Numbers 5:31
Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
וְנִקָּ֥ה
be guiltless
H5352
וְנִקָּ֥ה
be guiltless
Strong's:
H5352
Word #:
1 of 8
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
הָאִ֖ישׁ
Then shall the man
H376
הָאִ֖ישׁ
Then shall the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הַהִ֔וא
and this
H1931
הַהִ֔וא
and this
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 8
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
תִּשָּׂ֖א
shall bear
H5375
תִּשָּׂ֖א
shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
6 of 8
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
This law protected women in a patriarchal society where husbands might make false accusations. By requiring the formal procedure before God, with priestly supervision and divine judgment, God prevented arbitrary punishment of innocent wives. The promised conception for innocent women addressed the deep desire for children in ancient Israel and demonstrated God's blessing on the faithful. This law had no parallel in other Ancient Near Eastern legal codes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law demonstrate God's concern for protecting the innocent while exposing the guilty?
- What does God's involvement in bringing truth to light teach about His care for justice in relationships?
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration that an innocent woman 'shall be free, and shall conceive seed' while a guilty woman bears her iniquity reveals God's justice in protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. The husband bringing the case forward 'shall be guiltless' even if his suspicion proved unfounded, showing God's concern for marriage relationships and the serious consequences of adultery. This procedure safeguarded wives from false accusations while also addressing genuine infidelity, demonstrating God's perfect balance of justice and mercy.