Numbers Chapter 5

Numbers 5 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 31 Bible verses from Numbers and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. Then the LORD said to Moses, 2. “Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. 3. You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.” 4. So the Israelites did this, sending such people outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses. 5. And the LORD said to Moses, 6. “Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty 7. and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged. 8. But if the man has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, by which the atonement is made for him. 9. Every sacred contribution the Israelites bring to the priest shall belong to him. 10. Each man’s sacred gifts are his own, but whatever he gives to the priest will belong to the priest.” 11. Then the LORD said to Moses, 12. “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him 13. by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act), 14. and if a feeling of jealousy comes over her husband and he suspects his wife who has defiled herself—or if a feeling of jealousy comes over him and he suspects her even though she has not defiled herself— 15. then he is to bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring for her an offering of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour. He is not to pour oil over it or put frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, an offering of memorial as a reminder of iniquity. 16. The priest is to bring the wife forward and have her stand before the LORD. 17. Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. 18. After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. 19. And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse. 20. But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’— 21. and the priest shall have the woman swear under the oath of the curse—‘then may the LORD make you an attested curse among your people by making your thigh shrivel and your belly swell. 22. May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.’ Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’ 23. And the priest shall write these curses on a scroll and wash them off into the bitter water. 24. He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering. 25. The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar. 26. Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar; after that he is to have the woman drink the water. 27. When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering; her belly will swell, her thigh will shrivel, and she will become accursed among her people. 28. But if the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, she will be unaffected and able to conceive children. 29. This is the law of jealousy when a wife goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority, 30. or when a feeling of jealousy comes over a husband and he suspects his wife. He is to have the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest is to apply to her this entire law. 31. The husband will be free from guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.”

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31 verses
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Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 31 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 31 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 31 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 31 Bible verses from Numbers, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 31 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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