Numbers 5:31

5:31 Then the man will be free from iniquity, but that woman will bear the consequences of her iniquity.’”

Numbers 30:10

30:10 If she made the vow in her husband’s house or put herself under obligation with an oath,

Numbers 30:15

30:15 But if he should nullify them after he has heard them, then he will bear her iniquity.”


sn The text does not say what the consequences are. Presumably the punishment would come from God, and not from those administering the test.

tn The word “iniquity” can also mean the guilt for the iniquity as well as the punishment of consequences for the iniquity. These categories of meanings grew up through figurative usage (metonymies). Here the idea is that if she is guilty then she must “bear the consequences.”

sn In other words, he will pay the penalty for making her break her vows if he makes her stop what she vowed. It will not be her responsibility.