What does Numbers 5:14 mean?

"And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:" - Numbers 5:14

"And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:" - Numbers 5:14

Numbers 5:14 (KJV) - "And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:"

This verse is part of a passage in the Old Testament that outlines the process of the trial by ordeal for a woman accused of adultery. The verses leading up to this one describe how a husband who suspects his wife of being unfaithful can bring her to the priest, who would then administer a bitter water that, if she is guilty, would cause her to become cursed and have great suffering.

The deeper meaning and commentary surrounding this verse touch on themes of jealousy, trust, and justice. The context of this verse is within the laws and regulations set forth by God to govern the Israelites and maintain a moral and just society.

The verse speaks to the human emotion of jealousy, one that is natural, but can also be destructive if not properly managed. Jealousy can lead to suspicion and mistrust, and in extreme cases, can lead to false accusations and unjust treatment of others. In the context of marriage, jealousy can also lead to strained relationships and breakdown of trust.

The verse also points to the importance of justice and the proper process of addressing accusations. In the case of suspected adultery, the Israelites were given a specific process to follow, involving the priest and the bitter water, to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused woman. This process ensured that accusations were not taken lightly and that there was a fair and impartial method of determining the truth.

Symbolically, the spirit of jealousy in this verse can be seen as a representation of the negative and destructive aspects of human nature. It can lead to negative actions and consequences. The verse also symbolizes the need for proper channels of justice and the importance of a fair and impartial legal process.

This verse is also reflective of the broader context of the Old Testament, which contains many laws and regulations that were intended to govern the Israelites and maintain a moral and just society. These laws were designed to promote righteousness, justice, and moral living among the people, and to establish a society that was in line with God's will.

In Christian interpretation, this verse can be seen as a reflection of the importance of trusting in God and not giving in to destructive emotions such as jealousy. It also emphasizes the need for fair and just treatment of others, and the importance of following the proper legal processes.

In conclusion, Numbers 5:14 from the King James Version of the Bible carries a deep and relevant message about human emotions, justice, and the importance of trust and fairness. It reflects the biblical themes of righteousness, justice, and moral living, and serves as a reminder of the need to manage emotions such as jealousy in a constructive and just manner.

Have questions about Numbers 5:14?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Numbers 5:14 Artwork

Numbers 5:14 - "And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:"

Numbers 5:14 - "And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:"

"And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:" - Numbers 5:14

"And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:" - Numbers 5:14

Numbers 14:5 - "Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel."

Numbers 14:5 - "Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel."

"Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel." - Numbers 14:5

"Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel." - Numbers 14:5

Numbers 14:8

Numbers 14:8

Numbers 14:8

Numbers 14:8

Numbers 5:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 5:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 14:8

Numbers 14:8

Ending scene of numbers 14

Ending scene of numbers 14

Numbers 11:5

Numbers 11:5

numbers 31:14-15

numbers 31:14-15

Numbers 1:14 - "Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel."

Numbers 1:14 - "Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel."

Numbers 13:14 - "Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi."

Numbers 13:14 - "Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi."

Scene from numbers 14:45

Scene from numbers 14:45

Numbers 14:32 - "But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness."

Numbers 14:32 - "But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness."

Numbers 18:14 - "Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine."

Numbers 18:14 - "Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine."

"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 5:5

"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 5:5

Numbers 3:14 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,"

Numbers 3:14 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,"

Numbers 7:14 - "One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:"

Numbers 7:14 - "One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:"

Numbers 26:14 - "These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred."

Numbers 26:14 - "These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred."

Numbers 14:26 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

Numbers 14:26 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

Numbers 8:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 8:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 13:5 - "Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori."

Numbers 13:5 - "Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori."

Numbers 5:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 5:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 3:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 3:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 27:5 - "And Moses brought their cause before the LORD."

Numbers 27:5 - "And Moses brought their cause before the LORD."

Numbers 5:11 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 5:11 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 14:20 - "And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:"

Numbers 14:20 - "And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:"

Numbers 14:21 - "But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD."

Numbers 14:21 - "But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD."

Numbers 14:1 - "And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night."

Numbers 14:1 - "And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night."