e., grow turgid; specifically, to array an army against

בֶּ֖טֶן7 of 13

“to make thy belly”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

וְלַנְפִּ֣ל8 of 13

“to rot”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

יָרֵ֑ךְ9 of 13

“and thy thigh”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

וְאָֽמְרָ֥ה10 of 13

“shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה11 of 13

“And the woman”

H802

a woman

אָמֵֽן׃12 of 13

“Amen”

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

אָמֵֽן׃13 of 13

“Amen”

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

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 5:22 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 5:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 109:18John 6:53Ezekiel 3:3Psalms 41:13Job 31:39-40Psalms 7:4-5

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