Numbers 5:28
And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִטְמְאָה֙
be not defiled
H2930
נִטְמְאָה֙
be not defiled
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
3 of 9
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
וּטְהֹרָ֖ה
but be clean
H2889
וּטְהֹרָ֖ה
but be clean
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
5 of 9
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
הִ֑וא
H1931
הִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְנִקְּתָ֖ה
then she shall be free
H5352
וְנִקְּתָ֖ה
then she shall be free
Strong's:
H5352
Word #:
7 of 9
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
Historical Context
Conception and childbearing were highly valued in ancient Israel, both for personal fulfillment and for continuing the family line. A woman proven innocent through this ordeal would not only be freed from suspicion but would likely experience restored marital relations and divine blessing with children.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of blessing for the innocent illustrate that God's justice includes vindication?
- What does fruitfulness as a sign of innocence teach about the connection between righteousness and flourishing?
- In what ways does this promise prefigure the abundant life Jesus promises to those justified by faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise that the clean woman will be free and conceive seed provides powerful incentive for innocence and comfort for the falsely accused. Her vindication is not merely negative (escaping punishment) but positive (receiving blessing). The ability to conceive represents fruitfulness and divine favor, the opposite of the curse of barrenness. This demonstrates that God's justice includes not just punishing the guilty but blessing and vindicating the innocent. The Reformed doctrine of justification echoes here—those found innocent before God receive not just pardon but positive blessing.