King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:24 Mean?

Numbers 5:24 in the King James Version says “And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shal...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 5:24 · KJV

Context

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:

26

And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bitter water that causes the curse represents the instrument of divine judgment. The water itself is not magical but serves as the vehicle through which God manifests His verdict. Bitterness often symbolizes suffering and judgment in Scripture. The woman must drink what tastes bitter and may bring bitter consequences. This reflects the principle that sin, while it may seem sweet at first, ultimately becomes bitter. The Reformed understanding emphasizes that all judgment belongs to God—the water merely reveals what God has determined.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bitter substances were associated with suffering and punishment throughout the Old Testament. The bitter herbs of Passover recalled Egypt's affliction. Here, the bitter water becomes an agent of testing and potential curse if the woman is guilty of the bitter betrayal of adultery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the bitterness of the water symbolize the bitter consequences of sin?
  2. What does the use of physical elements in divine judgment teach about God's sovereignty over creation?
  3. In what ways does the transition from sweet temptation to bitter consequence describe the pattern of all sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהִשְׁקָה֙1 of 12

“to drink”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

אֶת2 of 12
H853

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

הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה3 of 12

“And he shall cause the woman”

H802

a woman

אֶת4 of 12
H853

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

הַמַּ֥יִם5 of 12

“and the water”

H4325

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

לְמָרִֽים׃6 of 12

“into her and become bitter”

H4751

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

הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים7 of 12

“that causeth the curse”

H779

to execrate

וּבָ֥אוּ8 of 12

“shall enter”

H935

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

בָ֛הּ9 of 12
H0
הַמַּ֥יִם10 of 12

“and the water”

H4325

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

הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים11 of 12

“that causeth the curse”

H779

to execrate

לְמָרִֽים׃12 of 12

“into her and become 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 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:5Zechariah 5:3-4

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