share torah logo

Numbers 5:25 - Priest tests suspected infidelity?

Numbers 5:25 - במדבר 5:25

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן מִיַּד הָאִשָּׁה אֵת מִנְחַת הַקְּנָאֹת וְהֵנִיף אֶת־הַמִּנְחָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה וְהִקְרִיב אֹתָהּ אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

Then the priest shall take the meal offering of jealousy out of the woman’s hand, and shall wave the offering before the Lord, and offer it upon the altar:

Transliteration

Velakach hakohen miyad ha'isha et minchat hakna'ot vehenif et-hamincha lifnei Adonai vehikriv ota el-hamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֤ח הַכֹּהֵן֙ מִיַּ֣ד הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה אֵ֖ת מִנְחַ֣ת הַקְּנָאֹ֑ת וְהֵנִ֤יף אֶת־הַמִּנְחָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וְהִקְרִ֥יב אֹתָ֖הּ אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וְלָקַ֤ח הַכֹּהֵן֙ מִיַּ֣ד הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה אֵ֖ת מִנְחַ֣ת הַקְּנָאֹ֑ת וְהֵנִ֤יף אֶת־הַמִּנְחָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וְהִקְרִ֥יב אֹתָ֖הּ אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 5:25) is part of the parashah of Sotah, which details the procedure for a woman suspected of adultery (sotah). The passage describes the priestly ritual involving a meal offering (minchat kena'ot, "the meal offering of jealousy") brought by the husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. The offering consists of barley flour without oil or frankincense, symbolizing the seriousness of the accusation and the potential consequences.

Explanation of the Ritual

Rashi (on Numbers 5:15) explains that the priest takes the offering from the woman's hand to emphasize her active participation in the process. The waving (tenufah) before Hashem signifies presenting the offering to the Divine court for judgment. Rambam (Hilchot Sotah 3:14) notes that this ritual is unique because it involves a meal offering brought under circumstances of suspicion rather than voluntary devotion.

Symbolism of the Offering

  • Barley Flour: The Talmud (Sotah 14a) states that barley, typically animal fodder, is used because the sotah has acted in a beastly manner, lowering herself from human dignity.
  • No Oil or Frankincense: Rashi (on Numbers 5:15) explains that these omissions signify that her actions lack the fragrance (rei'ach nichoach) of mitzvot, as her behavior has been improper.

The Waving (Tenufah)

The Mishnah (Menachot 5:6) describes the waving motion as moving the offering forward and backward, up and down, symbolizing that all existence is under Hashem's dominion. The Kli Yakar (Numbers 5:25) adds that this act demonstrates that the truth of the matter is entirely in Hashem's hands, and He will reveal whether the woman is innocent or guilty.

Offering Upon the Altar

The Torat Kohanim (Sifrei Bamidbar 18) explains that only a handful of the offering is burned on the altar, while the remainder is given to the priests. This teaches that even in a situation of severe accusation, there is still a dimension of sanctity, as the offering is partly consumed by the holy fire of the altar.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 18a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning the sotah (a woman suspected of adultery) and the ritual involving the meal offering of jealousy.
📖 Sotah 19b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the procedures and significance of the waving of the offering before the Lord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'meal offering of jealousy' mentioned in Numbers 5:25?
A: The 'meal offering of jealousy' (מִנְחַת הַקְּנָאֹת) refers to a special barley offering brought by a woman suspected of adultery (Sotah) as part of the Sotah ritual described in Numbers 5:11-31. Rashi explains that this offering was unusual because it contained no oil or frankincense, unlike regular meal offerings, symbolizing the seriousness of the situation.
Q: Why does the priest wave the offering before bringing it to the altar?
A: The waving (תְּנוּפָה) of the offering, as explained in the Talmud (Sotah 14b), is a symbolic act of presenting it before Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 9:6) teaches that this motion demonstrates that the offering is being given to the Almighty, who is everywhere, before it is actually placed on the altar.
Q: What is the significance of the priest taking the offering from the woman's hand?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the priest takes the offering directly from the woman's hand to show that her sincere participation is required in this process. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 9:15) notes that this teaches us about the importance of personal responsibility in the repentance process, even in difficult situations.
Q: How does this verse about the Sotah ritual apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or the Sotah ritual, the Talmud (Berachot 63a) derives from this that we should learn the importance of maintaining peace between husband and wife. The unusual nature of this offering reminds us of the Torah's profound concern for truth and justice in relationships.
Q: Why is this offering brought to the altar if it's about a suspected sin?
A: The Mishnah (Sotah 2:1) explains that bringing the offering to the altar serves two purposes: (1) It gives the woman an opportunity for introspection and possible repentance, and (2) It demonstrates that only Hashem can truly know what happened, as the outcome would reveal the truth supernaturally through the 'bitter waters' test that follows.