Numbers 5:22

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּ֠בָאוּ
shall go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַמַּ֨יִם
And this water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#3
הַמְאָֽרְרִ֤ים
that causeth the curse
to execrate
#4
הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙
these or those
#5
בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ
into thy bowels
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
#6
לַצְבּ֥וֹת
to swell
to amass, i.e., grow turgid; specifically, to array an army against
#7
בֶּ֖טֶן
to make thy belly
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#8
וְלַנְפִּ֣ל
to rot
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#9
יָרֵ֑ךְ
and thy thigh
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#10
וְאָֽמְרָ֥ה
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה
And the woman
a woman
#12
אָמֵֽן׃
Amen
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly
#13
אָמֵֽן׃
Amen
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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