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Numbers 5:22 - Divine test of fidelity?

Numbers 5:22 - במדבר 5:22

Hebrew Text

וּבָאוּ הַמַּיִם הַמְאָרְרִים הָאֵלֶּה בְּמֵעַיִךְ לַצְבּוֹת בֶּטֶן וְלַנְפִּל יָרֵךְ וְאָמְרָה הָאִשָּׁה אָמֵן אָמֵן׃

English Translation

and this water that causes the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to fall away: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

Transliteration

Uva'u hamayim hame'orrim ha'ele b'me'ayich latzvot beten v'lanfil yarech v'amrah ha'ishah amen amen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּ֠בָ֠אוּ הַמַּ֨יִם הַמְאָרְרִ֤ים הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ לַצְבּ֥וֹת בֶּ֖טֶן וְלַנְפִּ֣ל יָרֵ֑ךְ וְאָמְרָ֥ה הָאִשָּׁ֖ה אָמֵ֥ן <small>׀</small> אָמֵֽן׃
וּ֠בָ֠אוּ הַמַּ֨יִם הַמְאָרְרִ֤ים הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ לַצְבּ֥וֹת בֶּ֖טֶן וְלַנְפִּ֣ל יָרֵ֑ךְ וְאָמְרָ֥ה הָאִשָּׁ֖ה אָמֵ֥ן ׀ אָמֵֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Sotah Ritual and Its Implications

The verse describes the procedure of the Sotah (suspected adulteress) as outlined in Bamidbar (Numbers) 5:22. The woman drinks "the bitter waters" (mei hame’ararim) to determine her guilt or innocence. If guilty, the waters cause physical suffering—swelling of the belly and falling of the thigh—as divine retribution.

Rashi’s Explanation of the Physical Effects

Rashi (Bamidbar 5:22) explains that the phrase "לַצְבּוֹת בֶּטֶן" ("to make thy belly to swell") refers to a supernatural bloating, while "וְלַנְפִּל יָרֵךְ" ("and thy thigh to fall away") signifies the wasting away of her limbs. The Talmud (Sotah 20a) elaborates that the punishment is not merely physical but also affects her reproductive capacity, symbolizing the severing of illicit relationships.

The Double "Amen" Response

The woman responds with "אָמֵן אָמֵן" ("Amen, amen"), which the Mishnah (Sotah 2:5) interprets as an acceptance of the oath and its potential consequences. Rambam (Hilchot Sotah 3:16) notes that this double affirmation underscores her acknowledgment of both the curse and the divine justice behind it.

Midrashic Insights into Divine Justice

The Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 6) teaches that the Sotah ritual demonstrates Hashem’s mercy—by providing a means to resolve suspicion and restore marital harmony. However, if the woman is guilty, the punishment is exact, reflecting the severity of violating the sanctity of marriage.

  • Symbolism of the Waters: The Zohar (Naso 124b) interprets the "bitter waters" as a manifestation of divine judgment, purifying or punishing based on the woman’s deeds.
  • Moral Lesson: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 368) emphasizes that this ritual serves as a deterrent, reinforcing the gravity of marital fidelity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 20a
The verse is discussed in the context of the ritual of the Sotah (a woman suspected of adultery), where the priest administers the bitter waters to determine her guilt or innocence.
📖 Sotah 18a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the effects of the bitter waters and the woman's response of 'Amen, amen.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the 'bitter waters' (mayim hame'orarim) in Numbers 5:22?
A: The 'bitter waters' (mayim hame'orarim) refer to a special trial given to a woman suspected of adultery (sotah) in the times of the Temple. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 20a), the water contained dust from the Temple floor and dissolved text of a sacred oath. If she was guilty, the water would cause physical effects as described in the verse.
Q: Why does the woman say 'Amen, amen' in this verse?
A: The woman says 'Amen, amen' to accept the oath and its consequences. The Talmud (Sotah 19b) explains that she affirms the curse twice—once accepting the punishment if she is guilty, and once affirming that she is innocent if she did not commit adultery. This double 'amen' shows her full acceptance of the divine judgment.
Q: What is the significance of the physical effects described in Numbers 5:22?
A: The swelling belly and fallen thigh (or miscarriage, as some interpret 'nappil yarech') were supernatural signs of guilt. Rambam (Hilchot Sotah 3:17) explains that these effects were miraculous and only occurred if the woman was truly guilty. If innocent, she would be blessed with children afterward.
Q: Does the ritual of the bitter waters still apply today?
A: No, the ritual of the bitter waters (sotah) is not practiced today. The Talmud (Sotah 47a) states that it ceased when adultery became widespread, and the Sanhedrin no longer functioned. Rambam (Hilchot Sotah 3:19) also notes that the ritual depended on the presence of the Temple.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the sotah (suspected adulteress) ritual?
A: The ritual teaches the severity of violating marital trust and the importance of truth. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 9:9) emphasizes that God’s name is erased in the process to bring peace between husband and wife, showing the value of harmony in marriage. It also reminds us that hidden sins are ultimately revealed before God.