Definition: Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 5:21. It's a really serious and unsettling passage about a situation involving a woman and a religious ceremony. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: This verse describes a very specific and dangerous ritual that takes place when a woman is suspected of being pregnant with a child who might be considered to be cursed by God. It's essentially a plea for protection from divine wrath. Let’s unpack the parts: “Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing…” – The priest is formally condemning this woman and demanding a specific vow. He's putting her under intense scrutiny. “…and the priest shall say unto the woman, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people…” – This is the core of the warning. The priest is telling her that God will directly inflict a terrible punishment upon her if she does not comply with his demands. He’s asking her to swear an oath (a solemn promise) before all the people, making it clear that this is a serious offense. “when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell…” – This is the most disturbing part. It describes a horrific vision of what could happen if she doesn’t comply with the priest's demands. It suggests: Tumor Formation: The priest believes that if her pregnancy continues, it will lead to a severe swelling in her abdomen (the belly). Rotting Thighs: This is a particularly stark image – that the fetus will be so damaged that it will rot and decay. What’s the Point? The verse is designed to protect the religious community from a potential disaster. It's a way for God to ensure that any pregnancy resulting in a child considered cursed would not be allowed to occur. It's a powerful expression of divine judgment and control over human lives. Important Context (Briefly): This passage comes from a time when the Israelites were facing challenges and needed to be very careful about how they interacted with their wives and women. It highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in religious matters. In short, this verse is a warning about a potentially devastating consequence for a woman who might be pregnant with a child that God sees as cursed. --- Disclaimer: I want to reiterate that this passage deals with disturbing imagery. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of violence or harm, please reach out for help. Here are some resources: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) - https://www.thehotline.org/ Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss its relevance to a particular theme (like faith, responsibility, or judgment)?