Numbers 5:20 net — But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself and some man other t…

NET Bible

"But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself and some man other than your husband has had sexual relations with you….”"

— Numbers 5:20, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Numbers 5:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Numbers 5 — Context

17

The priest will then take holy water in a pottery jar, and take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle, and put it into the water.

18

Then the priest will have the woman stand before the LORD, uncover the woman’s head, and put the grain offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of suspicion. The priest will hold in his hand the bitter water that brings a curse.

19

Then the priest will put the woman under oath and say to her,“If no other man has gone to bed with you, and if you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be free from this bitter water that brings a curse.

20

But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself and some man other than your husband has had sexual relations with you….”

21

Then the priest will put the woman under the oath of the curse and will say to her,“The LORD make you an attested curse among your people, if the LORD makes your thigh fall away and your abdomen swell;

22

and this water that causes the curse will go into your stomach, and make your abdomen swell and your thigh rot.” Then the woman must say,“Amen, amen.”

23

“‘Then the priest will write these curses on a scroll and then scrape them off into the bitter water.

Numbers 5:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Numbers 5:20 say?
Numbers 5:20 in the NET Bible reads: “But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself and some man other than your husband has had sexual relations with you….””
Where is Numbers 5:20 in the Bible?
Numbers 5:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers, chapter 5, verse 20.
Who wrote Numbers?
Numbers is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Numbers about?
Numbers records Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering — two censuses (hence the name), rebellions, the failure at Kadesh-Barnea, and the slow journey to the plains of Moab. It is a sober portrait of human unbelief and God's patient faithfulness across a generation.
What are the major themes of Numbers?
Numbers explores themes including Wilderness, Faithfulness, Rebellion, Guidance, Provision. These themes shape the meaning and context of Numbers 5:20.
What translation should I read Numbers 5:20 in?
Numbers 5:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Numbers 5:20?
Numbers 5:20 reads (NET): “But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself and some man other than your husband has had sexual relations with you….”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2