Definition: 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:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really important passage dealing with a serious situation involving a woman who is experiencing a negative impact – often interpreted as a curse – due to her relationship. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: “Numbers 5:19 says: ‘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.’” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The priest shall charge her…” : This tells us this is a formal, official process. It's not something someone can just do on their own. “…by an oath…” : The priest is taking responsibility and declaring a judgment. An oath is a solemn promise or declaration. "...and say unto the woman…” : The priest is speaking directly to her, addressing her personally. “If no man have lain with thee...” : This is the crucial part. It means no one has ever had physical sexual contact with her. It's a direct denial of a specific act. “and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness [with another] instead of thy husband…” : This is where it gets more complex. "Uncleanness" refers to an immoral or sinful relationship. The priest is asking her: “Have you not been with someone else besides your husband?” It’s a clear statement that she has been involved in a situation that’s causing the curse. “be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse.” : This is the consequence of her actions. The priest believes that if she continues to be involved in this kind of relationship, it will continue to bring negative consequences – a ‘bitter water’ – and cause further harm. What does this verse mean generally? This passage is about protection against curses . It suggests that the curse might be tied to a specific type of relationship – one that involves sin, impurity, or wrongdoing. The priest's action is designed to stop the curse from continuing. It’s a way for God to protect people and prevent harm. Important Context (Understanding the Source): This verse comes from a biblical context related to the Law of Moses . The Law was about establishing rules and guidelines for how to live ethically and avoid being cursed by God. This passage highlights the importance of obedience to these laws, especially regarding marriage and relationships. In simpler terms: The priest is saying, "You've done something that’s causing problems, and you need to stop it immediately." It's a serious warning about the consequences of sin and a call for repentance and correction. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on general interpretations of biblical texts. Do you have any specific questions about this verse or want me to explain it in a different way? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context surrounding this passage? Discuss its symbolism?