Numbers 5 11

Numbers 5:11 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:11 nkjv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:11 niv

Then the LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 5:11 esv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:11 nlt

And the LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 5 verses

Numbers 5 11 Meaning

Numbers 5:11 initiates a new divine decree concerning a specific and solemn legal procedure regarding a wife suspected of unfaithfulness. The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," serves as a direct and authoritative preface, emphasizing that the subsequent instructions originate from the sovereign God, Yahweh, conveyed through His chosen mediator, Moses, for the people of Israel. It marks the commencement of the "Law of Jealousy," outlining a ritual trial designed to either confirm a woman's guilt or establish her innocence in the absence of witnesses.

Numbers 5 11 Context

Numbers Chapter 5 details various aspects of maintaining purity and justice within the Israelite camp. It begins with commands to remove the ritually unclean (verses 1-4), ensuring the sanctity of God's dwelling in their midst. It then transitions to laws of restitution for wrongdoings, emphasizing accountability and communal holiness (verses 5-10). Verse 11 introduces a new, significant topic: the 'Law of Jealousy.' This specific law provides a structured, ritualistic procedure to address cases of suspected adultery where there are no witnesses, reflecting God's concern for marital fidelity and justice within a society highly dependent on communal order and honor. Historically, this text arises from the wilderness period at Sinai, where God established fundamental laws for the newly formed nation of Israel, defining their social, religious, and ethical framework as His covenant people.

Numbers 5 11 Word analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - vay'dabber): This Hebrew conjunction ("and") here functions as a simple connective, linking this new command to the preceding regulations in the chapter. It implies a continuation of divine instruction for the communal life of Israel.

• the LORD (יהוה - YHWH): This is the most sacred and personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Its use signifies that the command emanates directly from the self-existent, faithful, and supreme Lawgiver of Israel. It emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the law that follows, underscoring His active engagement in the lives and order of His people.

• spake (וַיְדַבֵּר - vay'dabber): From the Hebrew root dabar (דָּבַר), meaning "to speak" or "to command." This specific Piel verbal form implies a deliberate, emphatic, and authoritative communication, not a casual utterance. It highlights the gravity and intentionality of the divine message.

• unto (אֶל - el): A common Hebrew preposition meaning "to," "toward," or "unto." It denotes the direct recipient of the divine address.

• Moses (מֹשֶׁה - Mosheh): Moses, God's chosen prophet and mediator. He held a unique role in receiving God's laws "face to face" for Israel. The recurring mention of Moses as the recipient reinforces his singular authority as the channel of divine revelation for the entire covenant community.

• saying, (לֵאמֹר - lemor): This infinitive construct from the verb amar (אָמַר), "to say," is a standard Hebrew idiomatic phrase that invariably introduces direct speech or a divine declaration. It formally introduces the exact words God is about to speak through Moses, certifying that what follows is an unadulterated divine decree and not a human interpretation or amendment.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,": This complete phrase is a pervasive literary formula in the Pentateuch, especially in legal sections (e.g., Ex, Lev, Num). Its consistent use serves several critical theological and legal functions:
    • Divine Authority: It establishes unequivocally that the following commands are not human inventions or tribal customs but are directly from Yahweh, making them divinely authoritative and binding for Israel.
    • Mosaic Mediation: It highlights Moses' indispensable role as the singular and unique recipient of these direct, detailed revelations from God for the entire nation (Dt 34:10). This authenticated his leadership and the legitimacy of the laws.
    • Continuity of Revelation: Its frequent repetition indicates a consistent flow of divine instruction and guidance for the developing community of Israel, structuring their every aspect of life, from worship to civil law.
    • Infallibility: The phrase ensures that the commands are presented as the exact, verbatim utterance of God, setting a precedent for prophetic faithfulness and the reliability of Scripture. This guarantees the purity and sanctity of the instruction concerning the deeply personal and societal issue of suspected infidelity.

Numbers 5 11 Bonus section

The regular recurrence of the phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," or similar formulations throughout the Pentateuch (occurring over 100 times) signifies more than a mere narrative transition. It deeply entrenches the Mosaic Law as fundamentally different from the codes of other ancient Near Eastern peoples, such as Hammurabi's Code, which were humanly devised. Israel's laws are explicitly presented as Torah, divinely revealed instruction. This direct divine utterance also contrasts with later prophetic revelations, which often began with "The word of the LORD came to..." implying a less direct or more visionary encounter. Moses' relationship with God was distinctively "face to face" (Ex 33:11). This verse sets the stage for God's active involvement in human judicial affairs, where His verdict could be sought directly.

Numbers 5 11 Commentary

Numbers 5:11 functions as a pivotal divine address, introducing the meticulous "Law of Jealousy." Its concise phrasing, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," serves as an authoritative heading, signaling a direct, unquestionable command from Yahweh, the God of Israel. This familiar formula underscores the source of all Israelite law—God Himself—communicated without intermediaries other than Moses, His specially appointed mediator. Coming directly after regulations on general purity and restitution, this verse highlights that God's concern for holiness extended deeply into the sacred realm of marital fidelity and personal integrity, even providing a divine judicial mechanism where human evidence was absent. The emphasis on Yahweh speaking through Moses confirms the supreme authority and binding nature of this upcoming intricate ritual, which would bring clarity to a grave suspicion within the covenant community, protecting the innocent and revealing the guilty. This precise structure speaks to God's care for every detail of communal life and the imperative of justice among His people.