Bible Dictionary
Jealousy, Waters of
The waters of jealousy were water given to a woman suspected of adultery under the procedure in Numbers 5. The outcome was understood as revealing guilt or innocence before God.
Definition
The waters of jealousy were water given to a woman suspected of adultery under the procedure prescribed in Numbers 5.
Biblical Usage
The suspected wife drank the water, and its result was understood to reveal her guilt or innocence before God.
Historical Background
The supplied material records no instance in which this form of trial was actually used.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Water which the suspected wife was required to drink, so that the result might prove her guilt or innocence (Num. 5:12-17, 27). We have no record of this form of trial having been actually resorted to.