Numbers 5:30 - Jealousy's divine test?

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Hebrew Text

אוֹ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲבֹר עָלָיו רוּחַ קִנְאָה וְקִנֵּא אֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ וְהֶעֱמִיד אֶת־הָאִשָּׁה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה וְעָשָׂה לָהּ הַכֹּהֵן אֵת כָּל־הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת׃

English Translation

or when the spirit of jealousy comes upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and shall set the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute upon her all this Tora:

Transliteration

O ish asher ta'avor alav ruach kin'ah vekine et-ishto vehe'emid et-ha'isha lifnei Adonai ve'asah lah hakohen et kol-hatorah hazot.

Hebrew Leining Text

א֣וֹ אִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תַּעֲבֹ֥ר עָלָ֛יו ר֥וּחַ קִנְאָ֖ה וְקִנֵּ֣א אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ וְהֶעֱמִ֤יד אֶת־הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וְעָ֤שָׂה לָהּ֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַתּוֹרָ֖ה הַזֹּֽאת׃

Parasha Commentary

The Sotah Ritual and the Spirit of Jealousy

The verse describes the procedure of the sotah (a woman suspected of adultery) when her husband is overcome by a "spirit of jealousy" (ruach kin'ah). According to Rashi (Bamidbar 5:14), this refers to a husband who warns his wife not to seclude herself with a particular man, yet she disregards his warning, leading to his suspicion. The Talmud (Sotah 2b) states that the sotah procedure is a unique divine ordinance intended to restore peace between husband and wife.

The Role of the Kohen

The verse emphasizes that the woman is brought "before Hashem" (to the Mishkan or Beis HaMikdash) and that the Kohen administers the ritual. Rambam (Hilchos Sotah 3:1) explains that this underscores the sanctity of the procedure, as it is not merely a judicial matter but a spiritual test invoking Hashem's name. The Kohen's involvement ensures the process is conducted with proper reverence and adherence to halacha.

The Purpose of the Sotah Test

Restoring Marital Trust: The Mishnah (Sotah 1:7) teaches that if the woman is innocent, the ordeal brings a blessing—she will bear children if previously childless.
Divine Justice: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 9:9) notes that the bitter waters only affect a guilty woman, demonstrating Hashem's precise justice.
Deterrence: Ibn Ezra (Bamidbar 5:18) highlights that the public nature of the ritual serves as a deterrent against infidelity.

The Suspicion of Jealousy

The term kin'ah (jealousy) here refers to a husband's legitimate suspicion based on observable circumstances, not baseless accusations. The Talmud (Sotah 3a) distinguishes between a husband who has genuine grounds for suspicion (mekaneh al yedei devarim) and one who acts out of irrational jealousy. Only the former case warrants the sotah procedure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 2a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning a woman suspected of adultery (Sotah), where the procedure of the bitter waters is detailed.

📖 Sotah 3a

Further discussion on the implications of the spirit of jealousy mentioned in the verse and its role in the Sotah ritual.

📖 Sotah 7b

The verse is referenced in explaining the priest's role and the specific actions he must perform during the Sotah ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'spirit of jealousy' mentioned in Numbers 5:30?
A: The 'spirit of jealousy' (רוּחַ קִנְאָה) refers to a husband's strong suspicion that his wife may have been unfaithful, even if he has no witnesses or proof. According to Rashi, this intense suspicion leads to the procedure of the Sotah (suspected adulteress) described in this Torah portion.

Q: Why does the Torah have a special procedure for jealousy?
A: The Torah provides the Sotah procedure to bring truth and resolution to a marital crisis caused by suspicion. As Rambam explains (Hilchot Sotah 1:1), this process either confirms innocence or reveals guilt through Divine intervention at the Temple, preventing prolonged strife in the marriage.

Q: Does the Sotah procedure still apply today?
A: No, the Sotah procedure cannot be performed today because it required the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the specific conditions described in the Torah. The Talmud (Sotah 47a) states that this practice was discontinued when adultery became more prevalent, as it requires proper reverence for the process to be effective.