Numbers 5:25
Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּהֵן֙
Then the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵן֙
Then the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
2 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מִיַּ֣ד
hand
H3027
מִיַּ֣ד
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 16
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
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּנְחָה֙
offering
H4503
הַמִּנְחָה֙
offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
6 of 16
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְהֵנִ֤יף
and shall wave
H5130
וְהֵנִ֤יף
and shall wave
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
8 of 16
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּנְחָה֙
offering
H4503
הַמִּנְחָה֙
offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
10 of 16
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהִקְרִ֥יב
and offer
H7126
וְהִקְרִ֥יב
and offer
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
13 of 16
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
Historical Context
Wave offerings involved a horizontal movement of the offering before the Lord, symbolizing presentation for His inspection and acceptance. Grain offerings on the altar typically accompanied other sacrifices. Here, the memorial offering serves as a reminder before God of the matter at hand.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the incorporation of this trial into the sacrificial system teach about bringing our disputes before God?
- How does the required offering before drinking the water demonstrate that divine judgment must be properly sought?
- In what ways does the wave offering symbolize our need to present all matters to God for His verdict?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The priest taking the jealousy offering from the woman's hands and waving it before the Lord, then offering it upon the altar, incorporates the woman's accusation into the sacrificial system. The wave offering symbolized presentation to God for His acceptance or rejection. Offering it on the altar sanctifies the entire proceeding, demonstrating that this is not merely human judgment but a matter brought before God. Only after this offering could the woman drink the water, showing that divine judgment must be sought through proper sacred channels.