Numbers 5:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The husband brings his wife and a humble barley meal offering to the priest for the test.
The Context of Numbers 5:15
A humble offering accompanies the wife to the priest.
What Does Numbers 5:15 Mean?
The offering consists of barley meal (a grain offering) without oil or incense—deliberately plain and simple. This austerity reflects the gravity of the situation and contrasts with joyful offerings; it serves to acknowledge the seriousness of the accusation and the need for divine judgment.
The offering is described as 'bringing iniquity to remembrance'—it functions to bring the hidden matter before God for judgment. The husband's action of bringing both wife and offering represents his appeal to God as the ultimate arbiter of truth and his willingness to let God determine innocence or guilt.
Numbers 5:15 in the Original Language
ephah (אֵפָה, ephah) is a dry measure, roughly 0.7 bushels; barley was the cheapest grain
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:15
What does Numbers 5:15 mean?
The husband brings his wife and a humble barley meal offering to the priest for the test.
What is the context of Numbers 5:15?
A humble offering accompanies the wife to the priest.