Numbers 5:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
הַמַּ֨יִם
And this water
H4325
הַמַּ֨יִם
And this water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
2 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ
into thy bowels
H4578
בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ
into thy bowels
Strong's:
H4578
Word #:
5 of 13
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
לַצְבּ֥וֹת
to swell
H6638
לַצְבּ֥וֹת
to swell
Strong's:
H6638
Word #:
6 of 13
to amass, i.e., grow turgid; specifically, to array an army against
בֶּ֖טֶן
to make thy belly
H990
בֶּ֖טֶן
to make thy belly
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
7 of 13
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
וְלַנְפִּ֣ל
to rot
H5307
וְלַנְפִּ֣ל
to rot
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
8 of 13
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
יָרֵ֑ךְ
and thy thigh
H3409
יָרֵ֑ךְ
and thy thigh
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
9 of 13
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
Cross References
Psalms 109:18As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.Psalms 89:52Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.Psalms 72:19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.Psalms 41:13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.Proverbs 1:31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.John 3:11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.John 6:53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.Ezekiel 3:3And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.Numbers 5:27And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.
Historical Context
The thigh and belly language likely refers to the reproductive organs and womb using euphemistic terms. Barrenness was considered a great misfortune in ancient Israel, often viewed as divine disfavor. The curse would make the adulteress publicly recognizable through physical consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the measure-for-measure nature of this curse teach about God's justice?
- How should the seriousness of consenting to divine judgment with 'Amen' affect our approach to oaths and vows?
- In what ways does physical consequence for sin illustrate the broader principle that sin brings death?
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Analysis & Commentary
The curse specifically targets the woman's reproductive capacity—the thigh to rot and belly to swell. Since the suspected sin involved sexual betrayal, the consequence affects the same area of life. This is an example of measure-for-measure justice. The final 'Amen, Amen' from the woman constitutes her consent to the terms of the oath, accepting that if guilty, this curse should fall upon her. The double Amen emphasizes the solemnity and finality of her agreement.