Numbers 5:31 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then the husband will be free from any wrongdoing, and this woman will bear the consequences of her sin.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is saying that if a wife is guilty of adultery, the husband bears no responsibility for her actions, and she alone will face the consequences.

📚 Historical Context

In the ancient Israelite community, as described in the Book of Numbers, God provided laws to maintain purity and holiness among the people during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. This verse concludes a ritual for addressing a husband's suspicions of his wife's adultery, where a priest would use a special mixture to test her innocence or guilt. The purpose was to ensure justice, protect marital bonds, and preserve the community's sanctity from potential defilement.

Explore Similar Verses

Proverbs 6:29

So it is with a man who sleeps with his neighbor's wife; anyone who touches her will not go unpunished.

Colossians 3:25

But if you mess up and hurt people, you're going to face the consequences of what you did. And here's the thing, it doesn't matter who you are or what your status is, God doesn't play favorites.

Hosea 12:2

God has some serious issues to work out with Judah, and he's going to hold Jacob accountable for the choices he's been making. Whatever he's been putting out there, that's exactly what's coming back to him.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources