Numbers 5:24
And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִשְׁקָה֙
to drink
H8248
וְהִשְׁקָה֙
to drink
Strong's:
H8248
Word #:
1 of 12
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֥יִם
and the water
H4325
הַמַּ֥יִם
and the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
5 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לְמָרִֽים׃
into her and become bitter
H4751
לְמָרִֽים׃
into her and become bitter
Strong's:
H4751
Word #:
6 of 12
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
וּבָ֥אוּ
shall enter
H935
וּבָ֥אוּ
shall enter
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַמַּ֥יִם
and the water
H4325
הַמַּ֥יִם
and the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
10 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical Context
Bitter substances were associated with suffering and punishment throughout the Old Testament. The bitter herbs of Passover recalled Egypt's affliction. Here, the bitter water becomes an agent of testing and potential curse if the woman is guilty of the bitter betrayal of adultery.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the bitterness of the water symbolize the bitter consequences of sin?
- What does the use of physical elements in divine judgment teach about God's sovereignty over creation?
- In what ways does the transition from sweet temptation to bitter consequence describe the pattern of all sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The bitter water that causes the curse represents the instrument of divine judgment. The water itself is not magical but serves as the vehicle through which God manifests His verdict. Bitterness often symbolizes suffering and judgment in Scripture. The woman must drink what tastes bitter and may bring bitter consequences. This reflects the principle that sin, while it may seem sweet at first, ultimately becomes bitter. The Reformed understanding emphasizes that all judgment belongs to God—the water merely reveals what God has determined.