Numbers 5:13
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;
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁכַ֨ב
lie
H7901
וְשָׁכַ֨ב
lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 17
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
אִישָׁ֔הּ
And a man
H376
אִישָׁ֔הּ
And a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֹתָהּ֮
H854
אֹתָהּ֮
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
שִׁכְבַת
with her carnally
H7902
שִׁכְבַת
with her carnally
Strong's:
H7902
Word #:
4 of 17
a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)
זֶרַע֒
H2233
וְנֶעְלַם֙
and it be hid
H5956
וְנֶעְלַם֙
and it be hid
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
6 of 17
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
מֵֽעֵינֵ֣י
from the eyes
H5869
מֵֽעֵינֵ֣י
from the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 17
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אִישָׁ֔הּ
And a man
H376
אִישָׁ֔הּ
And a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְנִסְתְּרָ֖ה
and be kept close
H5641
וְנִסְתְּרָ֖ה
and be kept close
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
9 of 17
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
וְהִ֣יא
H1931
וְהִ֣יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 17
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
נִטְמָ֑אָה
and she be defiled
H2930
נִטְמָ֑אָה
and she be defiled
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
11 of 17
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
וְעֵד֙
and there be no witness
H5707
וְעֵד֙
and there be no witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
12 of 17
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
וְהִ֖וא
H1931
וְהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
15 of 17
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
Cross References
Leviticus 18:20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.Leviticus 20:10And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.Proverbs 30:20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
Historical Context
The requirement of two or three witnesses for conviction meant that secret adultery was nearly impossible to prove through normal legal channels. This created potential for either false accusation based on suspicion or unaddressed marital betrayal. The ordeal provided resolution where human testimony failed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's knowledge of hidden sin both comfort the innocent and warn the guilty?
- What does this provision teach about God's concern for truth in situations where human knowledge is inadequate?
- In what ways should the certainty of God's omniscience affect our private behavior?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The scenario of hidden adultery—where a man lies with a woman secretly, unknown to her husband and without witnesses—presents a justice problem. Human courts cannot judge what is hidden. This verse establishes the premise for the bitter water ordeal that follows, demonstrating that God sees what is hidden and will reveal truth. The Reformed doctrine of God's omniscience is foundational here—nothing is hidden from His sight, and He will bring all things to light.