Numbers 5:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest writes the curses, then blots them out into the bitter water.
The Context of Numbers 5:23
The curses are written and blotted into the water.
What Does Numbers 5:23 Mean?
The written curses are made visible and official before being dissolved into the water. This act symbolizes the transfer of the curses into the drink—the woman will consume the words themselves, physically ingesting the judgment that will reveal her guilt or innocence.
The blotting of the written words into the water connects the spoken oath, the written curse, and the liquid test into one unified act. The visible destruction of the words reinforces that the woman is not merely drinking water but consuming the word of judgment itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:23
What does Numbers 5:23 mean?
The priest writes the curses, then blots them out into the bitter water.
What is the context of Numbers 5:23?
The curses are written and blotted into the water.