Numbers 5:27 Meaning and Explanation
“And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the woman is guilty, the water causes physical signs and she becomes a curse in her community.
The Context of Numbers 5:27
Guilt results in physical suffering and social shame.
What Does Numbers 5:27 Mean?
The consequences of guilt are physical and visible—swelling and decay that mark her as unfaithful. These signs become public knowledge, ending any possibility of the infidelity remaining hidden. The woman's own body testifies against her, and her status in the community is permanently altered.
She becomes 'a curse among her people,' meaning her name becomes synonymous with infidelity and betrayal. This severe social consequence underscores ancient Israel's understanding that marriage covenant violation harmed not just the husband and wife but the entire community's relationship with God and each other.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 5:27
What does Numbers 5:27 mean?
If the woman is guilty, the water causes physical signs and she becomes a curse in her community.
What is the context of Numbers 5:27?
Guilt results in physical suffering and social shame.