Numbers 5:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest asks the woman to swear an oath that she is innocent, promising safety if she is truthful.
The Context of Numbers 5:19
The priest administers an oath of innocence.
What Does Numbers 5:19 Mean?
The priest invokes the oath as a test of conscience. The woman is given the opportunity to publicly declare her innocence before God, with the assurance that if she is truly innocent, the bitter water will not harm her. This addresses both the truth of the matter and her willingness to submit to God's judgment.
The oath formula reveals the law's sophistication—it appeals to the woman's fear of God and sense of truth. An innocent woman who swears truthfully can face the test with confidence in God's protection. The structure offers the possibility of vindication through both honest testimony and divine confirmation.
Numbers 5:19 in the Original Language
charge (קָנַט, kanath) means to make solemn adjuration or warning
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:19
What does Numbers 5:19 mean?
The priest asks the woman to swear an oath that she is innocent, promising safety if she is truthful.
What is the context of Numbers 5:19?
The priest administers an oath of innocence.