Numbers 5:13

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׁכַ֨ב
lie
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#2
אִישָׁ֔הּ
And a man
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)
#3
אֹתָהּ֮
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#4
שִׁכְבַת
with her carnally
a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)
#5
זֶרַע֒
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#6
וְנֶעְלַם֙
and it be hid
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
#7
מֵֽעֵינֵ֣י
from the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
אִישָׁ֔הּ
And a man
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)
#9
וְנִסְתְּרָ֖ה
and be kept close
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#10
וְהִ֣יא
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
#11
נִטְמָ֑אָה
and she be defiled
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#12
וְעֵד֙
and there be no witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#13
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
בָּ֔הּ
H0
#15
וְהִ֖וא
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
#16
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
נִתְפָּֽשָׂה׃
against her neither she be taken
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources