King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:23 Mean?

Numbers 5:23 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 5:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:

Read Numbers 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The writing of curses and their blotting into the bitter water creates a physical symbol of the judgment being internalized. The woman will literally drink the written curses. This vivid imagery demonstrates that God's word accomplishes what it declares—when the woman drinks, she physically takes in the potential curse, which will either have no effect (if innocent) or produce the promised consequences (if guilty). The written word of God, even in curse form, is efficacious and powerful.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Writing and then blotting out the curses into water may have involved ink that dissolved when placed in the liquid. The woman thus drank water containing the very words of the oath she had taken, making the ritual deeply symbolic of internalizing God's judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the efficacy of God's written word in this ritual teach about the power of Scripture?
  2. How does drinking the written curse illustrate the principle that we must internalize and reckon with God's word?
  3. In what ways does this physical ritual point to the reality that God's judgments cannot be avoided or evaded?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְ֠כָתַב1 of 10

“shall write”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֶת2 of 10
H853

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

הָֽאָלֹ֥ת3 of 10

“these curses”

H423

an imprecation

הָאֵ֛לֶּה4 of 10
H428

these or those

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן5 of 10

“And the priest”

H3548

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

בַּסֵּ֑פֶר6 of 10

“in a book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וּמָחָ֖ה7 of 10

“and he shall blot”

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

אֶל8 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֵ֥י9 of 10

“water”

H4325

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

הַמָּרִֽים׃10 of 10

“them out with the bitter”

H4751

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

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 5:23 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 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 44:22Jeremiah 51:60-64Psalms 51:9Revelation 20:12Job 31:35Exodus 17:14

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 5 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes