Numbers 5:18

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֶֽעֱמִ֨יד
shall set
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
הַכֹּהֵן֙
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה
the woman
a woman
#5
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
יְהוָה֒
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וּפָרַע֙
and uncover
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
רֹ֣אשׁ
head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#10
הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה
the woman
a woman
#11
וְנָתַ֣ן
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
כַּפֶּ֗יהָ
in her hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#14
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מִנְחַ֥ת
offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#16
הַזִּכָּר֔וֹן
of memorial
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
#17
מִנְחַ֥ת
offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#18
קְנָאֹ֖ת
which is the jealousy
jealousy or envy
#19
הִ֑וא
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
#20
וּבְיַ֤ד
shall have in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#21
הַכֹּהֵן֙
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#22
יִֽהְי֔וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#23
מֵ֥י
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#24
הַמָּרִ֖ים
the bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#25
הַמְאָֽרֲרִֽים׃
that causeth the curse
to execrate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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

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