What is the meaning of Numbers 5:20?

But if you have gone astray

- The conditional “if” recognizes the possibility of hidden sin. God’s law made room to expose what people might conceal (Numbers 32:23; Psalm 90:8).

- “Gone astray” shows adultery as a departure from the covenant path, echoing the warning of Proverbs 5:3–8 and Hosea 3:1.

- This phrase reminds us that wandering may begin in the heart long before an act occurs, as Jesus later affirms in Matthew 5:27-28.

---

while under your husband’s authority

- Scripture places the married woman within her husband’s protective covering (Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter 3:1-2). The phrase underscores accountability inside marriage rather than outside it.

- God’s order in marriage is not about oppression but about faithful stewardship of vows (Malachi 2:14).

- This wording also highlights why adultery is doubly serious: it violates both God’s command and the partner’s God-given role.

---

and have defiled yourself

- “Defiled” signifies ceremonial and moral uncleanness (Leviticus 18:20; Hebrews 13:4).

- Sin doesn’t merely break a rule; it stains the person. David’s plea, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity” (Psalm 51:2), captures the same idea.

- The defilement also infects the community, so God provided a public process (Numbers 5:12-14) to protect Israel’s purity (Deuteronomy 23:14).

---

and lain carnally with a man other than your husband

- The phrase nails down the physical act that seals the spiritual betrayal (Exodus 20:14).

- Scripture treats sexual intimacy as covenantal glue (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:16). To share that bond outside marriage fractures the covenant triangle: God, husband, wife.

- The explicit wording prevents loopholes; any sexual union outside marriage is adultery, no matter the circumstances (Leviticus 20:10; Proverbs 6:32-35).

---

summary

Numbers 5:20 confronts adultery head-on. God, who sees what is hidden, provided Israel with a ritual test to uncover unfaithfulness and preserve covenant purity. Each phrase underscores that straying from marital vows violates divine order, defiles the individual, and desecrates sacred union. The verse calls every generation to honor marriage, walking in truth before the God who lovingly watches over His people.