Definition: And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, [that], if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, [and become] bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 5:27. It’s a pretty serious warning about a situation involving a woman and a sacred ritual – think of it as a really intense and potentially dangerous test. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a woman is being subjected to a specific, unpleasant process – drinking water – that could have devastating consequences for her and those around her. It warns against a serious transgression (defilement) and suggests a very painful outcome if it happens. Let’s unpack the parts: “When he hath made her to drink the water…” – This is the key event. The woman is being offered a ritualistic drink of water, likely as part of a test or judgment. “[That] if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband…” – This is the crucial part. “Defiled” means stained, corrupted, or morally wrong. "Trespass against her husband" means breaking a sacred agreement or violating their relationship – essentially, doing something that’s not right between them. “That the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her…” – This is where it gets scary. The water itself has magical properties and will be affected by the transgression. The "curse" is a metaphorical punishment, and this water is the source of it. “…and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot:” – This describes the results of the defilement. It’s not just a bad feeling; it's a very painful physical decline. “Her belly shall swell” suggests a swelling that is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. "Her thigh shall rot" signifies significant decay and suffering. “And the woman shall be a curse among her people.” – This is the ultimate consequence. Because of the severity of the transgression, this woman becomes a source of negativity and harm for everyone around her. She will be seen as an outcast and a cause of trouble. What’s it trying to say? This passage highlights that sin and betrayal have serious consequences. It's about upholding sacred rules and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of: Respecting agreements: Breaking promises, especially those involving relationships or sacred practices, can lead to negative outcomes. Honoring your marriage: This verse stresses the critical role of a healthy, loving relationship – it’s not just about physical intimacy, but also about trust and commitment. Avoiding wrongdoing: It's a warning against acting in ways that are morally wrong or disrespectful. Important Note: The exact meaning and application of this passage are debated among scholars, but it generally speaks to the idea that sin can have lasting repercussions, impacting not just the individual offender, but also those around them. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you a brief summary of the context of this passage within the larger story of the Old Testament?