Numbers 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The law addresses the case where a wife acts unfaithfully toward her husband.
The Context of Numbers 5:12
The scenario of a wife's suspected unfaithfulness.
What Does Numbers 5:12 Mean?
The scenario describes a wife who 'goes aside,' suggesting deliberate departure from her marital covenant. The action is characterized as a 'trespass against him,' emphasizing the breach of the marriage relationship and trust between spouses.
This situation creates a moral injury that disrupts the household and requires resolution. The law provides a framework for addressing the suspicion itself, recognizing that some accusations cannot be proven through normal evidence but must be resolved through a process that appeals to God as the ultimate judge.
Numbers 5:12 in the Original Language
trespass (מַעַל, maal) means unfaithfulness or betrayal of trust
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:12
What does Numbers 5:12 mean?
The law addresses the case where a wife acts unfaithfully toward her husband.
What is the context of Numbers 5:12?
The scenario of a wife's suspected unfaithfulness.