Numbers 5:20
But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַּ֥חַת
H8478
תַּ֥חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
4 of 14
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
אִישֵֽׁךְ׃
and some man
H376
אִישֵֽׁךְ׃
and some man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 14
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)
וְכִ֣י
H3588
וְכִ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִטְמֵ֑את
and if thou be defiled
H2930
נִטְמֵ֑את
and if thou be defiled
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
7 of 14
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
have
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
have
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אִישֵֽׁךְ׃
and some man
H376
אִישֵֽׁךְ׃
and some man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 14
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)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Marriage in Israel was a covenant relationship, not merely a social contract. Sexual fidelity was commanded not just for social stability but as part of covenant faithfulness before God. Adultery violated the covenant and made the woman ceremonially unclean.
Questions for Reflection
- How does describing adultery as going aside from the covenant inform our understanding of sexual sin?
- What does the exclusive nature of marriage teach about God's jealousy for His people's faithfulness?
- In what ways is adultery a form of idolatry—substituting another for the rightful covenant partner?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The specific accusation—'thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband'—defines the offense clearly. Adultery is not merely a personal choice but a going aside from the covenant relationship. The phrase 'instead of thy husband' emphasizes the substitution and betrayal involved in adultery. This reflects the biblical understanding that sexual union creates a one-flesh bond; adultery therefore violates the exclusive covenant of marriage.