Numbers 5:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest positions the woman before God, uncovers her head, and holds the bitter water while she holds the offering.
The Context of Numbers 5:18
The priest and woman take their positions for the test.
What Does Numbers 5:18 Mean?
Uncovering the woman's head was a visible sign of the serious nature of the proceedings—removing the normal covering that signaled respectability and marital status. The woman is given the memorial offering to hold, making her an active participant in acknowledging the gravity of the accusation and the appeal to God.
The priest holds the bitter water, which will determine guilt or innocence through the woman's body. This positioning—woman with offering, priest with water, both before the Lord—creates a formal, sacred moment where human judgment steps aside and the matter is presented to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:18
What does Numbers 5:18 mean?
The priest positions the woman before God, uncovers her head, and holds the bitter water while she holds the offering.
What is the context of Numbers 5:18?
The priest and woman take their positions for the test.